“What Can I Do To Help?”

George N. of Clawson, MI starts his 30th Susan G. Komen 3-Day® in Cleveland, OH

George N. of Clawson, MI starts his 30th Susan G. Komen 3-Day® in Cleveland, OH

Most walkers, crew, and volunteers have a very close relationship to breast cancer. Not George N. from Clawson, MI.  He had just retired from his construction/electrician work in 2001, and he remembered the President’s speech. George stood at Dock 32 this morning at the age of 81 and paraphrased: “Do some good in your neighborhood . . . help a shut-in . . . walk across the street to a neighbor in need and say ‘what can I do to help you?'”  George then saw an ad in the newspaper that talked about the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® and decided this was his way he could help.

After 29 successful walks, he stood front and center this morning as a gorgeous sunrise illuminated the heartland of America: Cleveland, Ohio.  The zumba instructor pumped the crowd and George was right in step.  “This is a very hard thing,” declared George, “but it is worth it!”  He remarked on the many friendships that he has enjoyed in retirement through the Komen 3-Day and specifically wanted people to “take the time to talk to people.  If you’re racing, then you’re missing the whole point.”

George N. cruises in Pit Stop 1 on the Cleveland 3-Day

George N. cruises in Pit Stop 1 on the Cleveland 3-Day

Before turning away toward the music, he flashed a smile: “Oh. One more thing.  Train hard!”

Best of luck on your 30th 3-Day, George!