8/11/07 - Blister Update

We walked 12 miles this morning and I have definitely become a pro at managing my blister problem with vaseline. The slimy feeling is completely worth it; I haven't had a new blister form in a couple of weeks!!

I did have the one blister form under my toenail about a month ago after a 16 mile walk. The good news is that I haven't lost the toenail. The bad news is that it does cause me a little pain and it looks gross. But I am hoping that after the walk it will heal nicely and just be a bad memory to be forgotten.

All in all I do feel ready for the walk this week. I plan on packing plenty of vaseline, baby powder, band-aids, icy hot, and drugs. And I suspect the idea of coming home to a Chocolate Lava Cake made by my loving husband will be medicine enough for most of my aches and pains!!

After all chocolate fixes just bout everything, right?

8/11/07 - The last update before the walk...

Jodi’s Final 3-Day Update before the walk:

I cannot believe I am typing this... Did summer go quicker this year? Time has flown and believe it or not the walk starts this up-coming Friday!!! I am excited, nervous, determined, and thankful. What an awesome opportunity this has been for me. I really feel like I am bigger than just my walking team; I am part of a movement, a cause, and a network of friends and families. Thank you all for supporting me all summer and watching me grow, struggle, and overcome. This has been quite a journey.

Here are some updates for you:
In early July I met the goal of $2,200. And as you know, I set a new goal for myself at $3,000... I am just in awe that I am a mere $30 away from hitting that. Isn't that amazing??. When this all started back in April $2,200 looked impossible. But I prayed and He delivered through you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

My teammate Dina figured out something truly awesome: By the time the walk ends on Sunday next week, we will have walked over 500 miles since we started training in April. That is almost like walking from here to Virginia Beach!!!!

They have released the route!! They do discourage you from driving along the route with us for safety reasons but they have provided the following safe Cheering Stations. These are great spots to show your support along the route:

Day One – Friday, August 17

Mile Marker 11.010:45 am – 2:30 pmJohn Carroll University20700 North Park BlvdUniversity Heights, OH 44118(Public parking near "John Carroll" sign at the front of the University. Spectators can cheer on the grass next to the sidewalk that is adjacent to the University.)

Mile Marker 17.312:15 pm – 5:30 pmRichmond Town Square (empty lot near Sears parking lot)691 Richmond Rd.Richmond Heights, OH 44143

Day Two – Saturday, August 18
Mile Marker 5.78:00 am – 11:15 amRegina High School1857 S. Green Rd.South Euclid, OH 44121

Mile Marker 11.09:00 am – 2:15 pmMaltz Museum2929 Richmond Rd.Beachwood, OH 44122(Nancy Brinker's art collection is on display at this museum.)

Day Three – Sunday, August 19
Mile Marker 6.08:15 am – 10:45 amThe Park Synagogue 3300 Mayfield Rd.Cleveland Heights, OH 44118(Large parking lot between Taylor and Lee - not the parking lot next to the Enterprise)

Mile Marker 13.010:30 am – 2:30 pmCleveland Lakefront State Park, East 55th St. Marina555 East Memorial ShorewayCleveland, OH 44108

Seeing familiar faces at the cheering stations can provide that extra burst of energy to not only my team but all of the participants! And I think this is a great activity for kids. They can learn about an important cause and have fun! Create banners, hold up signs, bring some music, and make some noise – anything to make us smile, get energized, and keep walking!!

Once again, the Closing Ceremonies are Sunday, August 19 at 4:30 pm at Mall B (Lakeside Avenue between East 6th Street and Ontario Street) in downtown Cleveland. We should be at the participant holding area relatively early and can exit the holding area and meet you at the Spectator Café (near the stage). But at 3:30 we (the walkers) do need to begin lining up for final victory walk. Bring chairs and food/drink!! While you wait for the ceremony to begin look for the area in the "cafe" where you can sign the tribute banner and watch a slideshow of photos from the weekend!

Once again, thank all of you for your support. For the most up-to-date supporter information, check out the Cleveland Supporter webpage.

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."... Matthew 19:26

Jodi Hetman
http://www.the3day.org/cleveland07/jhetman

7/30/07 - July 3-Day Update

Jodi’s July 3-Day Update:
- - This email was being sent to many friends and family members on July 30th- -

The countdown in on – 18 days remain until the August 17-19 Cleveland 3-Day walk for Breast Cancer. As a reminder, you are invited to the Closing Ceremonies being held Sunday, August 19, 2007, 4:30 pm at Mall B on Lakeside Avenue between East 6th Street and Ontario Street in Cleveland. I hope to see you there!! I know it will be an emotional event. I can't even imagine what it will be like or guess how long you'll be there but it should be well worth your time!

Here are some updates for you:
I reached my Goal!!!!! In early July I met the goal of $2,200. And because you know me, you should know that I couldn't just stop there. As of this afternoon, you guys have helped me raise $2,661!! I set a new goal for myself at $3,000... and I think I may just get there! Of course, that is thanks to all of you!

If you have thought about donating but haven't had the chance I would like to encourage you to do so today. So far the 267 Cleveland teams have raised over 1.7 million dollars!! You contribute to this great cause online (web address below) or send me a check made out to Breast Cancer 3-Day.

http://www.the3day.org/cleveland07/jhetman


The exact route has still not been released... But I will keep checking!

Training is going well. As some of you know, I am walking less but working out more. I have been taking this approach for the last few weeks in an attempt to keep my feet healthy. So far it seems to be working. When I do walk for long stretches I am using advice many of you have given me - Vaseline or baby powder. I think the latter is cleaner but the former works better for me. I have already decided to make sure I have plenty of both for the official walk.

I want to send out an extra special THANK YOU to my Prayer Warriors. Without you ladies cheering me on everyday I know I would be full of anxiety and worry by now. But the power of prayer is awesome and you guys have asked for and delivered me peace. So thank you!!

Once again, thank all of you for your support. Remember: this is not just my journey, it is ours.

... the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go... Joshua 1:9

Jodi Hetman

8/6/07 - Just over one week to go!!

My gosh, it has been awhile since I have updated... the good news is that's because my blisters have been very small and basically unmentionable. Even this past weekend, after doing 8 miles and 14 miles Saturday and Sunday, I am doing fine!!! I have a hot spot (precursor to a blister) on the bottom of my left foot but I think I can manage it well enough that it won't turn into anything serious.

I can't believe the walk is just over a week away. It's time to start thinking about what to pack, what to wear, how much vaseline to pack... you know, all the important stuff!!

Boston had their walk this weekend. I found this news story online... How motivating!!

Her mom’s cancer battle worth a million bucks
By Tenley Woodman
Boston Herald Features Reporter Thursday, August 2, 2007 - Updated: 12:58 AM EST

Talk about powerwalking. Seventeen-year-old Jordan Carlson. a high school senior from Charlotte, N.C., will be one of the participants in this weekend’s Breast Cancer 3-day Walk.
But she’s not stopping there.
Carlson will tackle not only Boston’s 60-mile trek, kicking off tomorrow, but plans to complete the 11 other breast cancer 3-day walks nation-wide, totaling 720 miles. “It comes down to the preparation and your passion for the cause,” said Jordan. “I’ve already walked 720 miles three times I know all the medical concerns with it.”
Participants in the walk must raise a minimum of $2,200 for the Susan G. Komen for the Cause fund. Jordan hopes to raise $1 million dollars. So far she has collected $600,000 and has gained the support of major corporations including Thorlo socks, the YMCA and Oakley.
Her motivation: mom Jan Carlson, 52, a two-time survivor of breast cancer.
“My whole life has been surrounded by this disease,” Jordan said.

For the full article, please visit: http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=1014789


I have said it before and I will say it again. I am SO blessed that I have not directly affected by this disease in my immediate family. But I have heard some amazing stories of people who have. People who have fought it and won... and people who have fought it only to end up going home to our Lori.

I was personally touched by one story in particular. The lady in the upper left of this picture recently lost her battle... leaving behind 4 beautiful and strong children. I have witnessed God's Love for this family just through the tears of a loved one... I will be walking for Michelle next week. And her family. And everyone else who hurts because of this dreaded disease.