When it came time to schedule some volunteer opportunites for the team this year, the first thing that came to my mind was Race for the Cure. This event, held annually in downtown Indianapolis, is dedicated to the cause of fighting breast cancer. People currently battling the disease, cancer survivors, family members, and community members from all over join up to participate in the festivities to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for breast cancer. We volunteered as a team two years ago, and I really wanted the underclassmen to have the same great experience the upperclassmen have had.
Having fun at Mile 1!!
We volunteered at Mile Marker #1 as cheerleaders for race walkers and runners. We chanted cheers supplied by I Am The Cure, and even got creative and made up our own. We spent the morning encouraging participants and creating a positive atmosphere in support of an incredible cause.
Creating a tunnel for race walkers and runners
The experience is very rewarding and touching. The participants often thank us and are extremely grateful for our efforts, which always baffles me because cheering during the event is so minor compared to the challenges they face every day with battling cancer. They are such strong and courageous people, so it makes us feel really good that we can bring a smile to their faces and maybe provide a little distraction for the morning.
The team absolutely LOVED this experience. I have heard discussion amongst them already that they are very interested in running in the race next year as long as our spring schedule will allow for it. Days like these make me so proud to be a part of this amazing group of girls!
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