Seattle – Simply the Best!

Stephanie, John, Rachael, Rob

Full team and Seattle’s Finest!

What a great 3-Day! From having my son walk with me, to the fantastic route, to the almost perfect weather, to the most amazing new friends, this moved to the top of the list of walks that I have done so far. Rob did great with no complaints and almost no training! (youth!!) All three days were beauty filled with great vista’s, cool neighborhoods, and community support that was fantastic. Speaking of support, Rob and I were so fortunate to meet and become a part of a great team, “Leave it to Cleavage”. They were so fun, so kind, and very motivating, their energy kept us moving and helped the miles fly by. They even made Rob and I honorary members with shirts and all! The Tutu’s were very special, they had 99 different ribbons woven in that represented friends they were walking for, or in memory of. They humbled us by saying that number 100 would be added, and it would be Martha, very special. The Cleavage team also had a cheerleader that is by far the best I have seen to date. Mango, (aka Kyle) would let out a scream as we approached different check points that everyone for at least a mile could hear! On Sunday he and his pink vested Chihuahua rode along side us in his car while we climbed the steepest hill on the route playing music and screaming when appropriate. I was so glad to capture some of his energy and post it here! Mother nature provided us with a little challenge as it was raining sideways for the final 5 miles, but it did not deter this group as everyone made it to the finish. Then the sky’s parted and allowed us to have a great closing. A final shout out has to go to the Seattle police department and their bicycle team. They were not only helpful, but friendly, and funny and so dedicated to the cause. They even joined in our team photo, Thanks!! They even came into the bar and told us to drink up and get moving, we were going to be the last ones to finish and we were! I want to close this by saying that at so many points I passed places that the last time I was there, it was with Martha in 2010, she was still with me and obviously with others because once again she provided me with angels on this earth to help guide and heal me. Thank you Seattle!

Mango!!

Rainbow!

Leave it to Cleavage, meets Miles for Martha! Seattle day 2.

This will be short and sweet today, I am saving some of the video up load for tomorrow, hilarious !! I am often asked “do you have people walking with you in each city”? The first thing I let them know is that I never walk alone, even if it appears that I am by myself I still have Martha with me for every step. But so often I meet the most perfectly wonderful people and have so much fun. I am heart positive that she is continually taking care of me and putting me with such great people. From Tracy in Boston to Katie and Jen in Cleveland, from Lisa and Gina in Chicago to our newest friends Stephanie and Rachael in Seattle! These wonderful young ladies brought Rob and I into their team as honorary members today. The Leave it to Cleavage team was so energetic and incredibly fun all day. They were just the motivation that Rob and I needed for another day of hill climbing! And climb hills we did, this city has San Fran beat by far , but it still was an awesome walk from beginning to end. We enjoyed how Rob and I would some how lose them only to be found a very short time later. They were entertained by Rob’s inability to walk by any thing that resembled a sweet with out grabbing at least one, unless it was a guy handing it out! Rob ‘s rule! A big thanks to Rachael, Stephanie, and the entire team, for making our day special. I promise Mango will get his due tomorrow!!

Back in the saddle in Seattle!! Awesome day!

After three weeks off it was back to walking in my 3-Day journey in Seattle, but this time I had a special guest, my son Rob! We had an awesome start at Seattle center at the base of the space needle. We then made our way through downtown and onto the bridge to Mercer Island. What a beautiful spot, lovely neighborhoods, all so close to incredible views. From there we crossed another bridge into Bellevue which was just as special, a great downtown, and then lunch in a magnificent city park. From their we made our way through impeccable areas with awesome homes. After we made our way through this amazing Japanese garden we met up with Mike and Peggy Provenzano, good friends from the Twin Cities that were out for a visit. Their son is one of Rob’s good friends and right now is one of his roommates. They finished the day with us (8 miles!), way to go! We were so blessed to have incredible weather so we could really see Seattle and the surrounding communities at their best. The next two days sound like rain and more rain, as it started to fall during tonight’s camp show. And that is where I will finish this post, they surprised me and played my walking video during the camp show tonight and once again the response was amazing and so humbling. It’s hard for me when people call me hero, I am no different than any of them. I believe in the cause and raised money for the fight. Anyone, and I mean ANYONE, that raises the money in today’s environment because of their belief in the cause is a hero to me! Day two awaits.

A chance to tell the story…..Martha’s Story

Recently I was given the opportunity to speak at the 3-Day event in Chicago, and then again in the Twin Cites. It turned out to be an amazing experience! The following is from the Chicago event. They started by playing my walking video before introducing me, which elicited a surprise standing ovation, and started the tears even before I hit the stage. As I walked up there I felt this calm come over me, and I knew that I was not alone for Martha was once again going to carry me through. I want to thank all of those in attendance in both sites, your compassion during and especially after were moments I will carry with me the rest of my life. The only difference between the two, was that my children and some of Martha’s oncology nurses were in attendance in the Twin Cities. To honor them before this audience was a dream I have had for while, a huge thank you to Farah, Fran, and Carol for being there. Thank you to Joan for filming this, it was so great to capture the words, but the emotional electricity in the tent that night was something that only those there can explain. Simply amazing.

Why I walk video

Chicago – August 2nd, 2013

Twin Cities 3-Day – To be home!

The best part by far of the Twin Cites 3-Day was the fact that this is my home, and it was amazing! From the first day to the finish, I saw beauty that I have become accustomed to, and new pleasures that I did not realize we’re even there. The warmth of each community we walked through took Minnesota Nice from a phrase to a feeling that was present everywhere we went. The added benefit of having my kids join me, along with a number of special guests really made this a walk I will always cherish. I could not be prouder of my Rob and Ally, each displays their mothers grace and ability to touch those around them. Holding them at closing was a release that I had long needed. The closing at the Capital was by far the best venue so far for this emotional ceremony, made only more so by a special lady, Dr. Sheri Phillips! I had saved a carnation from our trip to Martha’s resting place on Friday, and gave it to her at the camp show on Saturday night after she once again highlighted my 14 city adventure. To my surprise I see her come out on stage at the closing wearing the flower in her hair, it touched all three of us and was a special salute to my beautiful bride. Thank you so much my good friend, it really meant a lot. The week was so much fun especially being able to host the “Staff at my house for a little mid week R&R. The only regret of the week was the absolute lack of attention from the local Media. One of my adopted “daughters” Kelli, (in the picture with me in pink) worked her tail off to no avail to get positive publicity for the event. It’s really too bad that during this time of year all they care about is the next big food item on a stick at the State Fair. Hmmmm, trying to end an awful disease, or chocalate covered bacon on a stick, the choice should really not be that hard! Come on Minnesota, lets really show everyone what it means to be Nice!!! Onto to Seattle!

Twin Cities Day 2, Great Guests, Great Memories!

The Twin Cities welcomed me home yesterday, and it followed today with great visits with guest walkers bringing surprises and memories. I paused briefly at the start to hold the Wife flag and remember that I carry her banner everyday. Then with good fortune I met up with two good friends Matt and Mike at the one mile mark. These great guys gave up their normally fun Saturday morning to walk 11 miles with me. Matt lost his beautiful wife Debra to Multiple Myeloma just 6 months before I lost Martha. As you can tell from the photo that Matt shared with me today, they were not only beautiful together, they were the best of friends. Thank you Matt for the memory, and joining me on the journey, you too Mike!! Within the first four miles I was so pleasantly surprised to see two other friends, Lane and Chris who through the inspiration of others were so kind to bring me my morning “coffee”! Thank you so much gentlemen, and a shout out to Gina for getting this started! Minnesota turned up the heat today, but it did not deter the community support along our route. The warmth was evident with each clap, or treat we received. I could not resist a shot with Rob, Ally, and the Boobs Brothers. Their outfits were awesome, but really I had to catch the socks that my fashion forward son was wearing 🙂 Ally recovered well enough to knock out another 14 miles, and Rob along with Ally’s friends Nick and Brett added at least 7 more each. I think they are ready for their first full 3-Day! I was so happy to finally get the chance to spend some time with my Miles for Martha teammate Aileen, great lady, beautiful family! I am so happy that she joined the team, just meeting her 3 adorable kids tonight lifted my spirits. I want to close this longer post by saying how much the survivor speakers have touched me the last two nights. Two amazing stories of courage that moved me deeply. I hugged them both just to make sure they both knew that Martha put me on this journey to continue supporting and fighting for all of these beautiful survivors. They must know that this guy will not give up!

Twin Cities 3-Day – Everything I expected and more!

My home city was nothing short of amazing today, first up was perfect weather, second was a route that was one of the prettiest I have experienced so far, and last but not least, intense emotions that carried the day. To have Rob and Ally with me to start the day was something that I have looked forward to for so long, as expected it was a special start. We then made our way to the 2nd pit at just over 7 miles to meet up with some of our great Minnesota friends. They accompanied us over to Martha’s resting place to pay tribute to the women that has inspired so many, and carries me through this journey. We kept meeting really sweet people along the way, while being surprised by friends who would join us for a mile or three! Rob logged at least 9 before having to head to work, but Ally made it to the checkered flag for her first 20, way to go! Now the trick will be to see how she is tomorrow! But the best was saved for last. I was asked to speak one more time at the camp show because of my connection to the Twin Cities. This was different from Chicago since I had my wonderful kids in attendance, as well as some of Martha’s oncology nurses that were with her through her entire battle. To be able honor these amazing women in front of a very appreciative crowd was the highlight of my day. They work each day with people that are in the battle of their lives and convey, caring, compassion, and love to ease the journey and instill confidence that they are not alone in the fight. God bless these special people, I walk so that they get that next magic bullet that could turn a life without hope, into a hope for a life fulfilled. My Twin Cities, thank you for welcoming me home.

Michigan 3-Day Family, and a Finish

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The State of Michigan was on fine display over the past 2 days with beautiful trails, great weather, and wonderful, warm people. Saturday brought us through an energized downtown Northville, then moved onto all out support from Plymouth! The town square was draped in pink with the fountain in the center awash in pink, totally cool! This is where I first ran into a group of energetic young men that were there to volunteer. Great support from all ages! Then in the same park the family arrived after their drive over from Battle Creek. Martha’s Mom and Dad, two of her sisters, their husbands, and three of my nieces and nephews. Four of them joined me on the walk for over 11 miles, awesome job. They then treated me to dinner away from camp, now that was special! How nice it was to see them all again. Once again the media played a part in my experience. After telling Martha’s story in a live interview on the local ABC affiliate on Friday the station received so many emails and tweets that they came back on Sunday to do a follow up story.
Last but not least, I did not have permanent trail angels similar to my other journeys, this one was spent more one on one with Martha on my shoulder. It seemed very appropriate knowing that this was our home state. It was a group angel effort as I carried on wonderful conversations with many a walker or group. They were all so generous allowing me to tell our story and continue to carry Martha’s light forward. Even my “coffee” was there again on Saturday! This was Michigan at its best, beautiful, welcoming, home. I will be back!

PS. I want to apologize to those that I met that were hoping to say goodbye at close. After being on the last bus to the start, I somehow finished very early. The emotions of the weekend had taken their toll so I made an early eaxit to the airport and a return home. I wanted to let you know that I really missed the goodbye hugs, but my hope is that they will someday be hugs of greeting for another 3-Day, Thank you all for your amazing support, God Bless!

Michigan 3-Day, Falling in Love All Over Again!

It was really great to be back in the homeland, I could feel the mitten wrapping herself around me and making me love her all over again! It was an electric start, high energy, and good true hearted people at every turn. I felt at home! Within my first 2 miles I saw a sign ahead “John Shinar I have your coffee”! It was the lovely Gina, one of my walking buddies from Chicago last week with a huge bottle of Diet Mountain Dew waiting for me. She brought her two precious daughters that were so stink’n cute! Gina and Lisa remembered that I did dew instead of coffee to kick off my day, so what a sweet surprise, that was followed by a special delivery of Jimmy John’s to lunch so I could avoid the turkey and American cheese that has been there EVERY Friday. God Bless you Gina! I then ran into two lovely ladies totally decked in Lion gear, and of course my roar returned, but just for the photo! But the cutest were these little ones that were out to cheer us on, I got high fives from all but two, tall man, pink hat, a little too much to handle for some! It was just a really nice day, with my home state trying to get me to come back more often. Mission accomplished!

Chicago 3-Day – How did I get so Lucky?

As I continue through my 3-Day journey I am still amazed each week on the differing effects each event has on me. This one was my first to speak at camp, my first to do media interviews and the first to run on Soldier Field catching an imaginary pass for the Lions to beat the Bears! By speaking on Friday I opened my story to all that were present and it was amazing the wonderful hugs and heartfelt words of support that I received for the rest of the event. People even came to me with donations in camp, it was so humbling. After interviews with 4 different TV stations, I learned that no matter how interested a reporter seems to be in your story, you are more than likely just going to be a quick soundbite to a story line they want to convey. It was still exciting and very flattering that they were even interested in speaking with me. This week there seemed to be even more of a bond between the male walkers, even though we exchanged names, we were all affectionately “Walker Dudes!” My favorite Walker Dude and I found each other after I crossed the finish, sometimes it just happens, but we both just needed to let go, good man. My walking pals were once again these wonderful sisters that Martha set me up with, Lisa and Gina. They helped bring me back to Michigan as we danced to Gina’s tunes along the way and they made my old guy shoes look more fun with new laces!. Once again another set of friends that I hope to see again. A bonus was a good friend from our Chicago days, John Runger joined me for over 10 miles of the walk on Sunday. It was great to see him and catch up, and give him a reason to do this in the future, thanks John! Last but not least was the finish, simply amazing! We marched into Soldier field to see the field and finish in a concourse area where the noise and acoustics were awesome! It gave me chills as I walked in, it was at this point I had to sit for a moment and gather myself. All I could think of was “why me?” Why did God make the choice to take my Martha, and give me the opportunity to feel such love, and support. It just doesn’t seem fair that I can be given this amazing opportunity to heal, and be touched by so many while she had to suffer so. All I can think of is that she had done all she could on earth in God’s eyes and that she could do so much more from above, and she is. Knowing that I have this incredible angel taking care of me, all I can think of is, “how did I get so lucky?”