Race for the Cure was this Sunday. It was my first time participating and was an incredible experience.

At first I was primarily concerned with navigating the traffic and meeting up with my family on time. Upon arriving, the visuals were so amazing – the range of people, the matching and colorful outfits, custom posters, etc. When I began to actually read the signs on the backs of all the individual walkers I could barely hold back tears. Breast cancer affects so many people. When I realized what a show of force this event is for survivors, family members, neighbors and friends I felt optimistically overwhelmed and so happy to be around all of these wonderful people that showed up to express their love, appreciation, memory and hope for their loved ones affected by breast cancer. It was a deeply meaningful event.

In my family, we walked in memory of Jennifer Legus Edgar — she was the sister of my brother-in-law. She passed away two years ago from breast cancer.

My niece Grace who goes to Minnetonka brought five friends to walk with us.

Here we all are — except me — I’m taking the picture.