The 18 Hole Stroll!

Sometimes you just happen to be in a place where you are meant to be, ever had that happen to you?

Spent a heart-filled, heart-warming emotional Sunday at the TPC for a fund raising event, The 18 Hole Stroll.  The purpose, to raise awareness for research for early detection of pancreatic cancer. Identifying early detection methods with effective treatments increases survival rates.

I was invited by a friend who asked if I would like to walk the course, naturally, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to walk the grounds of this beautiful area.  We both where not familiar with the event, little information was available.  We registered online for a flat fee donation of $50.00.

I received so much more than I bargained for or expected (a free ticket into the TPC, a beautiful purple golf shirt, coffee, water and a delicious breakfast at the completion of the walk). But you know, I am really not talking about all that extra stuff, I really don't care about stuff.

It is what I didn't expect at this event; tears, compassion and a major case of goosebumps as I heard this heart wrenching story, turned into something so special, it goes like this, but I must warn you, please take a moment, grab a tissue or two, you are going to need it!

Britanny, then a 5-year old girl, learned that her dad had pancreatic cancer, within the diagnoses he had passed within four months. He was 44-years old, left a wife, another son a few years old than Britanny and was in the process of adopting a baby with his wife Pat. Pat completed the adoption process and now was a single parent to three young children. Brittany grew up with responsibility, her mom worked, she helped care for her younger brother and studied to obtain impressive grades.

Fast forward about 12 years later, this sympathetic, compassionate young lady, way behind her years of maturity established this event, The 18 Hole Stroll, running now in its' fourth year!  She has captured the attention and support of Hartford Hospital, a major contributor of the event.  You see, this very special young lady, Brittany, cares enough to want to raise money to help others with pancreatic cancer.  She hopes in the future the money she raises (by the way 100% goes directly to research) early detection methods will become available, critical to saving lives.

During the event, Brittany shared an open letter she wrote about her dad and how he was her best friend and how much she misses him. She introduced her big brother to say a few words, he shared that his family is so proud of Brittany and all she has accomplished.  He commented that their dad would be so proud, he broke down, gave his sister a big hug and they cried for a moment (they seem to have a strong brother-sister bond). Well needless to say, there was not a dry eye in the place, including mine.  

I can only image that Brittany's dad would be extremely proud of her and the impact she is having on this world.  I am sure he is beaming from above!  I met her mom, Pat, well, she is amazing too!  This young lady truly is a role model, my heart jut melted, my spirit was lifted to such a higher place when I left.

I was so impressed with this event, I am now a committee member that will help to expand and broaden awareness of this extraordinary event!

You are invited to join my group, Rocky Hill Yoga & More, (will also be a major sponsor next year) next June, save the date, enjoy a fabulous 9 or 18 hole stroll taking a slow or fast pace approach, your choice while enjoy the breathtaking grounds of the TPC.  You will feel so lifted and humbled from participating in this rewarding event, you will want to return again!    

Please share with five other people, have them join in on the walk as well. Eventually you will be key to unlocking research that will help increase survival rates of this disease early on, it just does not get any better than that!

Lynn MacDonald, Registered Yoga Teacher/ACE Personal Trainer
Rocky Hill Yoga & More, LLC
www.rhillyoga.com
lmacdonald@rhillyoga.com