Lyme Resident Featured as TBBCF Walker of the Month for May

In May we were pleased to feature Shelley Gregory as our Walker of the Month in our TBBCF Newsletter.

Shelley is a 40 year resident of Lyme, CT, works in Chester and is the proud mother of Sawyer, a junior at UCONN, and Slater, a high school senior. 

Shelley first heard about TBBCF in 2006, just after the first TBBCF Walk, and knew it was something she wanted to do in 2007. So, as planned, Shelley signed up for the 2007 Walk, participated in all the training walks and made some wonderful friends along the way.

“Participating in TBBCF changed my life…little did I know that in less than a year after that amazing experience, my life would change, as I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  While training for the 2008 Walk, I underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Soon after surgery, I met with my oncologist and she wanted me to do chemotherapy right away. I told her that I had been training for a 26 mile walk to raise money for breast cancer research and asked if she could delay my treatment for six weeks so that I could heal and continue training. She reluctantly agreed, and on the day of the Walk, 12 of my best friends took turns walking with me so that I would never be alone. We were among the last walkers to cross the finish line…crying, cheering and holding on to one another! Five days later, I began six months of chemotherapy followed by six weeks of radiation.”

Shelley’s family and friends have been her biggest support throughout the last six years. When asked what she would say to motivate others to consider walking the marathon or forming a walk team, she said, “We support and care for each other when we walk. I really feel like we are making a difference – we’re saving lives and paying tribute to those we have lost. The Walk is humbling, touching and an emotional experience – but you are filled with such exhilaration and satisfaction when you cross that finish line!”

Shelley is among our top Walk fundraisers each year. Some potential walkers are intimated by the fundraising required to walk the full, half or quarter marathon, so I asked Shelley if she had any suggestions to offer. “I have been fortunate to have a huge amount of support for my fundraising efforts, but I know it’s difficult for some. But you never know the answer unless you ask, and I believe in TBBCF and the important research they are funding; so I always ask! Over the years, I have seen some very creative ways to raise money from jewelry parties to birthday parties (in lieu of presents) to office fundraisers.  The day of the Walk is unlike any other during the year. It’s an incredible experience and a privilege to honor the Warriors and celebrate the Survivors!”

Shelley’s sons have also been involved in fundraising for TBBCF as well.  “Sawyer is a musician, and during his senior year in high school, he and his very talented band mates and friends organized a concert and raised over $1200 to benefit TBBCF. They even wrote an original song called “Long Haul” and they have often performed that song in my honor.” Shelley’s son Slater participated in last year’s walk with her as part of his senior project and raised close to $3000. He trained with Shelley, sold pink bracelets at school and sent out fundraising letters to the community.

When asked what TBBCF means to her, Shelley said, “TBBCF means hope. Participating in the TBBCF Walk motivates and inspires me. Walking helped me heal and nourished me with positive energy throughout my journey. I have walked six years now, and will walk until I no longer can. Walking and being involved in TBBCF is an affirmation that I am alive, healthy, strong and thriving. The Walk is a celebration that I share with other survivors, as well as honoring those who lost their lives far too soon.”  I am always reminded of the proverb, ‘just when the caterpillar thought the world was over…it became a butterfly.’”

This year, Shelley is celebrating her 5th year as a survivor. We are honored that she has chosen TBBCF as her way of contributing to breast cancer research and look forward to seeing her smiling face on October 5.  Shelley, you are a beautiful butterfly.