Mattie talks to the crowd before the race about her journey and being the honorary survivor. Check our photo album from that incredible event.
EVE: OK, so it’s O’ Dark Thirty and I know you are up cause we’re getting ready to do the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure this morning. Today, Mattie Mills has been named Honorary Survivor and we are going to walk the 5K (3.1 miles people) with our families and friends!!
MATTIE: This walk has been a long time coming. Because of the San Diego fires back in October the race was moved to December 2nd from November 4th. I slept a short five hours last night and left for Balboa park at 5:30 this morning. I’ve never seen a more beautiful morning like I did today. As I was pulling in to Balboa Park I could see the silloueted bell tower in front of a pastel yellow/orange sunrise as it met the dark blue up above my head. There was one beautiful star keeping the moon company and the sky was crystal clear blue. The air was crisp and a cool forty something. Wow! San Diego is so beautiful.
EVE: I had about the same amount of sleep! And on my way into the park I was thinking, “Wow! I would have been sleeping and missed out on this beautiful morning.” I’m happy it worked out that my family was able to make it as well. What a day!
MATTIE: This was my day to be a representative for all survivors of breast cancer! It was a time to show everyone that survivors can thrive and go on living a normal life after enduring this horrible disease. I looked at today as being a major “springboard” for my future. It is so important that I reach more survivors and encourage them all.
EVE: I was so proud to be there with you. After everything that you’d been through this past year it was definitely a victory march for family and friends who went through this with you!
MATTIE: Can you believe all the people today?
EVE: Oh Yes! It was great to see all the support and pink out in full force today. People had signs and walked in team groups. Being the honorary survivor, you started the race and cheered on the walkers as they went by the grand stand. You had to run and catch up with your team!
MATTIE: I shook so many hands and hugged so many people! I loved walking the three mile walk with my Team “Music For Mattie” I was going back and forth from the front of the line to the back of the line striking up conversation and having a great time.
EVE: We got separated at one point and then, there you were! I could tell it was a transforming event happening in real time. It was electrifying!
MATTIE: Now I fast forward eighteen hours later an I have such a feeling of peace and excitement for our future Eve!
EVE: And maybe a few sore muscles!! Yes, I feel it too! Today is just the beginning!
MATTIE: I can honestly say before I lay down to rest, I truly am grateful for everything in my life. My cup is full!
