By the time this is posted on Friday morning I will have begun my fourth 3-day/60 mile walk for breast cancer. I, along with 4700 walkers will leave Del Mar Fairgrounds after the Opening Ceremony kicking off the San Diego Susan G. Komen 3 day. This will be the last Komen Walk of 2008.

I'm honored to be able to do these walks, having been breast cancer free for 14 years now. Not everyone is as lucky as I. That's why I walk. Because I can.

When I first heard of these walks in 2002 I thought there was no way I could participate. Walking that far I hadn't done in three years and figured I didn't have the time to train or the stamina to survive the distance. Then I found out about the fundraising component and thought no way could I do that as well.

My daughter and I talked about it-the challenges of it all and yet, we felt it was something we wanted to put forth as a goal. In 2002 it was the Avon 3 day/60 miler. In 2004 it was New York to New Jersey, celebrating my 10^th cancer-free anniversary. Two years ago it was back to San Diego.

Tomorrow will be a new journey. Each of these walks comes with its own set of circumstances, new friends, stories – some exhilarating and some so sad. My daughter and I end each day exhausted but very proud of the efforts of so many and put up our tent the best we know how. We collapse after each evening's supper with the feeling that the day was well-spent and the stories were heard so special.

These kinds of walks are not for everyone. And they are not easy.

As we move into Thanksgiving Week it is always a time for reflection and gratitude.

What is a cause that moves you? Is there an organization that could use some of your talents or skills? What can we share with others to make this world just a little bit better than the day before?

Whatever the cause that you care about is there a small step you could take that would help? If not now, think about what causes for 2009 you can be involved in assisting.

Now is the time to start organizing for a cause you care about.

Sue