Tuesday, January 30, 2001
The Vail Daily
Vail, Colorado
Story by Polly Letofsky
World Walker
Vail woman's
'round-the-world walk
for cancer reaches Australia
The heat and flies seem to be following me through the back roads of Australia. So far they've followed me from Melbourne's St. Kilda Pier, up through Victoria's wine district, across the "canola belt," over the Blue Mountains and finally into Sydney for New Year's Eve.
Katoomba, in the Blue Mountains, is a major destination for the Christmas holidays, and although they were nearly full, George and Libby, who own the local Best Western treated me to a well needed three-day rest. Julia and Peter Smith invited me to their Christmas dinner where I was just one of fifteen international guests. Afghanistan was well represented, as was Holland, Britain, Italy, Tibet, Croatia and Vail, Colorado.
My big symbolic goal of crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge into the 21st century on Jan. 1 was postponed until Jan 2 due to a New Year's Parade through the city. In the immortal words of Homer Simpson, "Doh!"
People on the way
In Cootamundra I stayed with Cathy, a two-year breast cancer survivor who is training to undertake a four-week bike ride around Tasmania in March.
In Cowra I met Daphne, who has been through breast cancer treatment twice. The second time was 16 years ago.
Coming out of Bakers Delight Bakery in Shepparton I met a woman named Lauren who just finished her radiation treatment.
In the town of Young I met Stuart whose mother AND father have had breast cancer. They're both doing well and Stuart has yet to get a mammogram.
A truck driver named Len stopped to offer me a ride at the bottom of very big hill outside Cootamundra. When I told him why I couldn't accept his offer he jumped out of his truck and gave me a donation. His wife, Diane, just had a mastectomy four days prior.
In tiny Locksley I stayed with Georgina, who, at the age of 49 went in for a routine checkup. When she asked if she should have a mammogram the doctor said. "Don't be silly, you're not 50 yet." Georgina saw another doctor who gave her the full gamut of tests and found she had breast cancer. That was five years ago and Georgina is now healthy and strong and living amidst her new collection of one-humped dromedaries (camels).
Emma, from Rutherford, has just finished her treatment for stage three breast cancer. With an inverted nipple and lack of energy she had been misdiagnosed for two years. Emma's diary is an inspiring story of her journey. She has let us put it up on "Survivors Stories" page on our website.
Breast Cancer Network Australia
While walking through Australia all donations collected stay in that country with the Breast Cancer Network Australia. Their primary objective is to improve the treatment and care of those diagnosed with breast cancer, and work towards preventing this disease for the benefit of the whole community.
Breast Cancer Netowork Australia was launched by a group of women who have all had breast cancer and are passionately committed to making a difference.
There was also a brief appearance on Australia's Today Show. The "Paddington Chess Players" gave GlobalWalk a donation, and then went to an all-day cricket match. When the telly crew noticed 17 blokes dressed in black and white checkered shirts, black hi-top socks, white hats and on the grog all day, they asked for an interview. It was a sloooow news day.