"They are the BEST! The home made signs, the gifts, the candy, the stickers. BUT especially the survivors who are crying and clapping and smiling at the same time. They are our inspiration." Sherry, DFW Walker
"They kept me going. When I thought I would have to flag down a van, I would see the spectators or a cheering station and it would give me the energy to continue on. The costumes and the outfits are so funny. People playing music puts a little more strength in my steps. To know that so many people care to take time out of their life to bake cookies, go buy stickers or beads, pass out goodies and come cheer us on, helps me know that the walking is worthwhile. It's not just about donating the money." Susan, DFW Walker
"The cheering crowds were amazing! As I passed through the crowds I seen a woman, sitting in a wheel chair, she had lost her hair, and was holding a sign that said, "Thank you for walking for me, Im a survivor!" It was heart wrenching." Sharlla, Atlanta Walker
Walker Stalkers is a term I learned just this year although I knew about these lovely people pretty much from the first few steps I took on my first Walk. The first Walker Stalker I met was the Kleenex Lady. She positions herself near the beginning of the route every morning, a box of Kleenex in each hand and a big old paper grocery bag to toss them in when you're done. It might sound odd but we start very early, right at daybreak, and the cold morning air makes her personal contribution so very necessary and helpful. Later in the day, she would be there again, with hard candies or little bottles of water or other niceties along with the Kleenex and always, always words of encouragement and thanks for us. She is just one of the many, many amazing Walker Stalkers who add so much to our 3-Day Weekends. In the words of one of the survey respondents:
"To be honest, there was a point during day 3 where I wanted so badly to say I quit, I am getting on the bus and going to the next pit stop. I would get close to the pit stop and see a group of people cheering us on and I would say.. well maybe the next one.. and I would get to the next one and would think.. oh.. maybe the next one. These people literally kept me going. I just kept thinking about how selfish I was being wanting to take (for me) the easy way out, when these people were standing in the pouring rain cheering us on. My friend brought my 3 sons to see me. My oldest (4 at the time) and my twins (2 at the time) were so proud of mommy. I had been telling the oldest all about the walk and the 3 day and helping others, when I saw them it was a huge boost. They had their pink on and were sitting anxiously in the truck waiting for mom. Smile guy and little grin were two amazing supports, the barbie girls, the melon men... I will never forget many the gratitude I felt towards all of them. The older woman who lost her daughter to breast cancer who sat in a folding chair in the rain and followed us all three days. The woman at the finish line. I don't think the 3 day would be even a quarter of the experience without the spectators and cheering stations. When you want to quit, they are such a huge pick me up. More so when they bring the jell-o shots :-)" Bethany, San Diego Walker
