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NCHPAD - Building Healthy Inclusive Communities

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2009 Event Details and Video Footage


During the Chicago Breast Cancer 3-Day, All Abilities Team members walked or wheeled as little or as much as they chose. Each person had the option of being 'swept' from her current location to the next pit stop, the lunch break stop, or back to camp to rest up for the evening's events or the next day's journey. Accessible sweeper vans, volunteered by Superior Ambulance of Elmhurst, Illinois, traveled the route enthusiastically decked out in pink and green All Abilities Team buttons throughout the day. Superior Ambulance ensured that accessible transportation was always available for any All Abilities member who chose to stop at their current location or needed extra supplies such as oxygen tanks or a fully charged battery for a power scooter.

Eating lunch at an accessible seating area.
Eating lunch at an accessible seating area.
Pit stops, as well as the campsite, were fully accessible with synthetic flooring laid out for pathways, accessible seating, and ADA accessible toilets. A team of 3-Day volunteers were specifically dedicated to creating an accessible environment for the All Abilities Team. Breast Cancer 3-Day staff and crew were trained in disability awareness as well as potential needs of the team members throughout the route, knowing when and where to direct them to accessible pathways or toilets (though these were also well-marked with signage). Bridget Mooney, a breast cancer survivor herself and this year's All Abilities Team coach, helped direct other 3-Day volunteers and crew to ensure assistance was available along the route at any potentially concerning terrain or grade changes.The weather was difficult, but everyone - walkers, crew, volunteers and staff alike- persevered together; sometimes wiping away tears of frustration in the process, but at the end of the three days also wiping away tears of accomplishment and joy.

Accessible campsite
The campsites were accessible.
During the first day, team spirit was high, even as heavy rains poured down on walkers/wheelers. Spirits dampened a bit upon arrival back at camp, as the sight of their tents set up in a soggy, muddy field may not be the most welcome sight to wet, exhausted participants, but after an accessible shower and hot meal, everyone settled in with a tentative smile. After a good night's sleep in very dry accessible tents (once again nicknamed 'the condos'), everyone greeted the following misty morning energetically. Many of the 3-day participants wore ponchos (provided at every pit stop by the event) and plastic bags on their feet to keep dry and prevent or reduce blisters. By noon on the second day, ponchos were being tossed in the recycling bins, the sun was shining bright, and sunscreen application and liquid intake were reinforced by the amiable Breast Cancer 3-Day crew.

Numerous cheering stations along the route welcomed participants with cold water, freeze pops, candy, fruit, granola bars, cookies, homemade pink jewelry/decorations and more. Mount Prospect, a Chicago suburb, was especially welcoming as police officers in pink uniform shirts aided at crosswalks, families and friends gathered in front of their homes with snacks and high fives, and Boy Scout troops encouraged tired walkers by thanking them for their dedication to such an important cause.

Day Three finally arrived, an incredibly hot and humid day, even along Chicago's breezy lake front. Our accessible journey ended at Solider Field, home of the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. Participants crossed the finish line, each at her own pace, and then joined hands to enter an emotional Closing Ceremonies. After honoring the survivors who participated, especially our own All Abilities team member Irene, our team members who had started as strangers at the beginning of this journey, left with hugs and memories, and new friends.

Watch event footage and interview with team member Lauren Howard here.




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