Note to self: Do not give blood the day before you are scheduled to play soccer.
That said I did play soccer, at least most of the game. I was a bit light headed after making runs, in addition to being slower than most of the opponents. I planted for a head ball, got backed into by a taller, stronger player, ended up on the ground with a knee to my head. That was the last straw and I took myself out. (We had no women substitutes, and had actually borrowed two women from an earlier game to fill out our five) While I was out my team came back and scored the tying goal. 3 minutes to play – I had rested a few minutes, so back on the pitch. I figure they would at least have one more player to run around. We fended them off and walked away with the tie.
After the game I found out that one of our regular women players was not playing the season at all. But not because of the leg injury I thought was the cause. But because she is undergoing treatment for breast cancer! OMG. I was shocked. Last to know as usual, but still. She is in treatment, it is stage 1, so the prognosis is good.
My little complaints about being tired, muscle pull hear and there – they are nothing. My teammate is dealing with treatments that sap strength and make you sick – all trying to rid her body of the evil C. Since 1 in 8 women in the states is likely to be diagnosed with cancer, the fact that one on our soccer team should not be surprising.
It has got my attention – again. This is why I walk – because I can. And to raise money to support research in the fight to rid us of breast cancer in particular – but really for cancer in general. What we learn about one cannot help but broaden our knowledge about the other.
So – if you have any money to spare after taxes, or want to boost your charitable donations for 2010 – please consider making a donation to support the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer fight. There is a link on the right. I have been lax in fund-raising this year – but I suddenly feel inspired again. I have to support Marie!
Not very eloquent – remember the knee to the head. Moral of the story – keep giving blood, keep walking, raise some more money. I have nothing to complain about.
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