Hello and welcome, friends and family!

It's done! See the diary page for what it was like!

If you're reading this, you've probably received a letter or e-mail from me - it may even have been a forward from a friend, so you're not quite sure who I am. Well, I'm a 40-something, SAHM in Redding, California. I have a wonderful husband named John, a 3 year old son, Jacob, and a 10 month old foster daughter. I am Annie Bakaleinikoff Haas.

I recently read, "The 13th century mystic Jelalludin Rumi advised, 'Start a huge foolish practice like Noah. It makes absolutely no difference what people think of you.' Sometimes we hold back because we think that our hopeful enthusiasm will seem out of place in our cynical and downbeat world. Resist that attitude! Initiate a bold project that will benefit others, and give the next generation reason to hope."

This year, I felt the need to "shake things up" in my world, to better express my gratitude and to give something back since I have been so richly blessed. In order to do this, I am going to walk 60 miles with thousands of other committed women and men to raise money for research, education, screening and treatment of breast cancer. I will be taking part in the Breast Cancer 3-Day, walking from San Jose to San Francisco!

Some people have called me crazy for attempting to walk 20 miles a day for 3 days, while having to sleep in a tent on the side of the road each night. Okay, maybe I am. But about 9 months ago, I was at a wonderful retreat at Camp Meeker, and one of the women (Thanks, Marie) read the most moving letter I had ever heard. It was from a friend of hers named Ellen, and it described her experience with the 3-day. It was moving beyond words. It stayed in the back of my mind, and when I heard about this years' walk, I immediately signed up. I know the journey will be long and hard, but it will be an easy one compared to what cancer patients go through in their fight against the disease. I’m just one of the many ordinary people who are trying to do something extraordinary.

I have begun training, follwoing the schedule provided by the 3-day folks. When I started, I was pretty out of shape, and could only walk about three miles at a pace of three miles an hour. Many thanks to my DH, John, who is picking up the slack at home with the kids!

The walk will be taking place on November 7, 8 & 9. For those of you who know me well, you know that November 8 will be our 6th wedding anniversary. I have committed to this walk and can't think of a better celebration of the wonderful, healthy life I live with my husband! We can always go out to celebrate the week after (when I'm not watching what I eat so closely!!!)

By registering for the event, I have committed myself to raising a minimum of $2,000 in fully tax-deductible donations. At first, this number was daunting, but every day I become more and more confident that I will meet, and hopefully exceed, this ambitious goal. In fact, I have set my personal fund raising goal at $2,500, just to give myself even more of a challenge.

The net proceeds raised by the "3-Day" benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, to fund breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment, as well as the National Philanthropic Trust, to provide a special field of interest fund for breast cancer initiatives. These are charities you can trust.

If you have any at all, please don’t hesitate to ask me. You can email me at HaasHamlet@aol.com, or check out the organization that runs the fundraiser at www.breastcancer3day.org.

If you would like to do some walking in Redding with me, drop me an email – I would love the company! And, please keep me in your thoughts the weekend of November 8th.

I'm walking in celebration of all those who have survived - my sister-in-law, Ellen, and my friend, Wanda, most of all. And in memory of those who have not, especially Doris.

I will be walking with a scroll that will include the names of those you would like me to walk in celebration of (who have survived breast cancer) or in memory of....I don't know anyone whose life hasn't been touched by this disease - either themselves, their families and friends. Should you choose to donate, e-mail me the names you would like me to carry on the scroll. At then end of the walk, I'll send you a picture of the scroll that I'll take at the ending celebration!

Thank you so much for your support throughout my greatest endeavor. I am certain that, with your help, I will make this the best experience in my life!

"I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me."