Waking up at 6:45 a.m. on a Saturday was not exactly something I was looking forward to. After the first week back at school, I was exhausted, and the idea of staying under my warm covers, all bundled up, for just a few extra hours sounded amazing. Plus, it was pouring out. Anyone who likes to sleep knows that the best time to do so is when there are torrential downpours. There is something so relaxing about hearing the rain patter on your window while you’re sleeping.
Despite all these deterrents, I managed to get my sorry self out of the bed for one reason. I knew that day I would be making a difference for everyone in America who battled with a heart problem. Some of these victims were close to death, and, with the help of doctors and medical care, they survived. Others were not so fortunate and sadly passed away.
My mom and I had planned on participating in the six-mile walk for the American Heart Association together. It started on the Esplanade at 10:30 a.m. We took the train from Fenway to Park Street and then took the red line to Charles Street/MGH.
On the red line we met a really sick man left with scars, both physical and emotional. He was roughly 23 years old, with blood shot-blue eyes and short dirty blonde hair. He screamed for everyone’s attention on the train. Homeless, HIV-positive and trying to get clean from drugs and alcohol. He needed to make things right with his family in Springfield and was asking for $22.55 for a bus ticket from Boston to see his family.
That experience alone was heartbreaking; it brought chills to my spine. It made me realize that whenever you feel like you’re about to hit rock bottom, it can always be worse. You have to learn how to pick yourself up and keep on fighting.
After we got off the train, I was even more determined to do the walk with my mom because that homeless man, although not affected by a heart problem, made me think about anyone in life who has been through hardship.
Walking beside the Charles River mile after mile was exhilarating. The cool wind constantly blew on my warm body. The sun finally came out and shined brightly. Boats were everywhere in the water. Some people were with a group of friends, while others were rowing hardly by themselves.
When I finished around noon, I was not only proud of myself but also proud of the hundreds of people who also walked for the victims of heart disease. It made me become so much more aware of that deadly killer in America and inspired me to get more involved by supporting research and families as well.
Anyone can make a difference by walking, even if you’re not into exercising. I strongly encourage everyone to try at least one event, whatever cause it may be for. There is a wide variety of walks and runs anyone can participate in. Here are some of the upcoming ones in Boston:
Breathe Deep Boston 5k Walk (formerly the Boston Area Lung Cancer Walk)
LUNGevity Foundation
Saturday, Nov. 3 at 11 a.m.
Castle Island, Fort Independence
2081 William J Day Blvd.
Boston, MA, 02127
All funds raised benefit the LUNGevity Foundation, whose mission is to have a meaningful and immediate impact on improving lung cancer survival rates, ensure a higher quality of life for lung cancer patients, and provide a community for those impacted by lung cancer.
3rd Annual Dream Big! Sports Gala & Auction
Saturday, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m.
Fenway Park, Boston, MA
$75 per person
(888) 291-7664
The 3rd Annual Dream Big! Sports Gala & Auction will raise money to help provide girls living in economically disadvantaged and underserved areas with the basic items (equipment, uniforms, footwear and sports attire). Training opportunities and program fees are necessary for them to participate in sports and physical activities. The program helps to lay the foundation for healthy, active lifestyles and quality learning experiences.
Tasoula Burk can be contacted at [email protected].
