The Incredible Volunteers of To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation

Today was a rest day. So I thought I would take this opportunity to talk about an organization for which I have tremendous respect: To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation. TCLF is an all-volunteer organization which was formed out of a desire to increase awareness of the huge epidemic that breast cancer had become, to raise funds for those living with breast cancer and to offer a healing opportunity through the fashion show for women and men living with breast cancer.

Now I know that our Half Dome Challenge is all about supporting people with leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers. But cancer is never an easy thing to deal with, no matter what kind of cancer it may be. What I have seen over the years is nothing short of a demonstration in courage, to which these brave men and women give a face. Because of what I have seen and because I have been given a place to put my talents to use in the organization - especially at the time when I was suffering from "Spot" - I will be walking in their honor.

All of the women and men who participate in the fashion show every year have suffered breast cancer and are in various stages of treatment and recovery. Unstoppable, even by loss of hair, mastectomy, chemotheraphy or radiation treatments, these men and women model everything from lingerie to leather bustiers to evening gowns. (Yes, men do get breast cancer.)

The fashion show is also about community. In one of the final scenes of the fashion show, these survivors are escorted down the runway by tuxedoed physicians who specialize in breast cancer, many of them their own doctors. It is always a moment that brings a tear to my eye.

Behind the scenes, hundreds of volunteers work to make it all happen, not just the annual fashion show which is now in its 14th year, but also the annual golf and tennis tournaments. Throughout the year, the dedicated volunteer staff sorts through hundreds of pieces of correspondence, donations, as well as grant applications. Since inception, To Celebrate Life has granted over $2.3 million to non-profit groups that provide support programs, early detection screening, and emotional and educational services for women and men with breast health issues. They have made a difference to thousands of patients and their families.

This is an incredible group of volunteers. I'm proud to be associated with them. This walk is for them!