Shelley Gregory
Shelley Gregory, one of the foundation’s top fundraisers each year, is a nine year walker and an eight year breast cancer survivor.
Shelley Gregory with her son, SlaterMy inspiration to become involved with TBBCF was my desire to become involved with a foundation that’s so necessary.
I’ve participated in nine Walks, and I look forward to it every year. Although I walk to honor and support all women, it’s become more of a personal victory for me. The Walk strengthens, inspires and humbles me. Every year, I cross that finish line with tears in my eyes and hope in my heart.
Shelley first heard about TBBCF in 2006, just after the first TBBCF Walk, and knew it was something she wanted to do in 2007. So, Shelley signed up for the 2007 Walk, participated in all the training walks and made some wonderful friends along the way.
Participating in TBBCF changed my life…little did I know that in less than a year after my amazing first walk experience in 2007, my life would change, as I was diagnosed with breast cancer. While training for the 2008 Walk, I underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Soon after surgery, I met with my oncologist and she wanted me to do chemotherapy right away. I told her that I had been training for a 26 mile walk to raise money for breast cancer research and asked if she could delay my treatment for six weeks so that I could heal and continue training. She reluctantly agreed, and on the day of the Walk, 12 of my best friends took turns walking with me so that I would never be alone. We were among the last walkers to cross the finish line…crying, cheering and holding on to one another! Five days later, I began six months of chemotherapy followed by six weeks of radiation.
We support and care for each other when we walk. I really feel like we are making a difference – we’re saving lives and paying tribute to those we have lost. The Walk is humbling, touching and an emotional experience – but you are filled with such exhilaration and satisfaction when you cross that finish line!