Susan G Komen Phoenix Chiropractor at the 3 Day walk

One of my favorite annual events, either on or off the field, is being a doctor at  the three day walk for breast cancer. Once you show up it’s easy to see that the participants are not just there to complete the 60 mile course and go home. They are there to celebrate the winning struggle through cancer, to show support to their family and friends, and to realize that they are not alone.

I first became involved with the Susan G. Komen foundation when I was at Palmer Chiropractic College almost 10 years ago. I was working for a chiropractor who sponsored a whole team that was walking in the event. After they finished, I saw the joy and fulfillment in their eyes at accomplishing that fantastic feat. That feeling stuck with me because, like many of you, I’ve lost loved ones to cancer. I volunteered here and there over the upcoming years but was never really able to be a treating physician until last year.

My first event as a treating Chiropractic Doctor in Phoenix was last year and it was difficult and emotionally moving in ways I wasn’t expecting. I met hundreds of walkers, made heaps of friends, and gained a newfound respect for the effort they put forward. It was also empowering to be able to help them continue along the walk and enable them to achieve their goals.

Being a Phoenix Chiropractor and treating walkers at the event this year was even better than last year. I knew what to expect and felt more comfortable at treating patients that were in remission as well as currently going through Chemo. I can honestly say that they were all VERY appreciative of everything we were doing to help them. In all, we were able to see 388 walkers as patients in three days.

If this story moves you, please think about volunteering with the Susan G Komen foundation or even your local charity. If you want help, contact me at my clinic or at arcadiachiro@yahoo.com.