I consider myself a good Samaritan.  I donate to charities.  I hold doors for people and let older folks walk before me into elevators and such.  If I can tell the girl next to me in the Bloomingdales dressing room is doubting whether or not that dress looks good on her, I’ll tell her she looks beautiful.  Because she does.  And if she looks ridiculous, I’ll blame the dress.  If I see a dog, or any animal, even possums, running aimlessly on the street, I’ll pull over and try to get them to come to me.  And if they fiercely object, I’ll at least chase them out of the way of oncoming traffic (don’t tell my mom I do that, she’d freak).  But Saturday was my very first “Walk For Anything”.  Why I’ve never done that before I have no idea.  All those people banding together for a common cause sparked an overwhelmingly joyous feeling I’ve never experienced before.  So now I want to walk for everything.

And never mind how the lead up to the big day was already an incredible journey.  I can’t thank Nirvana Adams and Amy Smith enough for starting Club Mo in the first place and turning me in to a blubbering idiot because I was so touched and grateful.  And then my friends and family joining the team, creating pages that made me cry even more from all their love and support.  And then and then and THEN the countless generous people who donated to our team (an unprecedented $75K!) and helped the Lupus Foundation of America surpass their overall goal.  They’re almost at $240K and still climbing.

Here are some captured moments of the amazing event!

Me with our beautiful team captains - Amy Smith and Nirvana Adams.

Getting our tent organized.  Doesn’t Brian look like a little boy caught with his hand in the cookie jar?  Or down his pants?

Look at all the people.  Yay for Lupus!  I mean Lupus Awareness!

A major bonus to the awesome day was being with my family and friends who I love with all my heart —

This extraordinary woman raised nearly $14K.  Of course she did.  She’s Felicia Day.

A huge special thank you to Jinx, Kim Evey, Shawna and Joe Trpcic for our t-shirts and BSL Creations for the signs.  You guys rock.  I must admit it was a bit disconcerting to see a picture of my face on everyone’s chests, but I guess that’s better than a picture of Lupus.

And the walk begins!  I was ready to do all three miles but Jed reminded me I should stop at the one mile turnaround.  He’s smarter than I am when it comes to my health.

Baby Kellan joined us on the walk!

And so did Tova’s dog, Marlo.  He even sported a Club Mo bandanna.  I fucking love this picture.

Woman down!  Thankfully Joss came to Mila’s rescue.

And after a Walk For Lupus, there’s always a dance party, duh.  Thanks to Stuart Gill for these photos.  Footage coming soon…

There were a few lovely people who came up to me at the event.  Some had just been diagnosed with Lupus and others have family members or friends dealing with this crappy disease.  Knowing that this blog is helping you or your loved ones in any way warms my heart beyond comprehension.  You inspire me to keep fighting and to keep sharing my story with you.  I hope you’re feeling fantastic Tammy!

Club Mo.  Never surrender.

To the folks I had never met till that day, to those who traveled in from different states, to the fabulous ladies of Whedonopolis, to my family and friends who I hold so dear, and to all of you who donated - an endless amount of heartfelt thanks.  I am so moved by your kindness, generosity and love.  In these past few months you have helped me turn this rough road into a wonderful ride.  And for that, I am forever grateful. 

Love,

Mo