Misty McGinley

One month, one reason

And just like that, October is over.

I started this challenge with a goal of 58kms. Then I decided to double it to 116kms because I knew I could push myself a little harder.

Today, on the very last day of October, I’ve finished on 163kms.

I’m actually really proud of that.

Not just because of the distance, but because of what every single kilometre represented for me.

This was always for Mum.

For everything she went through.

For the strength she had.

For the years I wish we’d had more of.

And for the hope that better research and better treatments will mean other families get more time with the people they love.I

There were definitely days I didn’t feel like walking, but I kept going. And the more I walked, the more this stopped feeling like a challenge and started feeling like something I genuinely wanted to keep doing.

58kms became 116kms.

116kms became 163kms.

And somehow, with every walk, I felt like I was carrying Mum with me a little bit too.

So today I’m finishing October feeling tired, proud, grateful and a little emotional.

163kms done.

For Mum.

For every woman fighting.

For every family hoping.

For the research that might change someone’s story.

And for more time 💗

The finish line was never the end

Today, with 11 days still to go, I officially completed my 116km challenge. 💗

I didn’t just smash the original 58kms - I doubled it. And I’m not stopping here.

When I decided to take on 116kms, I knew it would challenge me, but I also knew exactly why I was doing it.

I did this for you, Mum.

For everything you went through. For the strength you showed even when things were hard. For all the years I wish we’d been given, and for all the moments I still wish you were here for.

There have been plenty of kilometres where my legs were tired, my feet hurt and I probably would have happily called it a day… but then I’d think of you. And suddenly putting one foot in front of the other didn’t feel quite so hard.

So I’ll keep walking.

I’ll keep walking for you. For every woman facing a breast cancer diagnosis. For every family hoping for more time. And for the research that might one day mean someone else’s mum, sister, daughter, wife or friend gets to stay.

116kms done with 11 days to spare… but I’m not finished yet.

This one was always for you, Mum. 💗

Twice the Distance, Twice the Determination

I’ve decided to double the Cancer Council challenge and commit to walking 116kms during October to help raise much-needed funds for breast cancer research.

It’s definitely going to challenge me, but I’m up for it 💪 

As many of you know, my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer not once, but twice. I often wonder how different things may have been if the treatments available today had been around when she went through it the first time. Maybe there never would have been a second diagnosis. Maybe it never would have metastasised. Maybe we would have had more time.

That’s a big part of why this means so much to me.

Walking 116kms is nothing compared to what people living with cancer endure during treatment, recovery and everything that comes afterwards. So if putting one foot in front of the other for 116kms can help fund better treatments, better outcomes and more time for another family, then I’m all in.

116kms. October. Let’s do this. 💗