"Dear passengers, we are about to land at JFK International Airport, New York City.
Please make sure you fasten your seatbelt and make sure your food tray as well as your foot rest are folded."
I was looking down the window to see the fascinating view of New York City from above when the flight attendant reminded me that we were about to land.
It obviously felt great to be back to the Big Apple, although it was only for 7 days.
And most importantly, I would join one of the most inspiring events in my life, Making Strides against Breast Cancer 2018.
NYC, I'm back and I'm ready to kiss breast cancer goodbye!
***
 |
| Thank you sooo much Erma and Haryo :) |
New York City is calling me back for a week of meetings.
I was lucky to be here just in time for Making Strides against Breast Cancer 2018 in Central Park.
The walk this year took place on Sunday, October 14, 2018, a day before I started my meeting at the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly.
And this will be my fifth walk in a row!
Wuhuuuu!
 |
| You never walk alone.. |
I still remember my first walk in 2014.
It was in the middle of my chemo and I went out feeling week with my bold head to the cold October day.
But I was so excited and full of spirit.
Meeting other survivors gave me a huge dose of determination to fight back.
To believe in myself that I can be free of cancer.
And now, 5 years after that, I'm back for my 5th walk as the survivor.
As always, I registered our team, Indonesia Ceria & Beyond, to participate in this year's walk. Some friends have confirmed to walk with me and I am so grateful for them. Thank you so much Erma, my dearest sister-in-crime; Haryo; Eliza; Nabil ad Razzan! It was an honour to have you guys walk with me!
So that morning, I met Erma and Haryo right in front of the UN Headquarters and took M15 as well as M66 bus to Central Park. As always, Making Strides walk starts and ends at the famous Bandshell in Central Park, which is located at the 72nd Street Transverse.
I woke up a bit late that morning, thanks to jetlag that made me sleep at 4 AM NYC time. But we managed to arrive at the Bend Shell at 9 AM. Not bad! And the check in for all participants has started at 7:30AM. As announced in cancer.org website, the first rolling or the start of the the walk began at 8:00AM and ended at 10:15AM. Just like previous years, the walk concluded around 12:00PM.
 |
| Mini me and I! |
This 4-mile walk really attracted thousand of New Yorkers!
When we arrived, it was packed with people and many of them were coming with their team, wearing pink and all those special costumes. I can say people of all ages in all costumes are there to spend the day with us the survivors in the park and also walk.
It's also heartwarming that the route for the walk is accessible to strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs. It's open for everybody!
There are non-stop entertainment as well as we have talented singers, DJ and bands entertaining us.
The first thing I did was stepping in to the Survivor tent!
It always gives me a goosebump and a wonderful feeling at the same time.
Being able to stand in front of the SURVIVOR tent never fails to make me feel how blessed and lucky I am.
I 'm still fighting the side effects of all those procedures I went through before but I'm here!
Standing tall, feeling better about myself and determined to live a healthier life, while advocating others to do the same thing.
 |
| I'm a survivor! |
So, at the survivor tent, I picked up my free t-shirt, wireless bra, as well as free breakfast from Starbucks and pink roses! I also wrote my name in the big banner saying You Never Walk Alone. We took pictures here and there.
This year is special as Avon is joining American Cancer Society to host this walk.
I also see Normani Hamilton from Fifth Harmony, joining her mother, a survivor as well, in this walk.
We joined the walk around 10 AM and we followed the route designated.
I didn't finish the walk this time because I had to admit I was super tired.
Flying from Jakarta and stopping by in Tokyo with the total traveling time of 23 hours really took a tool on me. I felt that my feet were swollen so that I decided to stop the walk just in the middle of it. It's a bit disappointing but I know I made the right decision.
 |
| Fight like a girl! |
 |
| Let's walk |
Well, at least my spirit continues and it roars up high every time I meet others survivor.
One of the biggest challenges that we survivors face is to stay healthy and manage the damaging side effects of the treatment we have received to get rid of cancer cells.
Coming back to NYC celebrating this positivity and excitement is indeed a great experience!
Being a cancer survivor is indeed a bless and I'm grateful for all the love and support I receive from everyone up until now.
So, that's my story from Making Strides against Breast Cancer 2018 - Go Pink!
Hope I can join Making Strides against Breast Cancer 2019 as well.
If you feel like donating this great movement, please check
 |
| Let's kick some cancer cells! |
So please, please, please, ladies...remember that early detection is the best protection.
If you feel and see something different in your body, check it.
Don't forget to do self breast exam, mammogram, and live a healthy, balance and happy life!
Stay healthy and blessed, people!
