1) Earl and Carol Foster, Huntington, WV: my wonderful uncle and aunt and great supporters (not to mention advisors on all things bone and joint related).
2) Jen Bruns, Waterloo, Iowa: My lifelong horse-crazy (be them steel or flesh-and-blood) friend and "little sis."
3) Kate and Jeremy Bartelt, Minneapolis, Minn: My "BFFs," personal environmental advisors and favorite people with whom to drink raspberry tea at 3 a.m.
4) Lisa and Greg Oelke, Dalhart, Texas: My fantastic cousins and first people to ever take me mountain climbing.
5) Damon Coughlin, Collinsville, IL: My best friend from college, former housemate and über-talented cardiac nurse.
6) Doug and Jo Young, Iowa City, Iowa: My father's fraternity brother and his wife, who have long been something of a joyous, tailgating aunt and uncle to me.
7) Larry and Sheryl Foster, Sioux City, Iowa: My parents, my greatest supporters throughout my life, my friends and the pair who taught my brothers and me the importance of philanthropy.
8) Paul and Mary Jo Peterson, Mt. Prospect, Il.: My warm, loving and supportive in-laws. How lucky am I to have this family on my side?
9) Allison Smith, Palatine, Il.: A wonderful person whom I am overwhelmingly lucky to call "friend" and a source that I officially can never quote. Some sacrifices are more than worthy of being made.
10) Jason C. Foster, Alexandria, Va.: My oldest brother, great advisor on all things long-distance training and "GTMO Bad Boy."
11) Lt. Kelsey C. Foster, Lafayette, Ind.: My older brother, an outstanding advisor, supporter and All American Hero.
12) Jenn Wiant (Crawford!), Chicago, Ill.: Jenn is a colleague, a friend and an inspiration. This remarkable woman is capable of planning her own long-distance wedding, handling two people's jobs and training for a marathon - at the same time. What a special person and how lucky I am to count her among my friends. (P.S. Congrats again, newly wed!)
13) Lorraine Duchnowski, Pekin, Ill.: I am overwhelmed by the generosity of Mrs. Duchnowski. Here is a gracious woman whom I have yet to meet, but who is willing to reach into her heart and pocket book to support a stranger all at the behest of her equally remarkable granddaughter, Jillian. Thank you, Mrs. Duchnowski. Thank you.
14) The Enck family, Crystal Lake, Ill.: Becki, Tim, Abby and Cam started as sources and quickly became friends. I had the honor of meeting this wonderful family when they welcomed me into their lives to tell their story. Now they are turning the tables, giving me both spiritual and financial support; and I appreciate it immensely.
15) Lila Foster, Las Vegas, Nevada: My grandmother. My family's matriarch. My personal favorite weather watcher. A woman to whom I owe life itself. I love you!
16) Sondra and Lou Jacobi, Las Vegas, Nevada: My paternal aunt and uncle, and a delightful pair that guarantees there is never a dull moment to be had. Whenever I get tired, or bored, on the trail, all I have to do is imagine what Sandy's colorful response to this undertaking would be. Sandy, with your help, I'm keeping tits healthy for dipping in the 'taters!
17) Howie and Dorothy Peterson, Wheaton, Ill.: Andy's aunt and uncle are his God parents. They're also two of the warmest, funniest and most welcoming people I have ever met. Since they learned about my walk, they've been gung-ho, 100 percent for it, both with their advice and their financial support. I can't tell them how much I've appreciated it.
18) Jake and Julie Theisen, Sioux City, Iowa.: Jake and Julie are the sort of people who start off as your buddy's parents, and become your second set. This wonderful couple raised two amazing daughters and still opened their doors, hearts and home to a slew more.
19) Louetta and Gary Johnson, Woodstock, Ill.: Lou is a former colleague of mine who I am proud to say is my friend. Since day one of my position at the Northwest Herald, she was a mix of receptionist, answering service, call screener, shoulder to cry on, advice giver and mother hen. Her husband Gary is equally delightful. I am so lucky to have had the chance to know them and look forward to making them proud.
20) Wayne and Margie Janus, Chicago, Ill.: Mr. Janus has long been Andy's "second father." He's a warm, resounding ball of energy and love who will do anything for someone he cares about and trusts. His wife, Margie, is the exact same way. How lucky I am that they count me among the worthy recipients of their generosity.
21) Richard and Barb Baehr, Inverness, Ill.: This wonderful couple is among my parents' group of motorcycle friends; and fortunately for Andy and me, their friendship transcends generations. Barbara, a tiny spitfire in a black leather jacket, is among the remarkable men and women for whom I am walking. I hope I do her proud!
22) Phil Baumann, Arlington Heights, Ill.: Phil is one of the long, long time friend of Andy's who most warmly welcomed me into his world. One-part zen master, one-part globe trotter and one-part businessman on a custom Harley-Davidson, it's always a delight whenever we get together. His generosity toward his friends transcends his always interesting stories.
23) Virjean and Mike Verschoor, Sioux City, Iowa: I grew up just down the road from this lovely couple and their two daughters. They were the sort of neighbors that I could go to whenever I needed a baby-sitter, a distraction or, before I got my own, a horse fix; the sort of neighbors that would take in a small child and mend her "boo-boos" while her parents were jogging and unaware of the hurt. Clearly, the love and support has been a fixture of my life; it continues even now.
24) Phil and Kay VanderStoep,St. Cloud, Minn.: Like the Youngs, the VanderStoeps are friends of my parents from med school. My brothers and I were just lucky enough to grow up regarding them as long-distance relatives. They continue to play that role today, offering endless love and support and the goodness of their very large hearts.
25) John and Pat Stein, Sioux City, Iowa: Another couple that was always like another set of parents to me. There aren't enough words to express all that the Steins have done for me in the past, and now as an adult. So "Thank you" will have to do.
26) Mike and Terri Ferrell, Sioux City, Iowa: Mike and Terri are the sorts of neighbors, friends and role models that quickly become your adopted "uncle" and "aunt." I consider myself incredibly lucky that Mike found Timberlane all those years ago, and that they became such close friends with my parents. Thank you, Mike and Terri, for all that you have done, and all that you continue to do.
27) Tim, Patti and Ali Ferrrell, Inverness, Ill.: Tim is Mike's brother, Patti is Tim's remarkable wife, and Ali their gorgeous daughter. Like their relatives in Sioux City, the Inverness Ferrells are warm, loving and generous supporters of all things breast cancer and Susan G. related. In fact, Patti is one of the reasons I chose to do this walk: She is an alumna of the 3Day herself and her stories were wonderful. I look forward to the time the whole "gang" decides to take its annual motorcycle trek out to the Centennial State: The door is always open!
28) Len and Ramona Peterson, Scappoose, Ore.: Len and Ramona are Andy's West Coast uncle and aunt. While I, unfortunately, haven't had a tremendous amount of time to spend with them, they've always been warm, loving and open to me. I consider myself lucky to count them amongst our large, colorful extended family! I can't wait until the first Pikes Peak climb, you two.
Finally, I would be remiss not to thank one person whose contributions transcend the monetary, standing, walking and sweating alongside me throughout this entire experience to date. He's even taking the time off of work so he can fly back to Chicago with me for the walk and will volunteer as support staff. What an incredible man:
Andrew Joseph Peterson, Colorado Springs, Co.: My amazing husband who has already logged hours in the tennis shoes with me to get ready for August; who has endured hours of mindless babble about the walk; who has carefully planned meals so my diet stays healthy; who puts up with his wife's crazy work schedule and ethic; and who is giving up his wife for three days so she can sleep in a tent, walk under the blazing hot sun and most likely come home smelling a bit like cheese. I love you, babe.
Thanks to all of you who are reading this blog, supporting me along my way and sending thoughts and encouragement.
With best wishes for good health and love,
Regan
