STEWART COPELAND

Team Nutters for Life assembled in lovely Villanova outside Philly yesterday morning. It was a beautiful day for a walk. We joined literally hundreds of other walkers and runners who were there to help spread awareness and education about skin cancer and melanoma. It's a disease that takes people at an alarmingly young age. Some groups were there walking in memory of loved ones who lost their battle in their early 20's. Free skin cancer screenings were offered. Several Nutters took advantage of them.

We all had our team t-shirts on (even our special guest walker), but sadly, we didn't win. The walk seemed *way* too short. The weather and campus were so nice we could have gone on a few more K's! Laurie had a special moment that I'll let her tell about. We went out for lunch afterwards and hit a really cool record store. We took lots of pics and I'll get mine up some time tonight. I'm sure others will be popping up soon.

We almost met our donation goal. The tally was around 77% the last time I checked and I think there are some checks still rolling in. Thank you so much for your spiritual and financial support in this endeavor. Knowledge is power (pardon my sounding like a PSA). I think there's a west coast walk later in the year if anyone's interested in a left coast version.

Was great seeing everyone yesterday and cheers to Amy for being the team organizer this year. The turn-out for the event was apparently the largest yet for Safe From The Sun, and a lot of our team took advantage of the free skin screenings being offered (as well as a *wonderful* masseuse giving free back massages!)

2k is definitely too short, and I'm thinking next year I'm going to go ahead and register for the 5k run instead. Might help me get more donations for the team as well.

It was a wonderful day. Great weather & friends…couldn’t ask for more. The turnout for the walk was very good, I’d say about twice as many people this year than last. Many more teams, etc. There is much more awareness out there or sadly, more people and being diagnosed with the disease and are seeking the resources available.

Anyway, we had a really nice time. It was great to be able to walk outside this year. Schmaff brought an extra special friend that turned more than one head <woof>. Amy gave me a ribbon to wear that said “Extra Special Person” along with a CG5 drum-kit pin. It was so thoughtful. I really did feel special yesterday and it was overwhelming to say the least. The biggest shock was that I received a “Courage” award from the Melanoma Int’l Foundation. I really didn’t see that one coming. There’s nothing like being caught off-guard and asked to say a few words to the crowd. I did OK with that and was glad to have the opportunity to acknowledge “Leroy Coolbreeze”. The funny thing is, Amy & Betsy thought I knew about the award due to an email snafu by the MIF group wherein I was copied about it…well for whatever reason I didn’t see the email, so it was a special surprise. You know, it’s all very humbling…I’m only doing what I need to do to beat the disease and keep moving forward. I really don’t look at it from the “courageous” perspective. It’s nice to be recognized and all, however what really gets to me are those that have fought the battle hard and unfortunately lost their lives. That’s were I personally see true courage and grace; however, I kindly accept the recognition.

Anyway, we followed up the morning by having a relaxing lunch at “The Grog” tavern and then browsing through a vintage LP record store <no KK>.

I really appreciate Amy, Betsy, Kathy, Nancy, Conroy, Nicole, Dave, Nicole and Toni coming out yesterday to support the cause and me -- Thank You, Friends!!! I’m also very grateful to all those who were there in spirit and have donated $ to our team to support MIF. I’m truly blessed.

xo Laurie

We had a great time for a most worthy cause. See you next year!

I'm glad everyone had a good time. Congratulations on winning the Courage award, Laurie!

(big, ear-splitting, deafening whistle for NUTTERS 4 LIFE!!!)

Great job, looking forward to piccys

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and... my puppy with his N4L shirt on that was too small for him:

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Top work you wonderful wonderful people

THANKS FOR DOING THIS.

Love the puppy shot

Good job all around! Leroy is smiling wherever he is.

Great update! Love the doggie pics too. I was thinking of you guys yesterday and was so happy that the weather was nice and clear and comfortable. Laurie, you're most deserving of that award for the way you've handled this with grace and, yes, courage.

Wow, you all look so great! Here is one giant nutter-lovin group hug originating in Florida and rippling all the way to you! Wait for it -- here it comes.

Laurie, You always come across as handling this with grace; your humility proves the award was appropriately given. Congrats on your award! Continued courage!

Great job, everyone!

Congratulations on the lovely award, Laurie.