I was a smoker for over 20 years. I started when I was 12, quit during my pregnancy when I was 18 and then, for whatever ridiculously brilliant reason, I started back up again 3 months after my daughter was born.
During this multi-decade-long tobacco binge, I began having breathing problems. Surprise surprise. I was diagnosed with asthma and given an inhaler. Of course I was told to quit smoking.
Two days before my birthday in 2007 (that would be January 5, 2007) I had my last cigarette. I haven’t looked back.
My asthma symptoms, thankfully, went up with the smoke.

But my husband has never smoked. He’s had asthma his whole life. One of my best friends has asthma, she also has never abused her lungs voluntarily in any way. So many people like them are out there who don’t have the choice. They can’t just change a bad habit and have it all go away.

Which is why last year, I signed up and walked in the 2010 Asthma Walk here in Phoenix.
This year, I’ve gone one more step. I’ve volunteered to help with the walk AND, I’ve set up a team so that all my geeky friends and their geeky friends can come with me!

The walk is April 2, 2011 at Scottsdale Civic Center. If it’s anything like last year, it’ll be a blast with live music and lots of booths. The walk itself is a 5k, That’s 3.2 miles. It’s a nice leisurely stroll, you don’t have to rush. It’s not a race. Good for just about any shape.

So… if you’re in the valley the weekend of April 2, join us. Be as geeky or not as you like. I’m working on a logo for a t-shirt.
To sign up with the team go follow THIS LINK and click on the Join a Team link on the left side of the page. Search for INDEPENDENT FANS OF ARIZONA. You can’t miss it.

Be healthy this year.

Go. Sign up.

You will be assimilated.

Resistance is useless.

I’m thinking that we should make our shade tent into a TARDIS.