New Series of Interviews!

Posted by: Kim Sterritt

Can you believe we are under 2 weeks until the main event?! As many of you may remember, we kicked off this 2010 version of our 3 Day journey with a series of getting to know you interviews with each team member. Well, at the same time, I reached out to some of our biggest cheerleaders from the 2009 event to get their insight into the 3 Day from the Cheering Stations side of things. I will post one each day for the rest of the week. Here are two to get us kicked off:

Dave Smith

3 Day Status: Walker Stalker
Hometown: Perrysburg, Ohio

What is your connection to Team New Kids on the Walk?
I am Kim Smith's father. (editor’s note: He means Kim Sterritt. To be fair, he knew me as Kim Smith far longer than I have been Kim Sterritt!)

What one 3 Day moment sticks in your brain most?
When all the participants raised one of their shoes at the closing ceremony in honor of those who have or have had breast cancer. (editor’s note: I can pretty much guarantee that his eyes were not dry during the closing ceremony.)

What did you do to support the New Kids before, during and after the 3 Day?
Before, I contributed to Kim's fund raising that allowed her to participate in the event. During, I traveled to Atlanta, GA from Perrysburg, OH to show my support during the walk, encouraged Kim and her team during the walk, and attended the closing ceremony. After, I went home to Ohio so Kim and Adam could get their life back to normal. (editor's note: He did not mention the fact that his trip to support us during the walk was a complete surprise to me causing major heart palpitations and immediate sobbing. For a review of that check out my Top 10 post recapping the 2009 event. He will be back for the 2010 Walk only this time without the surprise factor!)

What words of encouragement do you have for the New Kids, both New and Experienced?
I think the 3 day walk is an awesome event and for a very good cause. I commend all of you for taking the time to prepare for the walk and for the effort that it takes to raise funds to allow you to participate. I pray that God will bless all of you with good health, strength, time, and the funds needed for you to participate in 2010.

Anything else you would like to add?
Only that I admire all of you for the sacrifices, commitment, and effort you are making to participate in this event.

Marsha Smith
3 Day Status: Walker Stalker
Hometown: Perrysburg, Ohio

What is your connection to Team New Kids on the Walk?
My daughter, Kim walked in the 3 Day.

What one 3 Day moment sticks in your brain most?
Well, I can't really name one. There were 4. The starting line and the finish line were very inspirational and brought me to tears. The day Kim's Dad, brother, sister-in-law, and nieces surprised her and showed up at a cheering site was awesome. And then the cheesy grits for breakfast were the best. Oh wait, that didn't have anything to do with the walk.

What did you do to support the New Kids before, during and after the 3 Day?
I attended the kick off dinner at Kim's the night before. I brought pink ribbon cookies, buckeye boobs and donated Marsha's Buckeye shirts to each girl. Adam, Dana and I were at the start, finish and every rest stop in between. We cheered them on and gave them all a lot of encouragement and hugs. (editor's note: Do not fear, I have already requested that cookies and buckeyes accompany her again for this year's walk. Additionally, this year, my mom had been my number 1 fundraiser! She sold buckeyes at her salon, held a garage sale, sent e-mails on my behalf, etc. She deserves all credit!)

What words of encouragement do you have for the New Kids, both New and Experienced?
I guess I would say to do the preliminary miles before the walk. Prepare your feet. Don't change your shoe style during the race. Have warm, cool, and rain gear. And plenty of Kleenex. You never know what you will need. (editor's note: TRUTH!)

Anything else you would like to add?
Be proud of the time and effort you have donated to the 3 Day. I think the memories will stick with you for a life time.

Dave and Marsha will be flying the friendly skies to cheer us on yet again and are trying to figure out how to fly with all of the requested goodies! Thanks for the support!