Wendy’s Walking Medley

My daughter Wendy has always been a giver, even at a young age. If you need something, she is always the first to step up. So it came as no surprise that she took on an extraordinary task in July; the Challenge for Be The Match! That involved committing to taking 10,000 steps every day for 30 days.

She did it to bring awareness to Be The Match.org. For the thousands of people diagnosed every year with life-threatening blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, a cure exists. Over the past 30 years, Be The Match, operated by the National Marrow Donor Program, has managed the most diverse marrow registry in the world.

She also did it in honor of 23-year old Jacob, the son of one of Wendy’s dearest friends (Claudia). Jacob is fighting Hodgkin’s Lymphoma … for the second time.


It wasn’t always easy. During a very rainy day (and night), she realized she couldn’t put off her duty.
“I grabbed my poncho and a flashlight. I needed to get to my daily goal of at least 10,000 steps. And I did. During my puddly, soggy walk, I caught myself thinking ‘This is brutal!’ Then I corrected myself and realized it was nothing compared to fighting cancer.”


Wendy typically went above and beyond the challenge. When she hit the monthly goal of 300,000 steps by July 19, she decided to add another 100,000 steps to her total. The intense heat we all experienced in July did not slow her down.

She nailed the 400,000 by July 23!

And still she went on. By the time the month ended, Wendy had taken an amazing 511,000 steps! Think about that for a minute … over half a million steps!

“My challenge was nothing in comparison to fighting cancer and all the unknowns that lie ahead. I can take a break now, slow it down but cancer patients will continue to fight every damn day. Cancer is a wicked disease. I know too many family members and friends who have dealt with its crippling fear. It has been my honor to hold them in my heart and mind during my walks.”

And the best news? On August 6, Claudia shared the news that a match had been found for Jacob! The selected donor is a 23 year old nameless young woman from somewhere overseas.

And so this “walking” medley is for Wendy; for all that she did, and for all that she is.

Play button is on the left … Volume slider is on the right

Wendy’s Walking Medley

Ricky Nelson – Bangles – Left Banke
Rooftop Singers – Johnny Cash – Fats Domino
Dire Straits – Katrina & The Waves
Gerry & The Pacemakers

(For all who need hope)

Comments (29)

  1. Sandy Gaither

    Wow! What a great selection of walking songs. Whether you are walking on by, walking like an Egyptian, or doing the walk of life you’ll never walk alone. I must admit that there was not a single spin on here that I didn’t like. I thought almost never happens. All very poignant messaging. The last song made me tear up, because my dad used to sing it. This was such a great medley for Wendy, who is an overachiever from the word go! So admired by a lot of people, including me. I am a fan, and all. Thank you Ray!

    1. Ray (Post author)

      Sandy, thank you for the lovely comments.
      I am very proud of Wendy (but then again, I always have been) and I thought she deserved to have her efforts heralded.
      That last song seemed so appropriate.

      1. Wendyl

        Thanks, Sweet Daddy 🙂

    2. Wendyl

      Thanks so much, Sandy 🙂

  2. Donald Doyle

    Wendy, congratulations on your achievement! That’s a lot of steps! Best of all your friend found a match. Wonderful news. But wait there’s more good news, your Dad played music by The Left Banke! Now we’re making progress. This is a great medley, I can see it providing an incentive to get up and move.
    Once again Wendy, thank you for caring and calling attention to such a worthwhile cause. You are a true Role Model.

    1. Ray (Post author)

      Don,
      Thank you for the kind words for Wendy. She deserved every one of them.
      ROCK ON, BRO!

    2. Wendyl

      Thank you, Don 🙂

  3. Wendyl

    Thank you so much for putting this medley together and celebrating my walking challenge! It’s full of great songs and so very thoughtful! Your sweet sentiments made me a little misty. I get so much of me from you and I love us!!! Thanks for also spreading the word about BeTheMatch.org and the Hope Jacob and his loved ones are holding right now. You supported me in so many ways during the challenge, along with every aspect of my entire life, and I am truly grateful for your love support then, now and always. <3 XOXOXOXO <3

    1. Ray (Post author)

      Thank you, Wendyl ❤️
      Thank you for every single thing you do to help others.
      Thank you for being a bright sunbeam in a world getting darker by the day.
      I Love You, Now and Always
      ❤️XOXOXOXO❤️

  4. Elizabeth Karlton

    Congratulations to Wendy. Congratulations to all who see a need, and challenge themselves to meet that need.

    1. Ray (Post author)

      Thank you for the kind words about Wendy, Liz. I am, as you could probably tell, very proud of her. 🙂

    2. Wendyl

      Thank you so much! 🙂

      1. Ray (Post author)

        ❤️

  5. Penny S Capron

    Congrats Wendy!! As usual, great medley!! Can never go wrong with the man in black. Now off to cool off since our heat index is around 105. Stay safe and cool you sweet man!

    1. Ray (Post author)

      Thank you, Penny. 🙂
      As always, I’m happy you enjoyed the tunes.
      I will be laying low on Monday since we will be getting heavy rain throughout the day. As for you … STAY COOL!

    2. Wendyl

      Thank you, Penny! 🙂

      1. Ray (Post author)

        ❤️

  6. Fred

    Love love love such a beautiful kind hearted woman great songs Ray!! I don’t know what to say!! I’m just proud to have her as a friend and I know how proud you are!!! Wendy you are special gal!! love you

    1. Ray (Post author)

      Thank you, Fred. ❤️
      Yes, I am very proud, and yes, she is a very special gal!
      I know (and I hope you do, too) how she feels about you. Those old days of Wendy and you “connecting the songs” are days both she and I treasure.
      Thank you for taking the time to comment.
      ROCK ON, BRO!

    2. Wendyl

      Thanks and love you too, Fred! 🙂

      1. Ray (Post author)

        ❤️

  7. Mary Hawthorne

    Wow Wendy…just like your dad
    Always liked the Gerry and the Pacemakers rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone originally from the musical Carousel.
    Thanks Ray

    1. Ray (Post author)

      Thank you, Mary Helen. 🙂
      Wendy takes caring for others to an incredible degree. She has a heart of gold and a soul to match.

    2. Wendyl

      Thanks Mary! That’s quite a compliment, for sure! 🙂

      1. Ray (Post author)

        ❤️

  8. Pat Conant

    Wendyl, you are one fantastic lady!! A chip off the “old block”, for sure. I agree with Sandy, Ray, I loved every song, & the last one made me cry. Always a pleasure to find a medley
    from you.

    1. Ray (Post author)

      Thank you, Pat. ❤️
      Wendy certainly did go above and beyond but that is her standard policy.
      As for the music, thank you for the very kind words. That last song is so moving and so very appropriate.

    2. Wendyl

      Thanks Pat! So proud to be a chip off the “old block”/Daddy’s girl. 🙂

      1. Ray (Post author)

        ❤️

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