Fifty-nine-year-old Gardnerville Ranchos resident Pam Sturlin has overcome physical challenges most of her life - has been called athletic in spite of it all - and now is charging into a new venture.
Sturlin, who has overcome childhood polio, scoliosis, thyroid disease and hip and knee injuries, is preparing for a three-day walk, 20 miles per day - the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race For The Cure on Nov. 11-13.
"It's for people that have been in wheelchairs, have MD, MS, have been in an accident and don't think they can pick themselves up that one more time," said Sturlin, who was at Lampe Park last week, training for the walk which will take place in San Diego, Calif.
Sturlin's son Sean Beavers, 38, recently battled cancer of the throat. The tumor appeared to be limited to one of his tonsils, which he had removed, then he underwent chemotherapy. He is waiting for test results on whether the cancer is completely gone.
Sturlin's mother found out she had breast cancer at age 72 and lived 10 more years after a double mastectomy and chemotherapy and radiation.
Sturlin's friend Shelli Hodges died of breast cancer in May, and somewhere in that time, Sturlin and her daughter Shanin Zmija who lives in San Diego decided to participate as a team in the walk for cancer.
"I've been thinking about the 'whys,' about why I'm doing it," said Sturlin. "It's been a challenge even around getting my mind ready to do it. Now I've got two more months and I've got to start."
Sturlin's strength developed from the time she had polio in her legs as a child.
"I lived in bed for my third year," said Sturlin. "My father built me a trapeze and swing set out of rope and wood. My brother and sister played on the swing set. I saw them hanging by their legs on the trapeze. I ran out and said, 'Hey mom, watch this!' And I fell directly on my head.
"Later, I would swing by my legs and belly flop on the lawn to get off. That's how I got my legs back. That, and dancing."
Sturlin said her parents were ballroom dancers, something she decided to take up too. But at 14, she was diagnosed with scoliosis and had to wear a body cast for a year.
During that time, Sturlin would go to dances and keep time by knocking her fist on her body cast.
"I think the reason that nobody treated me differently is because I wouldn't let them," she said.
"I bowled my best game in a body cast," said Sturlin, laughing. "I didn't want to be pitied. You can't feel sorry for yourself."
As an adult, Sturlin contracted Hashimoto's disease, a virus that causes inflammation of the thyroid gland, often leading to an under-active thyroid.
"I have no working thyroid gland. I'm the only person I know that can walk eight miles and gain a pound," said Sturlin.
Her daughter also has this disease that is sometimes theorized to be genetic.
Despite these conditions, Sturlin has pushed herself her entire life. Before moving to the Ranchos in 2000, she was a Las Vegas resident for 28 years, where she had her own volleyball court in her back yard. It could have been her athleticism or it could have been daily life, she's not sure exactly what led to other problems like torn hip tendons and an injured knee. A few months ago she received shots in her hips to reduce pain and inflammation so that she could go on the walk.
Besides these obstacles, the biggest hurdle remaining for Sturlin and her daughter is raising the funds necessary to participate.
"Shanin and I have to raise $2,200 each," said Sturlin. "Her husband who is in the Navy left for overseas in a dangerous area and they have three kids so fundraising is not on top of her list. She doesn't have a whole lot of time."
Sturlin has raised $915 and has to have the rest of the money by Nov. 1.
"Otherwise we'll have to come up with it and neither of us is in a position to do that," she said.
She thought of an idea to print the names of people that are requested by the contributors on their six shirts they will wear during the three days of walking. Contributions can be made in two ways: Mail a check made payable to "The 3-Day Walk," to Pam Sturlin at 1329 Highway 395, No. 10-325, Gardnerville, NV 89410; or go online to http://www.the3day.org/SanDiego06/pamsturlin/ and make a contribution. If Sturlin's goal is reached, she will apply the additional funds to her daughter's goal, or visit http://www.the3day.org/SanDiego06/shanin/ to contribute to Zmija's account.
"Training for 60 miles in the midst of all the other daily things that must get done is a great task," said Zmija, in an e-mail. "Most people in life never get involved in anything that is larger then they are; something that requires them to push themselves and go beyond who they are. I am honored to walk for all those that came before me that had no voice and had no help or hope."
"My goal is to finish, that will be winning for all of us," said Sturlin.
n Jo Rafferty can be reached at jrafferty@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 210.
