Competing with the Dalai Lama

There's no competition here.

Last October, when we were trying to pick a date for the 2013 Portland Melanoma Walk, I made sure that we weren't competing with the Heart Walk. That we weren't walking on Mother's Day, Cinco de Mayo, or Memorial Day. But let's be real. There's a real shortage of event-free Saturday mornings during Melanoma Awareness Month. I did the best I could, picked May 11, and hoped that nothing "big" would be scheduled in conflict with the event. Apparently, all was for naught, because now I'm competing with the Dalai Lama.

That's right. On Saturday, May 11, His Holiness will be hosting a summit on environmental issues at the Memorial Coliseum. At 9:30 a.m. The same time as the walk!

I have to admit, I'm a pretty big fan of the Dalai Lama. I read one of his books when I was an undergrad, and I really admire the way he's able to inspire so many people to "do good." I just had to laugh that--of all possible schedule conflicts--I am competing with the Dalai Lama.

In all seriousness though, I'm stoked for May 11. Earlier today I chatted with a reporter from The Oregonian, who posted a writeup about our event on OregonLive.com. It'll be appearing in print next Wednesday, May 8. My fingers and toes are crossed that everything will go smoothly next Saturday. Please forgive me for being MIA as I figure out all the last minute event details.