Support the Fight against Breast Cancer!
Last fall, I ran a 10K to support Breast Cancer research. The race was great, made even better because I was running for a cause, something that meant a lot to me. I have experienced first-hand how cancer kills. I have both witnessed and experienced the pain it leaves in its wake. I have also seen the spiritual renewal and joy of its survivors.
After that 10K race, I committed to participating in the 2012 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer to be held on June 2-3. It was a big commitment, one that required me to spend many months training and fundraising. But breast cancer is a big disease, one that still affects far too many people, and I was determined to do everything I could to help put an end to it.
Breast cancer is something very real in the life of my family. We have many friends who are survivors and we are thankful. But we have others who fought hard but not been as fortunate. Many women -- going back generations -- in my wife's family have died from this disease, including my mother-in-law Barbara. We have learned that this runs in families, that there is a genetic component to this. So it is a fear that my wife and I live with. And we pray that someday, there will be a cure. We are still praying.
On June 2-3, the AVON Walk event took place, and it was an amazing experience! Over 2,800 walkers participated, along with hundreds of volunteers. There were inspirational speakers giving us hope and laying out a vision of the future without the scourge of cancer. And there was me, amazed and humbled by all the energy, hope, humor, determination, and sense of kinship among everyone involved. It is something I will never forget.
Albeit a two-day 'walk', this is indeed a "race". A race to put an end to this disease that claims so many men and women every year. This event goes beyond medals and personal accomplishment. This is a larger journey with a destination that would help heal an ailing world. I was proud to walk in remembrance of Barbara and in solidarity with all who are "IN IT TO END IT".
The money I raise will be managed and disbursed by the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade to help provide access to care for those that most need it, fund educational programs, and accelerate research into new treatments and potential cures. I was one of thousands of people that walked a marathon and a half (39.3 Miles) over a weekend, raising awareness of the cause and educating even more people.
How You Can Help!
But while the AVON Walk has come to an end in Chicago, the fight is far from over. If you did not have a chance to support this important cause, you can still help. It is not too late to make a donation towards the fight! All donations are tax-deductible! I appreciate your donations as they will help MAKE A DIFFERENCE! There are two ways to make a donation:
ONLINE Donations: You can make a donation to my fundraising campaign by going to my AVON Fundraising site and clicking on the DONATE NOW link there. It is simple, quick, and completely secure.
Mail-in Donations: If you prefer to write a check or send in a printed credit card transaction, you will need to print out this FORM, fill it out according to the instructions, and mail it to: AVON Foundation, PO Box 742509, Cincinnati, OH 45274-2509.
Please send me a message via the Contact Me page to let me know that you have made a donation and in what amount so that I can keep a record of each donation and have a chance to express my gratitude.
Thank you in advance!