Do you know how much your generosity means for our goal to crush breast cancer?

Tons!

Every year I have the pleasure of writing to family and friends about the work we are doing to help end breast cancer (and to tell you about my experiences in our previous year’s fundraising efforts). Before I get to that, I thought you might like to know some of the overall stats of the Avon 39 Walk to End Breast Cancer. Each Avon 39 weekend represents 26.2 miles walked on Saturday and 13.1 miles walked on Sunday—this is where the “39” comes from. Avon 39ers have banded together in solidarity with one goal since 2003—to take breast cancer down. Check out these important numbers:

207,000--the number of 39ers who got off the couch, strapped on their shoes, and earned their 39

6,868,000--the number of miles trekked by 39ers who went the distance to stomp out breast cancer 

550,000,000--the number of dollars raised by 39ers dedicated to ending breast cancer forever

So where does the money go?

Your donations to my fundraising efforts supported breast health outreach and education both across the Midwest and nationwide, linking more than 50,000 underserved women to screening services per year and helped educate 7.5 million more about breast health.

Your donation contributes to funds awarded to provide state of the art breast cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling and testing, and access to research projects regarding hereditary breast cancer to medically underserved people.

Your donation supported awards to researchers to fund clinical trials studying ways to use a patient’s immune system to fight metastatic breast cancer, and to explore and test the effects that drugs may have on these breast cancer cells in order to develop new treatments.

How was that Avon Walk in Chicago last year, Mary Lou?

Our walk began on a beautiful, warm Saturday, June 6th at 6:30 am with an inspirational opening ceremony at Soldier Field Stadium Greens. More than 2200 walkers from 43 states and Washington DC, including 296 breast cancer survivors and 334 men, participated in this event. My team of seven Kindred Spirits walked through the Chicago-land area, supported by an all-volunteer crew and cheered on by family, friends, and supporters. Walking along the lakeshore and through the beautiful parks and downtown Chicago was spectacular, but challenging. (No streets are closed for this walk and the downtown area is vibrant and bustling on the weekends with both residents and tourists. I was always worried that I would miss one of the Avon “Turn Here” signs and end up back in Michigan.) We spent Saturday night at Basecamp 39, which was located at Horner Park, and featured pink two-person tents, hot showers, meals, and entertainment. Our home-away-from-home also included a temporary tattoo parlor, assorted games, and nightly entertainment. A special tent, Lounge 39, also allowed participants to relax. I have to confess that I was too tired to participate in anything much more than meals and a shower.

Refreshed with a good night’s sleep, on Sunday we completed the final 13.1 miles back to Soldier Field after enduring torrential rains and thunderstorms. We crossed the finish line and received finisher medals as a new keepsake of our accomplishments. We joined family and friends who cheered and celebrated our achievement at closing ceremonies. 

We raised more than $5,000,000. New grants were announced from the stage, reminding us of our accomplishments, and the importance of our fundraising efforts to end breast cancer. My team—through the generous support and commitment from our donors (you!)—raised almost $18,000 for this important cause.

What’s up for 2016?

This year will be my 17th breast cancer fundraising campaign. I will be walking in the Boston Avon 39 on July 9th and 10th. I hope you will partner with me, as I definitely need your help to reach my goal of $13,000 this year. Please donate on behalf of my fundraising efforts for the 2016 Boston Avon 39 Walk to End Breast Cancer. You can donate in one of two ways:

Click on the DONATE NOW link on the upper right of this page. You can make an on-line donation with your credit card. When you donate on-line, you can make a single one-time donation (or you can choose to spread your donation payment over a three-month or five-month time period). 

You can also print out a donation coupon so that you can write a check and mail it to the AVON 39 by clicking on the DONATE BY MAIL link at the upper right of this page. 

Although you may donate at any time, I hope you are able to donate before July 9th when I begin my Avon Walk in Boston.

I couldn’t do this year after year without your support, but the greatest impact of your support is felt by the people your donation will help. On their behalf, I will be thanking you every step of the way.

In hope for finding the cause and the cure, 

Mary Lou