Last July I participated in the Boston Avon 39 Walk to End Breast Cancer. Over 1400 participants from 37 states and the District of Columbia (including 165 breast cancer survivors whom I prefer to call “victors”) walked a total of 39.3 miles over two days. This was my 17th breast cancer walk.

How much money was raised, ML?

Thanks to your generosity I raised $14,025 and I was among the top ten fundraisers in Boston. All 1400 walkers together raised $3 million to accelerate breast cancer research; to improve access to screening, diagnosis and treatment; and to educate people about breast cancer.  

Love those numbers! How was the walk?

We began on Saturday, July 9 at 6:30 a.m. with an inspirational opening ceremony at Carson Beach Harborwalk in Boston. We walked 26.2 miles through the Boston area, supported by an all-volunteer crew and cheered on by supporters. It rained, but it didn’t dampen our spirits.

Our walk took us through South Boston, the Seaport District, the Greenway, the North End, Beacon Hill, the Boston Common, Back Bay, past Fenway Park, and through the wonderful parks of the Emerald Necklace. My family was there to cheer me on from Mile 14-17. Walkers spent Saturday night in Canton (MA) at the Reebok’s World Headquarters. (Reebok is a major sponsor of all of the Avon 39 Walks across the country.) The Reebok campus featured two-person pink tents, hot showers in trucks (not as bad as it sounds), meals, entertainment and leisure activities, as well as volunteer medical services. A new element to the campground this year was Primetime 39, an evening entertainment showcase featuring a local Boston band, Red Square. They were terrific.

Lights out were at 10 pm. (I was asleep at 9!) On Sunday, after completing the final 13.1 miles, participants joined family and friends to celebrate their achievement at a finish festival and closing ceremony at 2 pm back at Carson Beach Harborwalk in Boston. 

You gave a speech at camp on Saturday night?

On Friday afternoon before the walk, as I was driving on I-90 in western Massachusetts about two hours from Boston, I received a call from the main Avon 39 office in New York City asking me to speak on Saturday night about my fundraising efforts. Yikes! There wasn’t a lot of prep time. But I managed to come through using my iPhone notepad and using the only other person in the car, my husband, Peter, as my audience and constructive critic. 

I focused my speech on what works best for me in my fundraising: I simply ask everyone I know to make a donation. Over the years, as many of you know first hand, I have continued to use personal letters, e-mail, and social media to ask people to support this important cause. Before it was my turn to stand in front of the microphone, I was very nervous. Speaking to more than a thousand walkers, crew, and visiting families would make anyone nervous. I calmed myself by thinking about all of you who have supported me over the years. You are my inspiration and if I could have, I would have read every single one of your names out loud that night. 

So what’s up for 2017 and how can I help?

This year will be my 18th breast cancer fundraising campaign. I will be walking the Avon 39 in Boston again on June 24th-25th.

You can make a donation right here on my webpage by clicking the "Donate Now" button to the right. If you prefer to write a check, click the “Donate By Mail” button and follow the instructions on the form.

Your donations will be managed and disbursed by the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. The dollars you pledge will put food on the table of a breast cancer patient and her family. They will enable access to mammograms and medicine, fuel research, and save lives.

Need any more reasons to click that Donate button?

I’m walking with thousands of other 39ers. We’re banding together in solidarity and have one goal: to take breast cancer down. So many sisters and mothers and friends have been lost. We see a world without breast cancer for our daughters and nieces. AVON 39 is a force of change that can’t be stopped. By supporting me with a donation, you’re part of it.

Although you may donate at any time this year, I hope you are able to donate by June 1 before my Avon Walk in Boston.

I couldn’t do this year after year without your support, but the greatest impact of your support will be 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