Avon Walk a family affair for one participant

Each weekend thousands of people take to the streets of our communities, walking and running to raise money for charities.

Every one of them has found a cause to believe in, a bit of hope through helping. And every one of them has a reason for being there.

Today, Mallory Johnson shares her story.

So many people ask me, "Why do you walk? Do you know someone close to you with breast cancer?"

While I know survivors of breast cancer, I walk for every man and woman out there. Breast cancer affects many people, including our mothers, daughters and sisters. I want to be out there making a difference.

My name is Mallory Johnson and I'll be walking in my second Avon Walk for Breast Cancer on June 6 and 7. The 39.3 miles we walk through the neighborhoods of Chicago are gorgeous! After the wonderful experience I had last year, I wouldn't pass it up for anything. Knowing that the money I raise gets put right back into the community keeps my dedication close to heart.

When I signed up last year, I had no clue what to expect. I simply attended a meeting and joined right there on the spot. I trained hard and fundraised even harder. When the walk came, I was very nervous because I was doing it all by myself - or so I thought. There are so many walkers, you're bound to meet or know someone. I met two sisters, and we connected right away. We ended up walking the whole route together, coaching each other along.

I was so touched by all the communities we walked through. People were cheering, holding signs and even handing out Popsicles to cool us off. It's amazing how many people are affected and what they do to show their support.

I will be hosting a fundraiser from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Wheaton VFW, 0N713 Papworth. The $10 admission fee goes toward my walk. We will have food, drinks and live music, lots of raffles and kids activities. Kids under 14 are free, and we encourage families to come out.

When my brother, Donovan, and I first started to brainstorm ideas for fundraising, we thought a party would be an excellent way to bring people together, raise awareness and have some good food and great fun while doing so. My brothers' band, The Hops, is more than excited to play for the event.

Once the basics were covered, we hit the streets armed with invitations and donation letters. Our hopes were that instead of asking local businesses for monetary donations, they could donate goods and services that we will raffle off. This, in turn, will influence people to support these philanthropic businesses. It brings people together, helps the economy and, above all, goes toward the cure. The donations we've received to date have been overwhelming.

So, why do I walk? I walk because I can. I can make a difference. I want to see the difference in my life - present and future. I hope to see you at the fundraiser, at the walk or on the streets - making a difference.

Get involved

Event: Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

Sponsor: The Avon Foundation

When: June 6 and 7

Where: Chicago

Info: walk.avonfoundation.org

Fundraiser

When: 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 16

Where: Wheaton VFW, 0N713 Papworth,

Cost: $10, free for ages 14 and younger

Details: Food, drinks, live music, raffles, kids activities