Friends join forces in breast cancer walk
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, Barb Lacey of Naperville explains why she will walk this weekend alongside her best friend in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.
I've become very active in the fight against breast cancer and have participated in quite a few fundraising events that help those affected by this disease. Breast cancer has touched my family and friends; this past February my best friend, Kathi Holst, celebrated her fifth year as a breast cancer survivor.
The experience to walk in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is one of the most grueling challenges I have ever participated in. There were times when I didn't think I could finish the 39.3 miles, but all it took is for me to take one look at my best friend, Kathi. Knowing what she went through as a survivor gave me the motivation to finish.
This is a worthy cause, and I now have walked for three years and look forward to walking beside her until we find a cure.
Breast cancer is touching more lives than I ever realized. It keeps coming closer and closer to me and to the people I care about.
That is why on Saturday and Sunday, June 5 and 6, I'll spend the weekend walking, along with thousands of other people, in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. I will walk nearly 40 miles, the distance of a marathon and a half.
I've spent the past few months training and fundraising, and I'm committed to walking for an entire weekend. I'm one of thousands of people all over the country who will be doing this, all to raise funds for the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade and to support their mission of providing access to care and finding a cure.
I'm very excited about doing it because I know it will make a real difference to the millions of people affected by breast cancer. Much of the money raised will stay right here to help people in our city.
I have committed to raise at least $1,800, but I'm setting my goal even higher, and I plan to raise at least $2,500. I'm going to need support from many people to reach my goal.
If you've never personally known anyone touched by breast cancer you are very fortunate. One in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer. Now think of your friends and family. Which one will be affected? Your best friend? Your wife? Your daughter? Maybe even yourself? Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death for women right now, and the leading cause of death in women between the ages of 40 and 55. Every woman is at risk, because we don't know how to prevent it.
To make a donation, visit my Web page, info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk/Chicago?px=4498025&pg=personal&fr_id=1930.
Please remember as you're making your donation that in the time it took to read this, another woman in the U.S. was diagnosed with breast cancer.
I am Barb Lacey and I am in it to end it for my friend Kathi Holst. Together we can make a difference!
<p class="factboxheadblack">Avon Walk for Breast Cancer</p> <p class="News"><b>Why:</b> Proceeds support the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade's efforts to improve access to care and to support research</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> Opening ceremony at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, June 5; closing ceremony at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 6</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Soldier Field Stadium Green, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive, Chicago</p> <p class="News"><b>Details:</b> Walkers cover either 26.2 or 39.3 miles in two days</p> <p class="News">To donate to Barb Lacey's efforts: <a href="http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk/Chicago?px=4498025&pg=personal&fr_id=1930" target="new">info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk/Chicago?px=4498025&pg=personal&fr_id=1930</a></p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> <a href="http://avonwalk.org" target="new">avonwalk.org</a></p>