Well I did it! I have finally decided to take on a HUGE challenge. I’ve decided for my 40th birthday (July 1), I’m going to do something challenging, outside the box, and totally awesome!
I have decided that I am going to walk 39.3 MILES in 2 days in the AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer on July 8-9 to help breast cancer research, screenings, and survivors. While I have never walked in the shoes of a breast cancer patient, I have many friends and family that have. This is for THEM!
What is AVON 39?
The 15th annual AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer event series will be held in San Francisco this year along with other cities like Washington DC, New York, Boston, Chicago, Houston, and Santa Barbara. Last year the walk drew 1,900 participants from 37 states and Washington, D.C., including 222 breast cancer survivors. Together they raised $4.4 million towards breast cancer research; expanded access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment; and breast cancer education.
Since its launch in 2003, the AVON 39 has included 220,000 participants walking 6,868,000 miles and raising nearly $590,000,000 that were dispersed via grants to local, regional and national breast cancer organizations.
Why I’m Participating
I know that the walk will be challenging both physically and mentally, but that is nothing compared to the physical and mental challenges that a breast cancer patient must endure. But that’s why it is so important. #powerof39 means that I am walking to lighten their burden.
I originally started training to walk in the Parkway Half Marathon again this year in Sacramento back in November. I decided around February 1 to begin training for a full marathon as a way to up my fitness game.
Then I heard about the Avon 39 but was reluctant to join. I was afraid I didn’t have what it takes to get my 39. I decided to combine my half marathon and full marathon training to complete the Avon 39. I will turn 40 on July 1, so I am finishing out my third decade by training for one of the most important two days of my life.
How I’m Preparing
From now until the AVON 39 weekend, I will train to strengthen my body and mind to walk over 39 miles in two days. I will be walking with thousands of other 39ers across the country, together in solidarity, with the goal to take down breast cancer! So many grandmothers, moms, sisters, and friends have been lost to this terrible disease. I would LOVE to see a world without breast cancer for my three daughters.
I will be documenting my training journey so check back often.
How You Can Help
I’m required to raise at least $1,800 to earn my 39, but hope to raise so much more! AVON 39 is a force of change that can’t be stopped. By supporting me with a donation, you can be part of the force to end breast cancer too.
Your donations are managed and disbursed by the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. Every dollar that you pledge will help a breast cancer patient and her family. The money will also allow access to medicine and mammograms, fund research, and help save lives.
Please help me raise my fundraising goal of $1800 by making a donation HERE (or clicking on the AVON 39 graphic below) and clicking the “Donate Now” button. If you’d prefer to write a check, please click the “Donate By Mail” button and follow the instructions. Thank you for your donation. Every donation helps, regardless of amount.
More Info
For more information about AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer, please visit www.avon39.org or join the #Powerof39 conversation on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.
For information and resources regarding breast cancer, visit avonfoundation.org.
