Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

At the end of October, I finally did the long walk I've been prepping for - the 2-day Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Charlotte, NC. Although my physical journey was slightly shorter than the planned 39.3 miles (I fell victim to low blood sugar late Saturday afternoon, a few miles short of the end point for the day), the emotional journey made up for it. But first, a few statistics from the months leading up to the walk:

• 5 months of training
• $2275 raised with the help of my family and friends
• 3 pairs of running shoes for training
• 10-13 pounds lost since last fall
• 1 clean baseline mammogram (and the ability to say "mammogram" without blushing)

And a few stats from the walk itself:

• 35 miles walked (including a 1/2 mile detour when we followed a crowd that missed a turn sign)
• 4 threatened blisters (3 headed off by moleskin)
• 78,417 steps (clocked with the free pedometer given out at Event Eve)
• 14.5 hours of walking
• $2.3 million raised
• 1200 walkers

But enough of the quantitative! This walk was a much-needed opportunity to do something big and meaningful, and it has had a profound effect on both me and uncounted strangers. During the walk, I was touched by the spirit of the survivors, the dedication and fortitude of the other walkers, the selflessness and unflagging good spirits of the crew members, and the promise in the eyes of the donation recipients. The training hours leading up to the walk strengthened my friendship with my friend K, and the walk itself gave me a rare opportunity for extended conversation with my sister-in-law.

I've also been touched by the generosity and good hearts of my friends and family. Many of them opened up their wallets to donate, enabling me to raise more than the "necessary" amount for the walk. The Avon Foundation awarded $750,000 to local organizations at the closing ceremonies, and the rest will go to support ongoing grants in the areas of awareness and education, screening and diagnosis, access to treatment, support services, and scientific research.

Equally important, tons of people supported me emotionally by asking about my training, patiently listening to my training reports, asking their friends to donate, providing entertainment during my walks, and coming out to cheer us on during the big walk itself.

Best of all, this is not the end! The donations will continue to help people in need for months to come, I'm still walking on the weekends, and I have tentative plans to do another breast cancer walk next fall. Walk on!