Avon Walk 2014 - D.C.

Around New Years, I opened a fortune cookie to find this piece of advice: If you continually give, you will continually have. As though the Chinese food spirits knew my spring plans, it immediately got me thinking about the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and how I felt starting my 6^th journey. Each year I give my time, money and heart to this cause. Why? I give because I believe there is hope for a future without breast cancer. I give because I’ve seen both pain and survival. I give because this community of philanthropists inspires me to do more. I give because I can. So then you may ask, what do I get out of it? I’ll tell you. Hope. Love. Strength. And so much more…

One of my favorite things about the Avon Walk is the opportunity to get others involved. Granted most of my friends and family choose to participate as donors and/or cheerleaders, there are a select few women each year who choose to join me as Walkers. Team Tit-Tastic has been as big as eight members and as small as two (just mom and me in 2013), but a force to be proud of nonetheless. So in mid-January I sent out an email to former teammates, friends and family hoping for a few brave souls to join the 2014 team. My mom was ready to tackle another year and two ADPi sisters, Lauren and Anna, signed on as well. I couldn’t wait to get started – I knew this team would be special.

In my first email to the team each year, I like to include a quote that’s resonated with me for a while now: “The greatest thing you can do in your life is – with pride, with power – to ask somebody to change the world. Worlds can be changed a dollar at a time, five dollars at a time. And when somebody is feeling powerless in life, what makes them feel great is when they give. When you give, you feel generous. When you feel generous, you feel powerful.” This quote reminds me that I’m asking my teammates to join me in changing the world. I’m asking my donors to join me in changing the world. I’m asking myself to continue dedicating my life to changing the world.

I won’t bore you with the highs and lows of fundraising, but rest assured, January through May brought forth many solicitation emails, quite a bit of social media posting and teammates constantly motivating each other to push harder to achieve our $1800 minimums.

Toward the end of January I got a call from my mom with some fun news! Guess what she found while surfing the Avon website? Team Tit-Tastic holding the Food & Friends sign back in 2012. What an honor to be featured on the page of a program that has provided 1 million home-delivered, nutritious meals and specialized nutrition support to more than 2,250 breast cancer clients and their families in Washington D.C.!

At the beginning of February, the Avon Walk held a Great Start Party. In my six years participating in this Walk, I’d never been, so I was excited to check out what the evening had to offer. Anna and I were the only two teammates able to attend, so we arrived, grabbed some food and took a look around. There were probably 200 people there – a much larger crowd than I was expecting. It was a mix of veteran Walkers, rookie Walkers and people who hadn’t registered yet looking for more information. A few speeches were made – sweet and tear-jerking as I expected. There was a table to check out Reebok gear, a banner from a past year to take your photo in front of, a raffle (oh my goodness, I won a foot spa/massage thing!) and some other information tables. All in all it was a good night and I’m glad we went if for no other reason than to get a little more pumped about the coming months.

 

The next important matter for our team was creating t-shirts. Each year I ask that team members brainstorm slogans and imagery to reflect our journey, then come together and pick one best suited for us as a whole. This year, to mix things up, we decided to ditch the pink (I know, it was scary for me, too) and go with red, white and blue writing. It made sense – we Walk in the U.S. capital. And it would be different – we’d definitely stand out in the crowd on Walk Weekend.  Thus was created – Star Spangled Boobs!

Later in February, it was time to make a huge cut. Haircut that is! While I do love (and prefer) my long hair, I know that someone out there needs it more than I do. I’ve felt really good about donating to Pantene’s Beautiful Lengths campaign for the past several years and love seeing friends and family donate, too. Here is a beautiful video of a 3-year old little girl donating her hair. I dare you not to cry...

Another one of my favorite things about the Avon Walk is the attention they pay to milestones. By mid-March of this year, I reached the $1800 minimum and a few days later, I received a postcard from my Walker Buddy congratulating me on the accomplishment. That made me feel great! And then a few weeks later, I surpassed a 6-year total of $21,000 raised, and received a phone call from the NYC office. Of course I’m always striving for more and want to push my goals further, but every once in a while I have to remember to just stop and smile. I want to make a difference and I want to show others that they too can make a difference. I am doing what I set out to do 6 years ago – changing the world one dollar at a time – and amidst all the fundraising and training, I have to give myself a pat on the back.

With such a busy work schedule this spring, the month of April went by in a flash and before I knew it, it was Walk Weekend! First on the agenda was Event Eve – an evening hosted at a D.C. hotel where Walkers can turn in any last minute donations, get their tenting assignments, purchase items from Avon, Nike and Reebok, sign up for next year’s Walk (you know I did!), take fun pictures, grab more swag and meet other Walkers. I just love the energy and feel proud walking among both rookie and veteran philanthropists!  One new thing for me this year – I was asked to be a Volunteer Spokesperson during Walk Weekend. That basically means that I get a special button that reads Avon Walk Media Walker and if media outlets are looking for a Walker to speak with at any time during the weekend, the Avon staff have my phone number and will pull me aside to do an interview. I’d never applied for this before, so I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity.

Our wake-up call was bright and early – 4:30 a.m.! We rushed around checking everything twice and then head into D.C. In the car my mom fastened my ribbons, because she’s just so much better at it than I am. These ribbons have the names of my donors and their loved ones and are safety pinned to my Camelback. Their names and hearts are with me through the 48-hour journey and I believe, provide me with strength and encouragement. I could not imagine the Avon Walk without my donors. They are my support system. They are my friends and family. They are the ones I’m fighting for. I am honored to Walk for them.

We get to Opening Ceremonies at the Washington Monument and I am overcome with excitement! Another weekend is here and another journey is about to begin! We fill our Camelbacks with water, visit the restrooms and start taking pictures (obviously). We get a great shot of the team with the Washington Monument in the background, wearing our Star Spangled Boob shirts proudly… we get one of my father with an Every 3 Minutes ribbon around his neck because he is the cutest cheerleader ever… we get one of the team and my father with our Tit-Tastic banner that attracts quite a few looks and requested photos from other teams (my mom is a quilting beast)… we get one of the thousand Walkers warming up with some stretching and upbeat music… we get one of the sign that shows D.C. raised $4.5 million this year!

And then we’re off – in a sea of pink (and our red, white and blue) – on the 39.3 mile journey that is the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer! We pass the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Capitol Building… cars pass us and honk and wave… some groups of Walkers speed away while others take photos like tourists seeing this beautiful city for the first time… Mile 1 comes and goes quickly… I give high fives to the crossing guards at busy intersections (some of whom I recognize and are helping in their 10^th Walk)… I read all the shirts that Walk near me – “I walk for babes everywhere,” “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boobs,” “For Tits and Giggles.”

At Mile 6 we spot our first team cheerleaders – Marj & Olivia – dear friends since childhood! It’s so nice to see familiar faces – it sparks our energy and gives us yet another opportunity to take photos (as though I need a reason). They are holding a sign that says “Sara and SherriJoyce have our backs AND our fronts!” Awesome. At this point Papi, who always walks the first few miles with the team, decides to head back home to the pups. We bid him farewell and continue on the journey.

At the Mile 8 rest stop I see my jammin’ friend Kari and grab a few graham cracker with peanut butter sandwiches. If you’ve ever done the Walk, or have ever listened to me talk about the Walk, you know these sandwiches are the bomb. Around Mile 9, Lauren’s friends come to meet us and walk a few miles. We pass a group of male cheerleaders, one of whom has a sign cut out so his hands fit through that reads “Free Mammograms.” Love it. At this time, my mom decides she’s gone as far as she can on her first day. I’m proud of her for knowing and listening to her own body. We will eat lunch together and then see her later that evening at the Wellness Village.

Lunch is always at the 13.1 mile / half marathon mark, which is good because we are starving by that point! We hunker down to devour our turkey sandwiches, apples, carrots and Gatorade before continuing on for the 2^nd half of our journey on day one. Before we head out though, one of the Avon volunteers, who is wearing a Captain America shirt, asks to take a photo with us. We oblige of course! Around the 15 Mile mark, another awesome photo opportunity – there are a group of cheerleaders with a cut out sign for “selfies.” Dictionary definition = a self portrait photograph, typically taken with a camera phone OR a breast exam that saves lives. #crushedit

At Mile 18 we welcome even more cheerleaders – our sorority sisters Rachel and Debra, 5 months pregnant and brand new baby in tow, respectively. Talk about pi love! They walk with us until around Mile 21 and then we say goodbye with a smile. Soon after, Lauren decides that with the massive pain in her feet she needs to stop at Mile 23. I can tell it’s a very tough choice for her to make, because we are so close to the full 26.2 miles for day one, but when your body tells you something, you need to listen. A shuttle bus comes to sweep her up and Anna and I, the last two standing, continue on for the final three miles. Which were HARD. These miles are not only the final three in your 26-mile journey that day, but are in the back wood trails of the Wellness Village (which is in a park) so there isn’t much to look at besides trees. We just kept pushing each other, telling ourselves that we could do it and that the pain is almost over and we should be grateful that we’re able to walk this at all!

Around 6:00 p.m. we finally arrived at the Wellness Village! My mom and Lauren were waiting for us with open arms and hungry stomachs. We decided to put our gear in the tents (which were set up already, thankfully, by the Youth Crew) and get some carb-filled dinner before showering and heading to bed. Every piece of pasta was like a little taste of heaven. Showering was everything. And going to bed at 9:00 p.m. was the perfect end to a wonderful day.

Our wake-up call was bright and early – 6:00 a.m.! Before even getting out of my sleeping bag, I post a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Papi, who shares his day with the Avon Walk each year. He is literally the best. When I finally leave the tent to grab some breakfast, I’m happy to see that both Lauren and Anna had received Every 3 Minutes ribbons during the night. Background – every 3 minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with breast cancer. On Avon Walk weekend, crew members pass out one ribbon every 3 minutes to Walkers and volunteers. I have been fortunate enough to receive four ribbons in my six years of Walking. I use the word fortunate because I am proud to wear these ribbons for the millions of men and women affected by breast cancer. Even now as I write this, I am brought to tears because I feel just how important it is to raise awareness.

Before heading out on the route, which opened at 7:30 a.m., I wanted our team to get a photo with the Youth Crew. These kids are amazing – they are between the ages of 13 and 17, they raise money for the cause, and they cheer us on all weekend. Many of them have been affected by breast cancer and they tell us their stories during dinner at the Wellness Village. It breaks your heart to hear of their losses, but it also warms your heart to see how much they value being a part of the solution.

Around Mile 6, we were visited by even more cheerleaders – our ADPi sister Ali and her husband Jeff, along with their two dogs. These pups sure did put a pep in our step, especially with the superhero capes they were wearing! After a few miles they said goodbye and we were greeted by Papi again, who walked the rest of the way with us. Then at Mile 11 we were visited by even more ADPi sisters – Eve and Avi! I’ll tell you – having friends and family come see you on the route is such a boost. They are supporting your efforts, they are giving you something other than the pain to think about, they are high energy and full of smiles! And when they take those steps with you – whether it be for 1 mile or 10, it truly emphasizes that we are all in this together.

When we round the corner near the Washington Monument and can see the finish line, a surge of emotions run through me. I am relieved that the physical walking is over, but I am missing the weekend already. I am proud of the money we’ve raised in D.C., but I know we have more work to do. I am savoring the last moments with my teammates, hoping they’ll come back for another year, but hoping beyond measure that next year it won't be necessary. We clasp each other’s hands and walk through the finish line, having accomplished a great 48-hour challenge together.

I am so lucky that every year I share moments of love, passion and strength with thousands of inspiring souls at the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Together we support the fighters, admire the survivors, honor the taken, and never, ever give up hope. It is a beautiful piece of my life's journey for which I am beyond grateful.

PHOTOS FROM OUR WALK>>

Breast cancer facts>>
Breast cancer help, support and guidance>>


2013 D.C. Walk blog>>
2013 D.C. Walk photos>>

2012 D.C. Walk blog>>

2012 D.C. Walk photos>>

2011 Chicago Walk blog>>

2011 Chicago Walk photos>>

2010 NYC Walk blog>>

2010 NYC Walk photos>>

Avon Walk 2013 - D.C.

My journey began back in January when I started to prepare for my 5^th Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Actually, I take that back. My 2013 journey began during my 2012 journey. You see – at each year’s event, you have the opportunity to register on the spot for the following year. As I knew I would participate once again, it made sense for me to take advantage of that opportunity. So, as I patched up my blisters and iced my knees in 2012, I mentally prepared to tackle the Walk again this year – excited that I would be a 5-Year Alum.

I reached out to former teammates and friends to gauge how big Team Tit-Tastic would be in 2013. In the past, our team ranged from 3-8 members, which makes each experience quite different, and this year would bring a new dynamic – just 2 of us – Momi and me. While I do enjoy being part of a larger team (2009 and 2010 were incredible), I started to smile at the idea of Momi and I sharing such a memorable 48 hours on our own. We would hold hands during our first steps, push each other through the miles, share a tent and cry in joy passing the finish line. Who better to do all that with than the woman who tells me every day to dream big and march forward. And so it began…

One thing was for certain. Due to the fact that my mom and I can count on our donors to get us each to the $1800 minimum fundraising amount, we chose not to host any group fundraisers this year. In the past, Team Tit-Tastic has held bar nights, raffle drawings, etc. to get individual members to goal and had a blast doing it. However, with our two busy schedules this spring, it was sort of a relief not to organize and run any big events.

What we do love each year is designing our team t-shirt! We brainstormed several different phrases and ended on I PINK I CAN which perfectly sums up the walk. We emphasized pink as a power color (also the color assigned to breast cancer by the ribbon gods), we channeled an old story about a determined young train to remind us to keep chugging along on our journey and to encourage cancer patients and survivors to think positively and do whatever they can to beat their own battle! Our dear friend, Esha, a graphic designer by trade, found a perfect Pink Panther-looking font and shoe prints with ribbons in the sole and poof – a design was created!

Training (or just generally getting in shape) was something I took very seriously this year. As many people are aware, the end of 2012 brought me to a place in my life when I would finally do something about the weight issues I’ve had for years. I was tired of being tired. I was frustrated at my lack of motivation when it came to something as important as being healthy and happy. So – I just did it. I started working out each day to cardio DVDs, I made more meals at home and I did what I could to lead a more active lifestyle (signing up for several 5K runs to start). I was happy to watch the pounds drop as the weeks went on (18 to date) and knew that Walk Weekend would be an even better experience because I would feel lighter on my feet.

Recalling the four months leading up to Walk Weekend (May 4-5), several note-worthy things happened:

·         March 6 – I reached my individual fundraising goal of $1800! BIG thanks to my donors who I can count on to see the importance of this cause and support me each year.

·         March 15 – I went to a Bachelorette party and met a wonderful new friend, Michelle! After recognizing our similar personalities, I noticed a tattoo on her ankle – a beautiful dove carrying a breast cancer ribbon. I learned of her intense family history of breast cancer and felt a deeper connection to the cause on her behalf.

·         March 22 – I received a call from the Avon Walk office in D.C. thanking me for my efforts over the past 5 years, raising more than $17,000 to date. This unexpected call on a Friday afternoon was the cherry on top of my journey. None of us Walkers do it for our name in lights – we do it because there are women and men out there who need our support. Knowing that what I’m doing each year makes a difference enough for someone to take the time to call me and tell me that brings me tears of joy.

·         March 27 – I reached the top fundraiser milestone of $2200! When a Walker raises $2200, they receive a top fundraiser hat. My mom and I both hit this milestone, so we wore our hats proudly throughout Walk Weekend.

·         April 26 – My mom and I were featured in the Baltimore Jewish Times article “Walk (or Run) It Out.” We were interviewed by the Sports Reporter at the Baltimore Jewish Times for a several page spread he was doing on non-profit fundraising. It was quite an honor to share our story and be the main photo on pg 27.

Before we knew it, Walk Weekend had arrived. I took that Friday off, so when Thursday’s work was done, I headed home to meet my parents (who had arrived earlier in the day) and got into full Avon mode. Much to my surprise I had two beautiful cards waiting in my mailbox – one from my dear friend Stevie and one from my dear friend (and former teammate) Amy. Both cards wished me luck on my upcoming journey and filled my heart with pink love.

On Friday, my parents and I drove into D.C. for Event Eve. This is a special time the night before each Walk when participants are invited to a host hotel for morale-pumping! You can turn in last minute donations, take photos with fun props and a backdrop, purchase pink items, visit the Avon and Reebok stores, sign up for the next year’s Walk and meet other Walkers. I always love Event Eve because you see the shining faces of Alum and New participants who just can’t wait to get the party started. The energy in the air is contagious and I mean, come on, who doesn’t love taking photos with big hats and big ribbons?

After Event Eve, we went to dinner down the street at Ambrosia to celebrate Papi’s birthday! Bless his heart, my dear ol’ dad has spent his past several birthdays supporting Team Tit-Tastic at the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer… because every year, the D.C. Walk is the first weekend in May. He didn’t sign up for this blessing, but his ladies are his number one, and he walks the streets, holding our team sign with a huge smile every year. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the MOST SUPPORTIVE and AMAZING PAPI!

Before bedtime there was a lot to do! I wanted to go over my packing list for the 10^th time, I wanted to paint my nails pink, and most importantly, I wanted to make my donor ribbons. Every year I write the names of my donors and their loved ones on ribbons and safety pin those ribbons to my Camelback. Their names and hearts are with me through the 48-hour journey and I believe, provide me with strength and hope. I could not imagine the Avon Walk without my donors. They are my support system. They are my friends and family. They are the ones fighting. I am honored to Walk for them.

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Wake-up call is bright and early – 4:30 a.m.! I can’t wait to get to Opening Ceremonies at the Washington Monument. There’s something about the smell of fresh morning air and the sea of pink that lets you know you’re about to experience something incredible. And I feel that same energy beating through my body every single year. We fill up our Camelbacks with water, grab a bagel at the food station, sign our names on the large inflatable columns and wait for the instructor to lead stretches from the stage. There are over 2,000 of us walking this weekend and we are all In It To End It Together. A few participants and crew members share their own breast cancer stories with the crowd… a young boy remembering his grandmother, a man walking for his wife, the program director of the Walk thanking her own family for their support during her bout with the disease. The tears streaming down my face are not of sadness but of hope. Of courage. Of community. Of strength. I may only know a handful of people at the Walk, but I am deeply connected to every person there.

It is at that moment that I receive a text message from my dear friend and former teammate, Karen. She reminds me that after this weekend I will have walked 192 miles over 10 total days. Soon after I receive a text message from my sister, Maggie, who writes in all caps, I PINK I CAN! And I can’t help but think to myself… I am so very lucky. I have the best people in my life. And all I want is to be the best person for them. I Walk for the women and men in my life who live every day hoping they will never hear the words, "You have breast cancer" or "Your breast cancer has re-surfaced." I Walk for the future... for the children I will bear, for the grandchildren they will bear. I Walk for myself... to continue a life of kindness, compassion, love and hope!

The program director says it’s time to start our journey and 2,000 of us head out on the Walk route. We pass the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Capitol Building… cars pass us and honk and wave… some groups of Walkers speed away while others take photos like tourists seeing this beautiful city for the first time… Mile Marker 1 comes and goes quickly… I read all the shirts that Walk near me – “Stop the war on my rack,” “Boston strong,” “Save 2^nd base.” We pass a group of Army cadets doing pushups and some Walkers drop down and do 10 with them… we pass a woman walking fiercely with a boot on her foot… we see Team Sara (a large group I recognize from past years who continues the fight without Sara this year (RIP))… we stop to stretch next to a man with a huge smile and a cane… I am overcome with pride at this group of amazing people!

Before I know it, we’re at Mile Marker 5 and Papi is still walking with us! I tell him he’s wonderful for walking in his slacks and non-sneakers but to feel free to head home whenever he wants. He says he’ll power forward until at least Mile Marker 10. (I know – this man is a beast.)  And then I see my friends Jessi and Melissa! Jessi a former teammate and Melissa a first-timer are one of the “stop and take photos like a tourist in the city for the first time” kind of walkers so their larger team has forged ahead, leaving them to be happy pink goofballs taking it all in.

At Mile Marker 10 I am happy as a clam to see my dear friend, Lauren, waiting for us with Tums and Vitamin Water. And you know what else she brought? A bright pink ribbon for my dad to wear as the birthday boy! (I know – she is the bee’s knees.)  At that point Papi was ready to head home to the dogs (because of time, not because he was tired, because as I said before, he’s a beast). So Lauren took over as the 3^rd Walker in our group. She stuck with us until about Mile Marker 12 and then head home for a Kentucky-derby party. We couldn’t blame her!

And then we saw the beautiful half-marathon sign – we’d walked 13.1 miles! It was time to stop for lunch, stretching, resting and filling-up our Camelbacks. One of the most important things at rest stops (which occur approximately every 3 miles) is to tend to your feet. I take off my shoes and socks and lather this wonderful stuff called Glide (found in any athletic store) while my mom chooses to use Vaseline. The purpose of these tools is to prevent blisters mostly and we literally could not get through the Walk without them. After a longer stop than usual, we were ready to head back on the road. And this is where we got really pumped because my mom was feeling great!

This is my mom’s 3^rd Avon Walk. In 2011 she was able to Walk 11 miles before calling on the shuttle to take her to the Wellness Village (where tenting is for Saturday night). Last year she was able to Walk 13.1 miles. This year her goal was to Walk 15 miles and it seemed she was going to do it with no problem! Any guesses on how many miles she completed on Day 1? Anyone?? That’s right – 21 friggin’ miles for my mamadukes! I am SO very proud of her stamina, determination and attitude! She rocked this Walk and she’ll get even further next year, I just know it!

So you can imagine as I was taking on the last 5 miles solo, I really booked it! I didn’t stop at any rest stops, I didn’t even notice some of the Mile Markers – I just hustled! I did run in to some old friends around Mile Marker 25 who were there cheering on family and after a big hug with smiles, I powered through the last mile.

Hello Wellness Village! Now, the one positive thing about my mom saying goodbye at Mile Marker 21 was that she could head to the Wellness Village and say hello to putting up our tent. (Yes, it’s been 5 years and I still don’t love putting up my tent, get over it.) With the tent up and luggage securely inside, we head over to the dinner area and inhale our carb-filled dinner – pasta, meatballs, salad, bread rolls – gimme, gimme and more gimme! After a warm shower we head back to the dinner tent for the afternoon entertainment (which consists of high fundraiser shoutouts, some videos and other such merriment). I see that there are a bunch of people in one corner of the tent, so I go to check it out. Oh my goodness, it’s a cell phone mosh pit. There are literally 15 surge protectors and people are charging their iphones, cameras and ipods. I couldn’t help but take a photo… and then plug in to charge of course. Bedtime is 9:00 p.m.

Wake-up call is bright and early – 6:00 a.m.! The route will open at 7:30 so that gives us time to eat breakfast, get dressed, pack up our tent and luggage, fill up our Camelbacks and go! Momi is a little chilly so she grabs one of those aluminum foil blankets to wear. I am grumpy so I tell her it makes too much noise when she walks and I need her to ditch it at the first available trash can. In response, she wears it as long as she can stand it just to spite her grumpy daughter. (For the record, I win at Mile Marker 1.)

I don’t know why, but the miles on Day 2 go by so much faster than Day 1. We are at Mile Marker 3 before we know it! We see a fire fighter that we remember from previous years… he lost 3 of his sisters to breast cancer… in the span of only 2 years. His story (as he told it at last year’s Opening Ceremonies) still sticks in my heart. I Walk for him.

I’d like to take this time to give a shoutout to the Avon Walk Crew. These volunteers (many of whom come back year after year) are amazing. We are so well taken care of on this journey. We have colorful crossing guards who play loud music and help us across busy intersections. We have medical staff at every rest stop. We have a Youth Crew who cheers all along the route in bright yellow shirts, with noise makers. We have bikers on Harleys and 10-speeds going up and down the route motivating us to push through the pain. We have families who position themselves along the route with candy and water. Our Crew is In It To End It with us.

At Mile Marker 10 (or 36 if you’re counting total), Papi finds us! We power walk down Embassy Row (him again in slacks and non-sneakers) and when we reach Mile Marker 11, Lauren and my other dear friend, Rachel, are waiting for us! (Lauren is tickled pink (pun intended) because Papi is wearing his pink ribbon that she gave him the day before for his birthday). With only 2 miles left, the 5 of us will finish the Walk together. Because it’s a beautiful Sunday in D.C. the streets are starting to get crowded as we near the Washington Monument (we end where we begin, get it?). We pass George Washington University housing and of course, Lauren and Rachel and I take a photo in front of the Alpha Delta Pi house (because we’re sorority girls and that’s what we do).

And then we see the finish line. Lauren, Rachel and Papi go on ahead because I’ve given strict instructions on the photos I’d like of Momi and I crossing from the other side (yes, my OCD is strong even after 39.3 miles). Momi and I clasp hands for the final steps of the journey and I am enveloped in the moment.

1 cause. 5 years. 3 cities. 15 teammates. 192 miles. $18,408 personally raised.

The music is loud and spirits are high. Momi and I raise our hands in the air, flash our biggest smiles and Lauren snaps a perfect shot! We have once again completed the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

Now it is time to wind down the weekend with the Closing Ceremony. We watch a video montage of the weekend and remember our own moments throughout. We hear from a few survivors on stage and loudly applaud the 290 survivors who physically Walked this weekend. We are overcome with emotion. We feel the crowd’s energy. We go wild when the program director announces that as a group we raised $4.5 million this year, and smile brightly as we see her hand the grant money to several different organizations in our area fighting this battle. We raise our hands – all 2,000+ of us – and grab the closest hand to ours and stand as one community – In It To End It – together.

PHOTOS FROM OUR WALK>>

Breast cancer facts>>
Breast cancer help, support and guidance>>

2012 D.C. Walk blog>>

2012 D.C. Walk photos>>

2011 Chicago Walk blog>>

2011 Chicago Walk photos>>

2010 NYC Walk blog>>

2010 NYC Walk photos>>