Taking a Step Back to Remember

I've been thinking a lot about my past Walks... 2009 in D.C., 2010 in NYC, 2011 in Chicago, 2012 back in D.C.... they've all brought something different to my overall experience with the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

My very first year, it rained. Almost all of the 2nd day. We had ponchos (as recommended) but it was still a challenge. Trudging along, keeping up spirits, knowing that blisters were forming. That was a very important day for me. I thought to myself - how could I possibly complain about something as trivial as weather conditions when there are people out there going through cancer!

My second year, the weather and the sites were beautiful. I'd been to New York City several times before, but actually walking 40 miles around the city was breath-taking. It taught me to stop and really look at what's around me. Don't take for granted the people and places that bring to life such memorable experiences.

My third year, the route began along the water. It was chilly, but serene. It felt like the sky went on forever. I thought to myself, there is nowhere else I'd rather be than alongside my mother, friend and thousands of people who walk for the same reason I do.

My fourth year I came back to D.C. where it all began. I was at my heaviest weight, and embarrassed about that, but knew that as Team Captain I had to push myself harder than ever before. I saw a woman, easily 70 pounds heavier than me, walking with a cane. I saw a group of older women walking hand-in-hand. I saw a wheelchair-bound lady with a smile on her face. We all had challenges and we were all pushing through them for the greater good.

This year, my fifth, I consider myself lucky to be an alumni Walker. I am lucky to have such a supportive group of donors who have helped to raise over $18,000 these past years. I am lucky to have a family that either walks with me (mom is in her 3rd year) or cheers for me (pops meets us at rest stops with a large tit-tastic banner) or provides encouraging words (sister texts at just the moments I need a boost). I am lucky that I can walk. I am lucky that I found this community of philanthropists and go-getters!

I am thankful.



2012 Walk recap>>

2011 Walk recap>>

2010 Walk recap>>

Ask Me To Give

I am part of the Millennial Generation. I am civic-minded – I have a strong sense of community, both globally and locally. I am confident – I have great expectations for my personal and professional life. I am open-minded – I welcome the opportunity to interact daily with different races, religions, socio-economic classes. I multi-task. Boy do I ever multi-task. At work. At home. On the phone. In the car. At events. Planning my weekends. If you need something from me, you better ask quickly because I don’t have time to read between the lines. Make it short and sweet. Ask now.

You can find me online. You can find me at a coffee shop. You can find me at a happy hour or a sporting event. Chances are I want to be found. By someone, anyone really, who can offer me the opportunity to give back. When you give me an outlet to give (of my time or money), you empower me to do something meaningful. You offer me a way to leave my mark.

The fact is that my generation’s drive for social good is a key element in influencing change all around the world. As a group we are driven by personal relationships and human connections. We want our giving to be tangible; we want to see and feel the impact. We are a lot like older, established donors and volunteers in that way. We expect to be treated as individuals rather than bodies in seats or money in pockets.

Here’s what works for us millennials: a personal email, less than 200 words, specifying why us, why now; a Facebook message, a tweet, because we’re tech-savvy and you should be too; a call or text from a friend, because I like my friends and if they’re going I will as well. Get to me where I already am. Online and on my phone, hanging out with other millennials.

But don’t be alarmed. It may sound like you’re only one of 20 things on my mind, but in fact, I do care about your cause. I care because it affects my life. Or I care because it affects your life. Or I care because it affected my life 10 years ago. All it takes is that first ask … then we’ll go from there.