During the weekend of May 4-6, 2001, I will be participating in the Avon 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk. I will be walking from Frederick, MD, to Washington, DC, a total of 60 miles over three days! It is a long journey but not nearly the journey that far too many women (and men!) have had to endure in their battle with breast cancer.

In 1988 my aunt (my mom's sister) died of cancer that had begun as breast cancer. She did not go to the doctor until it was too late.

About 10 years ago I received a phone call from my mother telling me that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and had elected to undergo a mastectomy. I always thought that breast cancer was a disease that happened to other people but suddenly it became a part of my life.

Thankfully, she has fully recovered and is now a survivor. I am THRILLED that she will be waiting at the finish line when I complete my journey. I don't know what I would do without my mother here to cheer me on!

I walk for my mother, for my aunt, for my friends who have endured the agonizing wait for biopsy results (myself and my sister included), for co-workers who have succumbed, and for those who hopefully will never know the terrible pain that comes when someone you love has to deal with this disease.

My goal is to raise $2000 by the start of the walk on May 4. If you are so inclined, please make a fully tax-deductible donation to my fundraising efforts. When determining the level of your contribution, please remember that I will be walking a total of 60 miles and training accordingly.

Thank you for your donation. With your help, we can help to eradicate this terrible disease.