Avon sponsors a Breast Cancer Crusade. They are committed to making a difference in the fight against breast cancer. All the profits from the sale of "pink ribbon" items go directly to breast cancer projects. All the Avon ladies donate their profits from the sale of these products. The Avon Breast Cancer 3 Day, however, is their greatest fund-raiser, in more ways than just money.
The Avon 3 Day was staged in seven different cities this year - Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Franciso, and Washington D.C. I participated in the New York event. Walkers (and there were almost 3000 of us in NY) pledge to raise at least $1800 each for the cause and walk 60 miles in three days. The support staff includes doctors, physical therapists, podiatrists, nurses and a volunteer crew of hundreds who donate their time and services for 3 long days. Everyone sleeps in a tent (which you pitch and disassemble yourself), eats communal meals in a huge tent, shares tractor-trailer showers, port-a-potties and the incredible feat of walking 60 miles in 3 days. Is it difficult? Sure, but it is worth every blister, every shin splint, every aching back.
I was leary about raising the money. The money just rolls in. You have to do the initial plea - write letters to family, friends, co-workers, service people - or make your pitch in-person, on the phone, via email. Once you make the contacts, people donate. One lady raised $120,000 alone. The New York event raised almost $7.5 million dollars for breast cancer.
Why does this event raise so much money? I think it is because people realize how determined you are when you say that you are going to walk 60 miles. You have to train for this event. You have to fundraise. You have to prepare for life in "tent city" for 3 days. You personally have to commit to the registration fee, the cost of the shuttle bus and the hotel and meals on registration day. In this way, every penny that you raise goes to the cause.
Was it worth it? You bet! It was hard, but it was also inspiring. Just when you felt like you couldn't walk another step you met a woman on crutches walking next to you. How's that for inspiration? Here's to you, "Crutch Girl"! Most of the walkers weren't there because they had breast cancer or even had a family member who was diagnosed; they were there because everyone is touched by breast cancer. They were moms, daughters, friends, men (men can get breast cancer too!) Talkshow host Rikki Lake was a walker. She and her sister and their friends walked for a friend, Cara. This was not a media ploy. Rikki was a camper and a walker just like the rest of us. Way to go, girl! The volunteer crew members were there to support us because they wanted to participate and do their part to eradicate this disease. They gave above and beyond, from 4 AM till 10 PM, always with a smile. Thanks, gang. Sometimes we just needed your "Looking fabulous, ladies" to push us the next few steps.
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