Well… I did it. I walked 39 miles in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. I am still nursing blisters and sore muscles and what feels like some kind of nerve damage in my foot, but what an amazing, wonderful experience. Out of over 200 teams in San Francisco, my team the Rack Stars was number 7 raising over $49,000. San Francisco raised $7.5 million dollars — a new record. And believe me the money is well spent. Avon distributes millions of dollars to medical centers, research grants to hospitals and care to thousands of women who do not have insurance for treatment. Throughout the weekend, ribbons are passed out every 3 minutes signifying another person who has just been diagnosed. During our two days together, 676 people will have learned they have breast cancer and 147 will have lost their battle. I am especially affected by the young mothers who face this challenge.

The walk itself was fun, but I will admit much harder than I thought it would be. I was prepared — I did the training walks and knew what I was in for, but there was a time at about mile 22 when my feet hurt so badly, I seriously could not remember why I thought this was a good idea. But when I crossed the finish line, I couldn’t wait to do it again next year. The support and motivation you get from the people of San Francisco is wonderful. People come out of their homes to cheer you on, little kids pass out candy and cookies and lemonade. People make signs and play music and dress in costumes to keep you going. We walked by the Avon Breast Cancer Center and all the nurses stood outside and applauded us. Everyone walking has a reason. They carry pictures of loved ones lost or fighting cancer. I dedicated my walk to my daughter and met other moms walking for their little girls to. You really do feel a connection with these people. We are all there for the same reason — to find a cure. Even the tents on Saturday night were fun. At one point half our team was in Medical being treated for one thing or another, but that didn’t stop any of us. In the midst of my pain I was thinking ‘how can I do this?’ Now I am thinking ‘how can I not?’

It does help to have a team like the Rack Stars what a great group of ladies and our token man who walked for his mom. I made new friendships and strengthened old ones. We shared an experience not soon to be forgotten. I am walking away from this, or limping I should say, with great memories of a truly emotional, rewarding experience and I am reminded to keep things in perspective and to be thankful for my health and the health of my family and friends.

I was inspired to do the Walk by my friend and our team captain who did it last year. The story of her walk was so remarkable, I couldn’t wait to experience it for myself and now having done it, I understand why she was so blissful afterwards.

Avon is extremely organized and takes good care of the walkers. If you have ever considered doing the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, I hope my story convinces you to take the challenge. Not only do you raise money for breast cancer, you share a fun, meaningful experience with thousands of women (and a few men). After my feet have healed and my muscles relaxed, I am left with a sense of accomplishment and great memories of an event I look forward to doing again and again.

Gretchen
Athleta Customer Service Representative