Walk raises funds to help end breast cancer
When Avon 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer comes to Houston April 22-23, residents at Treemont Retirement Community plan to show their support at the finish line.
“We have some very impressive breast cancer survivors, and we want to be there on Sunday with water and treats, cheering on and congratulating the walkers,” said Treemont activities director Aimee Dubuisson.
Among this group of Treemont residents is Sarah Jackson, who has been cancer free for 20 years. She said she is grateful for the participants and their desire to help spread breast cancer awareness.
“It was in 1972, and I was so innocent,” Jackson said. “My husband prompted me to go to the doctor. I didn’t know enough to be concerned.”
Aside from breast cancer awareness and education, Avon 39 aims to accelerate breast cancer research and improve access to screening, diagnosis and treatment.
In 2016, the walk in Houston raised $2.2 million, with the majority of funds going directly to local breast cancer organizations.
More than $18.1 million has been donated by the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade to organizations in Texas since 2002.
“Every two minutes, someone in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Claire Wright, communications coordinator for Avon 39. “The funds raised by this walk will make an impact, raise awareness and save lives.”
The walk, 39.3 miles over two days, will take participants through the Heights and River Oaks, through the Medical Center and Rice University, and through Minute Maid Park and downtown Houston. Each walker pledges to raise $1,800.
“When you register as a walker, you get paired with a fundraising coach. This person will be with you all the way to walk weekend, and can really be your best friend,” Wright said.
Men and women of all ages — from 16 to 80 — participate in the walk each year. Some are directly affected by the disease, some walk in in memory of those who have died, and some are there to show support for friends and loved ones who have been diagnosed.
“Many people think that 39.3 miles is a lot, but the pain from those blisters on your feet is nothing compared to what someone with breast cancer is going through,” said Betsy Maggard, who has participated in Avon 39 for 10 years. She first started walking in 2008 in support of her daughter’s grandmother, Sherry, who passed away the next year.
“We were very close, and it was something I could do for her that could make an impact,” she said. “I now walk in her memory.”
Last year, Maggard’s involvement with Avon 39 became even more personal when she received abnormal results from a routine mammogram.
“Everything turned out OK, and my insurance paid for most of the procedures,” she said. “But there are so many others who don’t have access to care. This is why this walk is so important — it also helps people who can’t even afford to get screened.”
Maggard also is an Avon representative, and serves as Team Avon co-captain. She said anyone can do the walk, and it is not necessary to walk all 39.3 miles. There are many rest stops, medical response teams, and SAG (support and gear) buses for those unable to finish.
“You walk what you can,” she said. “The point is to raise the money and raise awareness. You’ll get to know people along the route, and you’ll find a fellowship among the walkers who all do this for the same cause.”
Registration for Avon 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer is open through walk weekend. One does not need a team to register, and the Avon 39 website offers multiple resources to help walkers prepare. There are training walks in the Houston area before the event. Go to www.avon39.org to learn more.