The Avon Walk- A Restoration of Hope

Cross-posted and archived from DC Metro Moms.  Original post date May 8, 2008.  It's walk weekend again so I'm posting this.

In some ways I am still reeling from completing the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer this past weekend. Maybe it is due to the surprise visit I had from a dear old friend or simply the fact that my sleeping bag is still airing out on my deck. However I may be feeling, it was worth it! Every blister, every painful step, even the rest stops that lacked water and Gatorade it was worth it and not just because it was the first year I did not have to lie in a puddle soaked sleeping bag all night.


It was my fourth year completing the walk and the second that my aunt is cancer-free. Each year it seems the list of who I walk for just gets longer and I remind myself that this is the reason I walk so that the list will not just get shorter but maybe cease to even exist one day.

This year the walk felt different and not just because I am pregnant and a bit slower. This year the walk seemed to truly bubble over with a sense of hope and strong purpose. The energy in the crowd was high all through the weekend and we were 3,800 walkers strong! Friends and family from all over came out to cheer us on. Random acts of kindness were abundant as tired walkers climbed the hills of the District's hot sun on both days. There were donuts passed out, bottles of water left on front steps by helpful strangers and kids all over the city not only cheered on complete strangers but set up free lemonade stands along the route. It never failed to bring a tear to my eye.

We often complain to one another that the world is a hard place and we are a cynical lot. Some people state that they would not want to raise children in a world this cold. I think I can safely say that after this weekend it only takes walking through the neighborhoods our great city to see that happy families, good neighborhoods and caring souls do still walk our streets and they are teaching their children to do the unto others as they themselves wish to be treated. I felt all this in abundance this year and at almost every corner.

When I crossed that finish line on Sunday, ending my 26.2 mile journey, I felt propelled by the goodwill, cheering crowds and immense feeling of love and support from fellow walkers, friends, family and perfect strangers. That is what got me through the walk this year, it wasn't just my own blind determination. The sense of hope I felt that we will lick this dreadful disease was stronger for me this year than in years past. I felt elated and very emotional and I don't think it was just my hormones talking. It was all of you and all the kindness you have shown throughout this year. For that, I am thankful. You have restored my sense of hope.


Comments


whymommy said...


Victoria, I wish I'd known you were walking! I was there cheering the crowds on Saturday and Sunday -- I hope I hollered loud enough for you to hear me. Even though we're technically strangers, I'm so proud of you for doing this....

Walk the Walk

It's going to be a beautiful weekend here in the DC Metro area and I'm so relieved.  While I may not be walking this year, my teammates The Back of the Pack Walkers, will be taking part in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer this weekend. 

26 miles for some, almost forty for others. It's quite a challenge and something I am immensely proud of them for.  They have trained through all sorts of weather.  Held fundraisers and raised over $1800 a piece to participate in this monumental, emotional and spirtiual event.  It's amazing. I know, I have done it four times and each time was a different and wonderful experience. 

If you want to know more about the Back of the Pack Walkers (some still need to raise the $1800) or the Avon Walk visit here.  There is still time to support them too.  If you live in the DC area then go out in this gorgeous weather and cheer them on.  It helps keep those steps going as they walk the city streets.  Your kids will love it too. 

From the 2007 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. 


Enter to win yourself some flowers from eco-friendly California Blooms too! 

Friday Roundup!

Howdy Pardner's!

Sorry I just could not resist having the word roundup and not using some lame cowboy terminology. Let's get the admin stuff out of the way shall we?

Winnah! Winnah! Chicken Dinnah! See the winning photos of the SanDisk Cruzor Gator flash drive contest over at MPR here. Check out the fun find, coupons and more while you are over there. You just never know what you'll find!

More on the Avon Walk.

In case you have been in a hole the past few days read this and this. That first one? Did you get it all? Did you make it through? I think you deserve some sort of medal of honor if you did. That second one? Blech, Kathie Lee, just blech. And that's not Maria Bailey, but Jill Asher over there on the Today show segment.

I'm off to find an ace bandage/over the shoulder boulder holder for the rocks that have taken over my chest. Have a shippymcflippyshadippy fanfeckingtastic weekend y'all!

A partial team photo, end of day two.

We started off at 4:45 a.m. on Saturday. I sat on my front steps in the dark listening to the early morning sounds feeling the weather. It was going to be a beautiful day. At last! My first walk without rain! My bag was packed, sleeping bag aired out, and my socks were dry. I was ready to go.

Upon entering Opening Ceremonies you could feel the energy flowing through the air. 3800 walkers strong, we were ready to make our statement and begin the walk through DC. It's emotional, exciting and intense to be in a crowd of that many people all working and fighting for one cause. Each year I never fail to tear up as survivors give their stories and remind us why we spend months fundraising, training and finally walking for a cure.

The first days route took us past many of the monuments the city is famous for. It became hot and there were many hills. A few friends came out along the way to cheer me on and it made my day! I felt pretty good until lunchtime when the rest stop ran out of both water and Gatorade. I got a little nervous for a bit when I thought about being dehydrated and wandering around the city. It felt even hotter then. Finally, they were re-stocked at the next quick stop and can I just say, purple Gatorade rocks! It was quite possibly one of the best things I could drink. After 13 miles we hit the half marathon mark and headed into camp at Norwood Park in Bethesda, MD. Tired, dirty and ready to lay down, eat or simply sit under the stream of the shower I felt pretty done. I might have layed in my tent and dozed for a bit. It was a blur. This walk wore me out way more than others. I was in bed by 8:30. Sad, but true.

The second day dawned bright and early with the sounds of camp filling the air. The breakfast line was almost out of camp. After a hearty breakfast of everything you can think of of we headed out to tackle the last 13 miles. We moved at a fast clip and made good time. Once we hit lunch we were back in the city with the sun hitting our faces wondering where the heck Reese Witherspoon was in all this. We heard she was going to walk the last three miles and make a speech at Closing Ceremonies. Along the way we stopped to take more photos, passed the White House, and I gagged into a trashcan a few times feeling completely exhausted and I must admit, a bit like a wuss. This is typically a cake walk for me but this year I struggled and it bothered me. I just wanted it over with and I wanted my tub.



Suddenly, over the sea of walkers we could see the finish line. The bright pink arches were just ahead! I felt excited, a bit nervous and thrilled to have made it. This year was more than a walk for a cure but a journey for myself as well. I pushed myself to finish and I felt relieved that I made it. As I crossed the finish line I saw familiar faces of other walkers, friends, their families and then H & T.D. I waved to them and didn't even realize one main thing. H was not the one holding T.D., it was E. She was here!! What the? Shocked and excited beyond belief I just lost it and cried and hugged her as she held T.D. My best friend since I was T.D.'s age had flown in from LA to see me! It was incredible and all H's idea! Can you believe it? I still can't.


Home now and a few days later I can't believe the walk is over and that another year is done and gone. My fourth year and while it was different it was completely worth it. Thank you to everyone who has cheered me on in emails, phone calls, comments and more. The donations you sent helped to raise over 8.1 million dollars and counting. You too did an amazing job! THANK YOU!


*The last two photos taken by official Avon Press photographer, Candace Hoffman.

HEAD OVER to Mummy's Product Reviews for a Mi-bag coupon!

Walking the Walk

Because I'm still reeling from the weekend I'm including a few pics of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. The walk was picturesque to say the least and I made it largely in part to my awesome team and my meds. I'm beat but happy! I did it!

I seem to do this everywhere...


It was a truly beautiful morning with all the check the boxes views of the District.

There will be more later on the actual walk and the big surprise that H had waiting for me at the finish line. Now? Now, I must rest my tired dogs.

And done!

I woke up this morning thinking about the Avon Walk. It is less than a month away and we have four fundraisers, big and small, in the works in less time than that. Sometimes I think I must be crazy for attempting to do this walk while still in my first trimester. Sometimes I think I'm crazy for agreeing to do so many fundraising events. Organized I can be. A seller of wares I am not.

Just thinking about the fact that I'll have a whole Arbonne table to myself on Saturday makes me sweat giant beads of perspiration no matter how good the cause. I am full of 'what ifs'. What if no one even glances my way? What if my friend who sells Mary Kay kicks my ass in sales? What if no one buys a single thing despite it being for charity. Arbonne is not cheap. It's hard to convey how awesome it is as a skincare line when a giant hormone-induced zit is sitting front and center on my face as well.

Last time we held a fundraiser I came away with less than $20 and a huge feeling of defeat. Then today I open up my inbox and there it is, the donation alert from Avon. I met my goal. A friend from high school, who has never donated before and I haven't spoken to much in the last few years sent me exactly $91.99. I stand amazed and with a huge grin on my face. It's like the kindness of strangers or something quaint like that.

Suddenly I feel all about fundraising. The pressure is off and I'm simply helping my teammates meet their goals. I have nothing to lose and tons of fun to have. It makes me feel sort of sweet and sappy inside. Excited too, because despite how much work it is going to be corralling over ten capitalistic vendors early Saturday morning it is all for a good cause again. The worry is no longer an issue. I feel all Chariots of Fire running now or something. If I ran anymore and didn't feel like puking every five minutes even while sitting still.

Thanks Eric! You ROCK!!



Also this? This is seriously awesome and something I am sad I had to miss.

This Is So Not Me

I don't normally do this type of thing (cue music from the Pet Shop Boys now) but seeing as I've done enough shameless self promotion for myself on this here blog for a variety of reasons I direct you to this fine cause.

It's a plea really. For a friend of mine. When I say friend, I'm not covering for myself either. It really is for a friend of mine. True, you don't know her but just visit her site here and get to know her a bit. She's a newbie to the Avon Walk and in desperate need of some coinage and good will. She needs know that she CAN do this fundraising thing. She's fearful and beginning to doubt herself and I can't let that happen. She's a wonderful, kind, caring person who is always willing to help out a friend or neighbor at a moments notice. She's a pretty mean baker too. The woman baby-sits T.D. with good cheer and she would probably baby-sit your kid too if you lived near her. A person like that deserves to be thrown a few dollars. If I had extra money I would donate to her right now, like you can. But I'm still fundraising myself.

So Internets, dear friends, faithful readers take a moment and say 'hi' to my friend Sam. She needs your help. Think of yourself as Obi-Wan Kenobi if needed - you are her only hope.

Is it Worth It?

Because I really worked it this weekend.

Here's a riddle for you. What do you get when you combine-

Three friends spending

Three hours baking

Two batches of brownies

One batch of sugar cookies

One batch of peanut butter kiss cookies

One batch of chocolate chip cookies

One batch of chocolate covered peanut butter bars

A couple of baskets, one poster, a batch of pink ribbons and

Four hours spent standing outside in the early morning cold outside of a Wal-mart?


The answer: $54 and some change.


Yes, my friends, after all that we raised $54 for the Avon Walk this weekend. It is true. We are, as a nation, giving less this year than in years past. Last year when it rained and I froze my tookas off in the freezing cold I raised $100. The year before that? $200 in the winds of January complete with snow. I'm trying not be depressed about it. All that work and we had to split the $54 three ways.

We thank the woman who clearly taught her teens this lesson at a young age as they all clamored to donate their crumpled bills before heading into Wally World. You ma'am have done your job well, your teens were pleasantly surprised and grateful that they received cookies for their donation.



Donations are still being accepted here.

It's Time!

There's something new on this site. It went up yesterday. Do you know what it is?

That's right! It's the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer button. Go ahead click it. You know you want to. I'm doing the walk again this year. It is a bit late in the game (less than 90 days to raise $1800!) and I'm- OK let's face it, I'm scared to death this year that I won't make it and raise the needed amount. This is the first year I feel this fear too. Especially when I realized yesterday that my old website from last year is the one that got circulated to donors in an email showing I have over 100% already raised. Greaaatt.

I keep telling myself though that I don't do the walk to fret about raising the money. I sign up each year because I have to. I feel compelled to do so. I can't let a year go by without doing it. There are still family members and friends, mother's of my friends, teammates and co-workers who need my support. There are strangers living right in this area who need the support, medical treatment and screenings that the Avon Foundation provides. These people are fighters. They are survivors. I walk for them. I walk because I know too many people whose lives have been forever changed by this disease and it just keeps adding up. I need to do my part no matter how small.

This year just when I was feeling like maybe I had run out of time to adequately fundraise I met Susan through DC Metro Moms. I began to read her blog, ToddlerPlanet,and all over again I knew that the walk was on. I had to do it. Susan's optimistic spirit and smiling face was the push I needed to take on another year of training in the rain, the cold, to asking (alright begging sometimes) everyone I know (strangers too!) to donate to this cause (no amount is too small!). If you don't believe me you'll soon see me standing outside of a Wal-mart near you selling baked goods. Yes, folks, I will stand there with my pink ribbons, my AWBC sign, freezin' my toukas off on early Sunday mornings to raise the money that results in thousands getting proper treatments. Treatment they otherwise might not be able to afford.

So check out the link to my website. Learn about the walk. I'll keep you posted on my training (it is 26.2 miles after all) and my fundraising. If you feel compelled to donate I THANK YOU in advance and again later! Trust me, you are supporting an amazing cause that helps so many.

See what friends and bloggers can do when they get together below:

Walking for a Cure

Cheer stop in Chevy Chase, MD. Saturday May 5, 2007

At 3:31 a.m. on Saturday my alarm went off. I snoozed a bit and finally roused myself enough to shower, quickly gather my gear up, and eat a tasty fluffernutter sandwich before my ride came to bring me into the city. The drive in was quiet as we were all thinking about the weekend ahead, had laryngitis or simply were too sleepy to talk. It was only 4:45 in the morning after all.

Amid a sea of visors, baseball hats, fanny packs and pink ribbons we made our way to Opening Ceremonies for the 2007 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. The sun was trying to make a valiant effort for us as we learned what the weekend held and did our stretches in groups. A bit more awake now we held our hands high and that of our neighbors as we made a pact that we would fight for a cure, walk for a cure, and walk even more to spread awareness about breast cancer. Slowly the herd of walkers made their way away from the Kennedy Center and out into the quiet of the early morning.

Along the way that day we passed over the Key Bridge into Georgetown. We were greeted by cheers and banners of encouragement. M Street with all it's normally crowded shops was still silent. It was heaven. We traveled through elegant neighborhoods with graceful yards and quaint town homes. Brightly painted homes and old women with candy and donuts urged us on as some of us would be walking 13 or 26 miles that day. Here and there we walked in clusters and packs talking amongst ourselves and cheering each other on. We commented on team t-shirts and decorations. I was dubbed a "Wing Girl" with my group as we walked into Chevy Chase.

My wings. I wore them with pride all weekend. Each ribbon holding a name of someone now passed or currently surviving or fighting. One woman remarked that I was "too young to have that many names." I smiled at her and said, "and that is precisely why I am walking. There ARE too many already." My teammates wore wings with names as well. All different names. Rarely did we have a person in common, except for our teammate who is currently fighting her own breast cancer battle and unable to walk and one for our dear friend and team member's mother who passed earlier this year. It was a somber walk for many of us on our team. We were not the same bunch that has walked in years past. We were all thinking of this past year and those we've lost or who have been diagnosed and our own issues.

The Pack walked on as clouds spread and winds picked up. We lunched on a hospital lawn amidst family and friends. We walked through Bethesda and on into Silver Spring. We set up our tents in just the nick of time. Then the rains came. We dashed to and fro shaking in the cold and all wishing that this year we had opted to stay in a hotel or at home overnight. We went to bed pretty early this year and blocked out the camp noises as we burrowed under our many layers of sleeping bags, clothing, and Mylar blankets. I woke up at dawn shivering and damp. I didn't think I would ever get that chill out of my core.

Day two started out brisk and ended up sunny and bright. We had thirteen miles to walk that day. We hit the pavement early and walked until lunch. I barely noticed as Maryland turned into D.C. and we found ourselves out of Takoma Park. I took a breather and chanced to look around and noticed we were in the land of Embassies. I took photos and wore a pink and silver boa for cheer. I ate candy, cookies and not enough water. I saw Mohawk Man, the Cow Man, a pink Cadillac, two Darth Vader's and a Storm Trooper as I walked further into the city nearing our finish line. There were even tween boys with bras on their heads a la Weird Science to give us a laugh and cheer us on. We found that the closer we got the more we had to smile about as signs declared that we "do make a difference" and "each step is one step closer to a cure". Those signs really helped.

We heard the finish line before we saw it. The steps to the Kennedy Center a sea of pink. Pink balloons, shirts, hats, streamers, pink EVERYTHING! Cameras flashing, people cheering as we climbed the steps. It was wonderful! It makes it all worth it. You no longer care that you are caked in dirt and may have a blister that has been biting you for miles. You just want to hug someone, shed a tear in joy that you made it in the name of someone who couldn't this year, and shout out loud that it's done!

Through the wind, rain, sun, and sometimes long bathroom lines the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer came and went. It's done. I'm sad. I feel like to quote my friend and team captain, Candi, "it came at us like a bull this year, and then just fizzled." There was too much. Too many reasons to walk this year. It was bittersweet. Perhaps that is why I will choose to walk again.

Pink Family

Because I'm still processing the entire weekend and am damn tired here's a photo from Day One of the Avon Walk.

H and T.D. came out to cheer me on.


Also stay tuned - later this week there will be chances to win many wonderful prizes! Spread the word!

One Step, Two Steps, Many, Many Pink Steps

How on earth is it Friday already? How is it possible that in a few short hours I will be standing in a very long line with a bunch of crazily pink clad women registering for the Avon Walk? It's Event Eve tonight and I just cannot believe that it's already here.

I am excited beyond belief. I enjoy this walk for so many reasons. Reasons like my team kicks ass and we've raised over 35K and counting this year. You see the city in a whole different way walking on foot. I eat my weight in gold fish crackers each year and end up filling my quota on orange Gatorade. I feel inspired, relaxed, happy, tears are shed, hugs are shared all around and you meet some truly wonderful people. I hug and even let people hug me. It's just an incredible feeling I cannot describe, whether you are doing your first walk or fifth, knowing you are part of something bigger and making things happen.

So think of me this weekend as I walk many miles around the city I love. Think of what you can do to help a cause you care about too. If you live in the area- COME OUT AND CHEER for a bit. We walkers need it!

Boston you are next on the list for next weekend! Support your walkers!

Hop, Skip, and Jump

on over to THIS for a laugh, groan or an Oy Vey! Seriously, I can't believe this crap.

Oh and there's 46 days left until the Avon Walk. My current total is $1285.00. I NEED $1800. Donate (see bottom of page) or feel like a crummy human being for the rest of the day.

Big Thank You

Breifly I just want to say a big THANK YOU to Julie at Blogher for fixing my mess of a blog. Whew! Also to MommaK and everyone else who has made extremely generous donations to my Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Their help has helped me get closer to my fundraising requirements and goal.

THANK YOU!!

Head on over to my reviews (see sidebar) and check out this week's fun find!

If I had nuts

I've been a bit frazzled this morning. Hm.. more than a bit. We are having a grand old time in our house now that we are having full nights of sleep once again. Whoo hoo! I know we party so hard in our house. She's doing some bizarre tribal screaming thing in the early morning hours though. It's a test. Or perhaps a transition. Dictators are commanding and bark orders gruffly. This scream is more like that of a spoiled heir. We're playing a game of who breaks first at this point.

I don't know why I feel so frazzled either. I'm made my deadline and what I'm working on now isn't too time sensitive. I baked my ass off yesterday, making dozens of cookies and brownies for a bake sale at H's work. It's all for the cause. The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer cause. I was thwarted in my attempt to train for the walk today, first by the BITTER cold. Egads! If I had nuts they would have frozen off in the morning cold. So bright and early T.D. and I headed out to run ONE errand and then head to the gym. I pull up and the place looks deserted and closed. I look at T.D. She is knocked the hell out. We drive home. Back to the computer I sit to work or battle the ants that are invading our half bath. It's March! What is with the ants? I'm freaked out about using spray as T.D. spends half her life on the floor. I'm also incredibly grossed out about having ants. Do I live in tenement housing with trash everywhere? Nope. My only guess, the dog poop leaving neighbors are connected to us on that side. I'll blame them. Then clean the already scrubbed floors like a woman possessed for the fifth time.

So see really no need to be frazzled right? It's just another day of me sitting in my artically cold basement office, clacking away on the keyboard during naptimes. I'm getting used to being in my gym clothes or jammies for longer periods of time. All the time spent at the gym anyway has me looking better in them so why not.

The Product of the Week can be found here!

On My Mind Today

I have 66 days left to go until the Washington, DC Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Sixty-six days and $700 to raise. It's a daunting task. It is my third year doing the walk and my reasons why vary all the time. I know way too many people who have survived breast cancer, more who have past on from cancer than I care to count, I like the personal challenge of walking a marathon each year and getting the message out that this is a disease worth fighting. It's a cause that I hold very close to my heart. I was feeling a bit panicky today about my lack of fundraising (bake sale and Coldstone Creamery fundraiser in the works) and my missing training due to our insane schedule. Then I read this in the Washington Post today. I viewed the pictures and realized once again there is so much more to do. Generation X Meets Cancer indeed. I was touched by the story, laughed out loud and remembered parts of walks in the past that I hadn't thought of in years. The people who support this cause are fighters. We do it for our own reasons, all of them different, but we all hold this cause and fight close to hour hearts. I am now more excited than ever to get out the word, raise more money and hit the pavement.

If you want to more about the Avon Walk in your area, visit here. If you want to help me out and be a kind and generous soul, email me at veamason at gmail dot com and I'll send you in the right direction.