OT - Two Days, 39 Miles! Can I Do It?

Dear Friends and Family:

 

I am currently in training to undertake the single hardest physical challenge I have attempted to do since I had weight loss surgery.   I have signed up to participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in New York City on October 4-5, 2008.  I will walk a total of 39 miles in two days, along with thousands of others who have made the same courageous commitment to help raise awareness and funding for this devastating disease.  We will sleep in tents, shower in semi-trucks and push ourselves far beyond what we ever thought we were capable of doing.

 

Do you remember when the word “cancer” was only spoken in hushed tones? Well, it’s time for me to start making noise and taking action against this disease that has devastated my family.  Cancer claimed the lives of both of my aunts, an uncle and my beloved first husband, Chuck.  Currently my cousin is undergoing her own battle with breast cancer, and also two very dear friends.  I can’t count the number of other relatives and dear friends that have been affected in so many ways by various types of cancer.  While I can’t do anything about the past-I am determined to try to make a difference in the future.

 

Why would I do this you may ask?  I truly believe that finding the cure to one cancer will be the key to unraveling the mysteries of many cancers. Too many people have had their lives torn apart by this disease. And I refuse to sit idly by and watch it happen.  So why do I do all this?  Because I can.

 

This is where you come in.  I can’t do this alone.  As part of this commitment, I have agreed to raise at least $2,000 for the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade.  Since 1992, The Avon Foundation has returned more than $250 million for the cause.  That money is distributed to five critical areas:  medical research, clinical care, support services, education and early detection programs.  While $2,000 may be just a drop in the bucket of what is needed in this fight against cancer, it is still far beyond my personal means and I need your help.  Will you please help me reach my goal?

 

There are two ways you can donate to this cause and support my efforts. 

 

1.     Click on the link below for my Personal Page. “Click here to Support Me” and you can pledge and pay online by credit or debit card either as a one-time gift or a pledge over time, or http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk2008/NewYork?px=3 956738&pg=personal&fr_id=1660&et=m3cmkxW8DRA95TFY2Rev7Q..&s_ tafId=312642

2.    You can just mail me a check made payable to “Avon Walk for Breast Cancer” directly to me and let me do all the paperwork for you.

 

Either way, your gift will be appreciated more than I can possibly tell you.  I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your support and encouragement in this undertaking. When I hit the road, I’ll know that you were a special part of my journey and of the journey of so many others along the way.

 

Hugs,

 

Nannette

Thank You Nannette for taking part in such a wonderful event for a terrific cause. This will be my second year as a Medical Volunteer for the NY walk (Iam an RN). I must say it has been one of the most rewarding and exhilarating experiences of my life. I don't know if this is your first time undertaking such a walk, but I would like to give a little advice so that you can do your best and enjoy the special time that is the Avon walk. 1. Training, training, training........Pre walk training is very important. Remember 5 miles does not equal 39 :) 2. Good walking shoes most repeat walkers told me they bring two pair (and change into flip flops for the first evening after). Be good to your feet. 3. Breathable clothing in layers (remember it may be cool or warm as the weather is changeable that time of year). Includes good cotten socks. 4. Vasaline on the inner thighs inside the pants can prevent chafing. 5. *****Drink Drink Drink******* last year was very warm and we had many dehydrated walkers in the medical area. As a WLS patient you will have more trouble staying hydrated so make sure you get your water in!!!!! I wouldn't mind you stopping by to say hi, but I do not want to see you as a patient. :) 6. Have fun and enjoy yourself, be prepared for tears as well as laughter. Good luck with your fundraising and thank you again for helping and supporting such a worthy cause. Linda

Thank you Linda for your support of my participation and for volunteering to help those of us who are "nuts" enough to do it who may need your expertise!   I appreciate all of your tips, and hints -- keep them coming if you think of any more. This will be my first year walking in this long a walk - although three of my teammates have done this walk for the last three years and have inspired me! Hope to meet you at the Walk, if not before. Hugs, Nannette