Once you’ve experienced the Avon Walk, it’s part of your life forever. A special memory. A reminder that hope and commitment truly can change the world. This is why so many Avon Walkers and Volunteers come back year after year. The energy is contagious. The sense of optimism and joy is totally invigorating. And the opportunity to change more lives? Simply irresistible.
With a little experience, fundraising becomes surprisingly easy. Repeat Avon Walk participants raise an average of $2,700 each–compared with new participants, who raise an average of $2,400 per person. In becoming one of our alumni, you’ll gain the power (and fundraising dollars) to make even make an even bigger difference in the fight to end breast cancer.
From 2003 through 2011:
As an Avon Walk alum, you offer a special kind of leadership. You are a multiplier. Your contribution becomes even more powerful as you pass along your energy, passion and vigilance to others. We can’t thank you enough for being IN IT TO END IT.
Team Captain: Seneca Sisters
Years participated: All 9, and registered for 2012
Total Funds Raised: $346,047.59
Twenty-five years ago, at age 32, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. When I felt the lump my heart sunk. I knew that I was in for the fight of my life—especially when I was given a 50/50 chance to be alive in five years.
The world was different in 1986. There were no walks, no pink ribbons, and it was rare to meet survivors. Once I knew in my heart that I was a survivor, I realized I’d been given a precious gift to share with men and women who are touched by this horrible disease. I'll continue to fight for the lives of people battling breast cancer, and to pass on the precious gift of life I’ve been so lucky to receive.
Since I began walking, I’ve raised more than $300,000. One of the reasons I come back specifically to the Avon Walk is because the money we work so hard to raise is used not only for research – but also to provide direct support, education and early detection services to those who can’t afford to get it themselves.
Team Captain: Team BellaDonna
Years participated: 8, and registered for 2012
Total Funds Raised: $45,855
The Avon Walk is part of the fabric of my family, a tradition woven by three generations passionately committed to ending the disease that nearly took my life.
This May, I will be walking in my 9th Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. I will walk alongside my mom, Bobbi Bramante, who founded "Team BellaDonna"” over a decade ago to fight back following my first battle with breast cancer.
I took part in my first Boston walk event in 2003, just a few weeks after completing a year of treatments for Stage 3 breast cancer. Each step helped me heal. My mom inspired me, and I passed the torch to my children, who have been involved with the Avon Walk since they were very small. My son Vallen earned a spot on the Avon Walk Youth Crew in 2010, an extraordinary experience that developed his confidence, brought new friendships, and imparted valuable humanitarian lessons. At 16, he has elected to walk with "Team BellaDonna 2012", excited to share a weekend adventure with the team, his mom, and his beloved "Nonni". The story keeps getting better. My daughter Victoria, now 10, has counted the years until she, too, could be old enough to serve like her big brother, donning the Youth Crew “yellow hoodie”, and learning the walker cheers.
My family and our team are committed to raising funds for the Avon Foundation because we know they distribute the money intelligently - for life saving care, clearer understandings of potential causes, and responsible cancer research. We hope that our combined feet and hearts can save others like our survivor teammates and me. The inspiration and purpose, the sense of accomplishment, and the walk camaraderie keep us coming back year after year. Ten years, twenty teammates, and $280,000 later, our march remains tremendously purposeful. We’re truly in it to end it, and proud to be Avon Walk alumni.
