Buffalo Grove Teen Raises $3,600 To Fight Breast Cancer

Hayley Posner as a member of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer's Youth Crew.

Instead, she raised more than $3,600, making her the top fund-raiser among the 16 crew members, who ranged in age from 10 to 16.

"Raising funds and awareness is our lifelong family commitment," her mother, Debbie Posner, said. Debbie and her husband, David, also volunteered at last weekend's two-day Chicago walk, which generated more than $6 million in donations.

As a Youth Crew member, Hayley spoke to a crowd of nearly 5,000 during the walk's opening ceremony.

"Hayley showed all who heard her speak that their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews do not have to wait until they are older to make a difference. That is a huge part of what is it about for us. To let children know how powerful they can be," Debbie Posner said.

Hayley's speech was derived from this longer version, which she wrote:

I am involved because of my Granny, Denise Posner, who was diagnosed in 2006.

In 2008 my mom was a walker. At closing ceremonies she wrote on the inflated pillars “for my mother-in-law.” That is when I found out. I was 10 years old. Being surrounded by walkers and survivors and the spirit of the fight was the best environment for me to learn the truth. It gave me strength and the ambition to join the fight. 

Last summer I joined the youth crew.  

A week after the walk my Granny learned that her breast cancer had metastasized to her brain and her lung. The doctors were thankfully able to treat the cancer in her brain, but they were unable to be as effective on her lungs. In 8 months she went from dancing at my Bat Mitzvah to moving slowly down the hall in her apartment with a walker.

My Granny lives in Toronto Canada. I cannot not be with her to help her, or to keep her company. Being a part of the Avon walk is my way of doing something to help my Granny. Each time I receive a donation or bring awareness to my friends I am supporting my Granny so many miles away.

My Granny has always been my inspiration. In grade school I was asked to write about a hero. Even before she was diagnosed, I wrote about my Granny. She always was funny and happy and we loved to laugh and play scrabble and bake gingerbread cookies together. I always felt her love. 

My Granny is why I crew and why, when I am old enough, I will staff and walk until there is a cure and then some. I want to make her proud so she can see all I’ve done for her and for others before her time runs out. I am in it to end today and for always.

I love my grandmother. This is why I crew.