Walking and Baking for Fundraising

This was my 12th year doing the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Boston on October 6th.  I first started the walk when my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I continue to walk in her memory and honor...and for all women who have had a breast cancer diagnosis. 

A few years ago, I decided to do other events to raise money.  At that time, I also started to keep a notebook with the names of family and friends and read them as I did the walk.  As I did events, met people, and heard their stories, I started to write the names of their family and friends and I read them at the beginning of the walk.  The book I carry now contains over 200 names...they are those who have lost their battle or who are continuing to fight their battle.  2.9 million women across the country are survivors of  this disease.  We need a cure.  I am fortunate that I can do something to help.  So, I walk and look for other ways to make money for breast cancer research.  It is my intention to keep earning money for the American Cancer Society (Framingham) until there is no longer a need to do so. 

Yesterday, my son and I did a bake sale on Cape Cod. Our decorated table was filled with treats from our kitchen and the kitchens of friends and local bakeries who kindly donated their products. The response of the public was terrific...over $1200 in profit.  Each of us donates in various ways...money, time, effort, and so on. 

During the hours of our sale, I met more people and heard more "stories" of their experiences with breast cancer.  The diagnosis of a disease has a rippling effect on family and friends.  We are all touched.  For my sister, Beverley, and all the Beverleys and their families and friends affected by a breast cancer diagnosis, I am committed to do what I can to help end this disease.   

On October 26th and 27th, my son and I will again be conducting a bake sale outside Walmart in North Reading.  I hope to meet many of you...and entice you with the goodies on the sale table.  Friends and local bakeries are donating their products for sale in support of breast cancer fundraising.  Together, we can make a difference!