Mission Accomplished!

In these conflicted days of polarized politics and economic uncertainty, it’s nice to be involved in something that illustrates that basic goodness of many, many people.

This past weekend, May 15-16, my daughter, Betsy Shaver, and I completed the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Boston. Along with over 1,900 (about 1,600 walkers and 300 crew) participants, we walked a marathon (26.2 miles) on Saturday and half a marathon (13.1 miles) on Sunday for a grand total of just under 40 miles, but who’s counting!?

Seldom have so many experienced such weather extremes in a 48-hour period. Saturday was hot and sunny. The main worries were dehydration and sunburn. We all camped out in tents that night. Sunday dawned cloudy and cooler and we set off along with most of the other 1,600 walkers in shirtsleeves and shorts/slacks confident it wasn’t going to rain…but, of course, it did, and we all were quickly soaked and cold. With a paltry 13 miles to go, few took advantage of the buses waiting to ferry anyone who wanted a dry escape back to Joe Moakley Park where we had all started the day before.

It was a rag tag, straggling crowd in plastic ponchos, garbage bags and a few well-prepared, rain gear attired walkers that made its way across the finish line to cheers and congratulations.

Never have I spent so much time in such uncomfortable circumstances among a crowd of such wonderful, good-natured people. We were all there to show support —financial and moral—for all those whose lives have been touched by Breast Cancer. No one whined (much); no one complained (much) and everyone was ready to reach out with a bottle of water, a flashlight, a joke or a helping hand. Many fellow walkers were survivors. Their spirit was amazing and inspirational to the rest.

Financially, the Walk was a great success as well. More than $4.5 million were raised with more donations still coming in. Yours truly raised more than $2000, thanks to the generosity of friends, family, co-workers and beauty industry associates. I want to thank you all for making my weekend in Boston possible.

I will write more about the experience and the good work the Avon Walks are doing in the July/August issue. ‘Til then, if you’re feeling depressed, find a cause to rally around. Get outside yourself for a few days. I promise you’ll come home with a new, improved attitude—not to mention some great stories and a few blisters.

Janet Herlihy
Editor
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