Where Your Money Goes

Funds raised ensure that all women and men receive screening, support and treatment they need, regardless of their ability to pay, as well as accelerate the work of leading research teams in their quest for better treatment, improved detection and a cure.

One of the most exciting initiatives the Avon Foundation supports, and one which you can join, is the Love/Avon Army of Women. The Army of Women aims to enroll a million women as potential research subjects. Scientists submit their study proposals to Love/Avon and the call goes out on the Army network for women who meet the eligibility criteria to participate. Some of the studies look at prevention, some at treatment, some at quality of life. The motto of the Army of Women is "Beyond A Cure." For more information, visit http://www.armyofwomen.org. I'm a member - you can be too!

Fundraising activities like the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer have changed the course of this disease and promise to bring hope not just for a cure but for PREVENTION.

My Story

My cancer was found on a mammogram. There was no lump, none of the signs we learned in nursing school. It's probably nothing, we'll check again in 6 months. Then, it's probably nothing, but we should do a biopsy. Then, I came to get my results and the nurse practitioner was making The Face. Nurses, you know the face I'm talking about - we make it all the time.

My grandmothers both had breast cancer - more about them in a minute. Because of research like that supported by the Avon Foundation, my NP knew to start younger with screening and my cancer was found at the earliest stage. The first surgery did not get everything, so there was another mammogram, an MRI, and genetic testing to figure out what to do next. I felt very lucky to have a problem where the diagnosis and treatment are so well-studied. Double mastectomy for positive gene test. Single mastectomy for extensive residual disease on the scans. Re-lumpectomy if all the news was good. In the ICU, the path is usually much more murky.

One more trip to the OR and it was time for radiation. I qualified for a new protocol in which 6 weeks of treatment is condensed into 1, and I didn't have to miss work. This kind of advance is a big deal for folks who can't afford to take time off or don't live close to a treatment facility. Now I am taking my tamoxifen twice a day and getting ready for another round of follow-up.

All of this testing and treatment is VERY expensive and for folks without excellent insurance (thanks UC!), help from organizations like Avon is literally lifesaving. Please consider donating to help with this important work. Ladies, if you can't donate, please sign up for the Love/Avon Army of Women and contribute your experience to research. Many studies are looking at women who have never had breast cancer to figure out why. We know you can prevent lung cancer by not smoking, but how can you avoid breast cancer? Maintain a normal weight, avoid alcohol, and have your kids early sure - but what about us chunky childless ladies who enjoy a beer with our nachos?

A Valentine

My grandmas had cancer in their own ways. Grandma Dusty, my father's mother, went through treatment and the cancer never came back. She moved on to cruises, season tickets to the dinner theater, and being active in her church. She helped care for my grandfather in the years after his stroke.

Grandma Barbara, my mom's mom, had cancer from the Carter administration until the day before Bill Clinton was elected. She had already mailed in her vote! She was the rock of my family and was the first person I saw die. Watching the hospice nurses care for my grandma inspired me to become a nurse myself instead of an MD/PhD. Being a nurse, especially working in the valley of the shadow that is night shift in the ICU, has been the best.

I am working the medical crew for the Avon Walk specifically to honor those nurses who cared for my grandmothers.

You can make a donation to my fundraising campaign right here on the website by clicking on the pink "Donate Now" button. If you prefer to write a check, just contact me and I'll send you the information and form.

Thank you in advance.

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