Why the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

Dedicated
to Barb, Tim and their daughter Katie
Please read their story

Once again
I have committed to participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer –
now in my 7th year!! I spent 2000-2001 WALKING in 3 events (San Diego
and 2 Washington DC) and have CREWED the 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 events
(all Wash DC). This year, 2006, I will once again be part of the crew
that supports all the walkers.

Why do I
continue to support the cause? See the folks in the photo with me? I want
to share their story with you. A few months ago I received a letter from
Tim. With his permission, I share it with you now.

"Dear
Deb,

You probably
don't remember my wife and I. We met you back in 2001. Barb, I think,
was only 33 and had just finished a year of a mastectomy, chemotherapy
and radiation. I'm thankful that she was given years of good health after
all that. The cancer came back with a vengeance February. She was almost
put on a respirator. The cancer had moved to her lungs and spine.

Barb went
with more chemotherapy and got to enjoy the summer. Unfortunately the
cancer is now in her spinal cord and brain. That brings me up to tonight
as I hold her hand and wait for her to pass. I never realized how painful
cancer can be. When Barb was treated for cancer 4 years ago it was only
the medication that made her ill. Now I see the true painful side of this
disease.

I'm not sure
why I'm burdening you with this. It's just that you've been such a strong
breast cancer advocate and I wanted to thank you and encourage you. Barb
is leaving behind a beautiful 7 year old daughter. Please keep up the
fight so women like Barbara can live and daughters like Katie can grow
up with a mom.

Sincerely
– Tim and Katie

THIS IS WHY
I CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE CAUSE! This is why I ask you to donate some
of your hard earned money to this cause. No amount is too small.

Thank you
– Deb Wills