Avon 2 Day Walk in Washington DC May 2008
Hopkins received a grant for $1.2 millions to support its research, outreach and patient navigation program. In addition to this , Dr. Davidson on bahalf of the Breast Cancer Research Consortium received a grant for more than $2 million to further their bench research efforts.
The 68 members of the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center team for
the 2008 DC Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and raised over $154,000. This group
of women and men set records for Hopkins in terms of both team membership
and amount raised. They comprised the largest team and were #1 in
fundraising for the year.
Some struggled to raise the $1,800 minimum while others doubled and tripled
that amount.
Some walked the half-marathon distance both days while others walked the
full marathon on Saturday and half-marathon on Sunday.
Some watched all or part of the walk from the sidelines as a result of
injuries.
Some walked on with blisters, large and small and minor aches which they
describe as:
I had 3 teeny-tiny blisters, but killer shin splints!
No blisters! I used toe covers (filled with gel) when my toes started to
burn.
Several blisters on each heel - but blisters don't need chemo!!
Four blisters!
I ended up with one blister right at the end of day two....it did not slow
me down. And I did have the beginnings of 3 blisters on my other foot.
I had three biggggggg blisters!
Five blisters.
Only two blisters.
Not one blister - I consider myself fortunate!
I can tell you the medical teams on the road and in the village were kept
busy through the day and evening, and to a lesser extent at night. We were
proud to get nearly all the walkers back on the road again. One of our team
members was on the medical crew.
Everyone had a different experience of the walk and highlights varied from
the deeply personal to the enjoyment of others along the route. Walkers
describe the highlights in these words:
I think it was on Sunday when you could tell there were so many with
blisters,
aches and pains, yet still walking to complete their walk.
The community support was amazing, I have never experienced anything like
it.
Talking to other walkers whom I had not met before to chat about their
reasons for walking.
Having a friend join us for 3 miles of the walk as a survivor and having her
eyes opened to the WALK
Walking with a best friend, standing on stage and seeing my team, being a
part of the number one team.
The highlight of my walk was the opening and closing ceremonies and also
meeting many fellow survivors. The wellness village med crew got bused back
to the lunch stop, and a couple of us decided to walk in from there to
closing ceremonies with the walkers, which was wonderful. I would highly
recommend medical crew for those with in the nursing/medical field. You will
have a wonderful experience.
Meeting and talking with the opening ceremony speakers along the trail.
The highlight of the walk was definitely the cheering sections we walked
through, they really helped me make it.
Highlights were too many to mention but one important one was walking across
the finish line on Sunday with my 7 year old daughter Bronwen.
The closing ceremony!
The highlight for me was seeing how the neighborhoods treated us.
Seeing so many people affected by breast cancer
The End! Everybody cheering you across the finish line is very inspiring and
makes you feel real good. You forget at that point about how your feet hurt.
The route, the weather, and the team mates were so inspiring!
Walking w/ my sister (as always) and my buddy Jules, whom was absent from
the DC walk last year, and walking w/ three new buddies: Joann/Monica/Alexy!
They are so much fun, and it's great learning things about different team
members!
Seeing my team captain on stage at Opening talking about her diagnosis 29
years ago before there were pink ribbons and seeing her again at Closing to
accept a check for the Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center where she
works!
Thanks to everyone on the Johns Hopkins team for making this our most
successful walk ever. We love you all and will see you next year in DC!
Compiled by Julie Thomas. Thank you Julie!
09.jpg - Deb Stewart holds up the check from the Avon Foundation that will support the continued work of Hopkins related to research, navigation, and addressing the needs of the underserved.
08.jpg - Johns Hopkins had the largest walking team of 68 walkers!!!! We also have more than 30 cheerleaders along the walking route both days wearing their traditional pink scrubs. Our team was #1 for size and for most money raised!
05.jpg - Dr. Davidson talking with Reese Whitherspoon.
04.jpg - Lillie Shockney speaking with Reese Whitherspoon.
07.jpg - Here are some of our walkers and cheerleaders post walk relaxing in their Karen Neuberger (breast cancer awareness) sleepwear!
We raised $151,590.29 Unbelievable! What a team!!!
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