Well, I did it. When all was tallied, I raised $3,307 for breast cancer programs... $307 over my *revised* personal goal. Thank you SO much to my fantastic donors who helped me achieve that number.

The walk was an amazing experience, and I am truly changed as a result. And I have already signed up for 2002, so watch this space for information about next year's walk!

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I am walking for completely altruistic reasons, and completely selfish reasons. One out of nine women are diagnosed with breast cancer. My aunt was one of them. Luckily, she is a 25+ year survivor, but back then, her only choice was a radical mastectomy. More modern techniques could have saved her breast. Her insurance wouldn't cover her special bras. Or reconstructive surgery. Or any kind of emotional therapy.

So the selfish reason is that I am at-risk to get this disease. If it happens, I don't want to go through what she went through.

But the altruistic reason is that I don't want to see *anyone* go through what she went through. No one with breast cancer, woman or man, should be treated as though this is some kind of "lesser" disease, not worthy of help and support.

While research is done on the causes and cures of breast cancer, the Avon Foundation gives a lot of its money primarily to organizations that provide assistance to those with the disease. Financial assistance for medically underserved women, advocacy training, community-based health programs. Things like giving rides to chemo sessions, or assistance in buying wigs when the chemo has turned hair into peach fuzz.

Please pledge on my behalf to this very important cause.

Meg Keehan
Walker #1101, San Francisco walk

Who I'm walking for:

Aunt Irene: a 26-year survivor.
Ruth, Sally’s mom: a long-term survivor.
Nadine, Pat’s mom: another long-term survivor.
Jan, my friend and real estate agent: a 4-year survivor.
Susan, Julie’s sister: currently in treatment.
Jenn, and online friend: already a twice-diagnosed survivor – at age 30.
And you...