IUVB Alum Walks 39 Miles for Breast Cancer Awareness
5/30/2017 9:19:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
The following is a reflection by IU alum Taylor Wittmer, who was on the volleyball team from 2007-10. Taylor talks about her participation in the Avon 39 walk for Breast Cancer awareness.
As a first time 39er, clicking the button to officially sign up to walk 39 miles in two days brought about many different emotions. I was excited for a new challenge, thankful to be a part of such an amazing cause, nervous because I really wasn't sure what walking 39 miles would actually feel like, and humbled to be in a community with so many fabulous women and men who want to make a difference! My goal for this Avon 39 experience was to encourage others through supporting Breast Cancer research, inform those who may not know how prevalent Breast Cancer is in our society today, and provide hope to those currently battling Breast Cancer. God had a plan to use this walk in ways that I could not have imagined.
My motivation for participating in the Avon 39 walk came from a close family friend being diagnosed with Breast Cancer, as well as two of my best friends' mothers being diagnosed. When my best friend Bowdre Fortson who's mother is currently battling asked me to sign up, I was overjoyed! Witnessing how this disease affected my friends and their families really motivated me to be a part of crushing cancer! Along my fundraising journey, I was blessed to officially meet another women from near my home town who is currently fighting Breast Cancer. Dana Jones and her family were so excited that I would be participating in the Avon 39 event. This made me even more determined! I was able to get to know Dana and her story, pray for her, and include her in my walk journey. I have been blessed by knowing her! The fundraising portion of this event is obviously a big deal as the funds are distributed to many different programs including; Access to Care Programs, Support Programs, Metastatic Breast Cancer Focus, and Research Initiatives. It was a joyous moment when the crew announced that the our DC walk raised over 4 million dollars!!.
From check-in day, to the finish line at Nationals Park, we were showered with love and everything pink! The Avon 39 crew made us feel so welcome. Day 1 of the walk started with a wake-up call at 4am. We began opening ceremonies at sunrise at our Nation's Capital….. Talk about a breathtaking scene! We heard from survivors, family members who have lost loved ones, and people who were currently fighting. This was such an inspiring start to the morning! I wanted to bust through the start line! We were then off on our 39 mile journey! Folks lined the streets with noise makers, posters, treats, claps, and hugs. The Avon 39 crew made sure we were safe by providing road blocks, water and snack stations, and cheers of encouragement along the way.
I received more high fives and hugs than I could have ever imagined. The first day we walked 26.2 miles, and I have to say I was sore after! The weather wasn't ideal as it was chilly and raining!! We did not have raincoats, so thankfully we were able to turn trash bags into rain coats. It wasn't the most desirable of conditions to walk in, but our discomfort in the rain is nothing compared to what Breast Cancer patients and their families experience on a daily basis. The second day we walked 13 miles, and this seemed like a breeze compared to day 1. We walked through neighborhoods in Maryland where children and their parents lined the street with lemonade stands, hugs and treats for us. We dedicated each of these 13 miles to family members and friends who have been affected by Breast Cancer in some way. It was so encouraging to hear from our family and friends that saw our posts and felt like they were walking the 39 miles with us.
Crossing the finish finish line at Nationals Park with cheering supporters, hugs, and tears was so amazing. Knowing that what we did made a difference in someone's life was the most rewarding part. I can't say enough positive things about the Avon 39 experience. It is incredible and will change your life! Thank you so much to my donors, and those who have supported me along this journey. I would encourage anyone who would like to be a part of this event to make the commitment and sign up to walk! I will be walking in New York in 2018, and would love to have any family and friends join me!
As a first time 39er, clicking the button to officially sign up to walk 39 miles in two days brought about many different emotions. I was excited for a new challenge, thankful to be a part of such an amazing cause, nervous because I really wasn't sure what walking 39 miles would actually feel like, and humbled to be in a community with so many fabulous women and men who want to make a difference! My goal for this Avon 39 experience was to encourage others through supporting Breast Cancer research, inform those who may not know how prevalent Breast Cancer is in our society today, and provide hope to those currently battling Breast Cancer. God had a plan to use this walk in ways that I could not have imagined.
My motivation for participating in the Avon 39 walk came from a close family friend being diagnosed with Breast Cancer, as well as two of my best friends' mothers being diagnosed. When my best friend Bowdre Fortson who's mother is currently battling asked me to sign up, I was overjoyed! Witnessing how this disease affected my friends and their families really motivated me to be a part of crushing cancer! Along my fundraising journey, I was blessed to officially meet another women from near my home town who is currently fighting Breast Cancer. Dana Jones and her family were so excited that I would be participating in the Avon 39 event. This made me even more determined! I was able to get to know Dana and her story, pray for her, and include her in my walk journey. I have been blessed by knowing her! The fundraising portion of this event is obviously a big deal as the funds are distributed to many different programs including; Access to Care Programs, Support Programs, Metastatic Breast Cancer Focus, and Research Initiatives. It was a joyous moment when the crew announced that the our DC walk raised over 4 million dollars!!.
From check-in day, to the finish line at Nationals Park, we were showered with love and everything pink! The Avon 39 crew made us feel so welcome. Day 1 of the walk started with a wake-up call at 4am. We began opening ceremonies at sunrise at our Nation's Capital….. Talk about a breathtaking scene! We heard from survivors, family members who have lost loved ones, and people who were currently fighting. This was such an inspiring start to the morning! I wanted to bust through the start line! We were then off on our 39 mile journey! Folks lined the streets with noise makers, posters, treats, claps, and hugs. The Avon 39 crew made sure we were safe by providing road blocks, water and snack stations, and cheers of encouragement along the way.
I received more high fives and hugs than I could have ever imagined. The first day we walked 26.2 miles, and I have to say I was sore after! The weather wasn't ideal as it was chilly and raining!! We did not have raincoats, so thankfully we were able to turn trash bags into rain coats. It wasn't the most desirable of conditions to walk in, but our discomfort in the rain is nothing compared to what Breast Cancer patients and their families experience on a daily basis. The second day we walked 13 miles, and this seemed like a breeze compared to day 1. We walked through neighborhoods in Maryland where children and their parents lined the street with lemonade stands, hugs and treats for us. We dedicated each of these 13 miles to family members and friends who have been affected by Breast Cancer in some way. It was so encouraging to hear from our family and friends that saw our posts and felt like they were walking the 39 miles with us.
Crossing the finish finish line at Nationals Park with cheering supporters, hugs, and tears was so amazing. Knowing that what we did made a difference in someone's life was the most rewarding part. I can't say enough positive things about the Avon 39 experience. It is incredible and will change your life! Thank you so much to my donors, and those who have supported me along this journey. I would encourage anyone who would like to be a part of this event to make the commitment and sign up to walk! I will be walking in New York in 2018, and would love to have any family and friends join me!
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