As many of you know in the summer of 2000 my mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.(The picture above is of my Mom, Cheryl and I, on my wedding day this past fall. I am dedicating this walk to my Mom.) She had gone for a mammogram and had not been in several years. Initially the doctor stated she had a few calcium deposits and it was nothing major. He recommended she return within a year. My Mom had a feeling and did not believe what was told to her. She spoke with her primary care physician and requested a second opinion. The second opinion confirmed our fears. My Mom had breast cancer. The next few weeks were spent going to specialists and determining what would be necessary. My Mom was fortunate enough to be diagnosed in the early stages of cancer. If she had waited, the cancer would have spread. That summer my Mom had the tumors removed and soon began radiation. She continues to suffer from the side effects of the radiation but is extremely thankful to be a survivor. Because of the technology that exists today, my Mom is alive. This is what motivated to walk for breast cancer. The more knowledge, research and awareness that is available, the more women we will be able to help. Breast cancer is something that affects all women and certainly does not discriminate.

Thanks for visiting my Pledge page. I've committed to participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Cincinnati, to spending the next few months training and fundraising, and to walking for an entire weekend.I'm one of thousands of people all over the country who will be doing this in 2003, all to raise funds for the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade and support their mission of providing access to care and finding a cure.

I'm required to raise a minimum of $1,750 to participate, but I plan to raise much more! But I can't do that without your help. In fact, I'm going to need support from many people to reach my goals, and I'm hoping that I can count on you to be part of my support team.

A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 3 minutes, so by the time you open and read this web page, one more woman will hear the terrible words "you have breast cancer."

One woman dies every 14 minutes from breast cancer. So by the time you click on this site, read it, think about it, find your checkbook or credit card, and decide how much to give, another life has been lost. Thank you for your support with this challenging mission. Your contribution will help so many women and their loved ones. ~Melissa McDonald Sirbu