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Tony And Sherrie's Michigan 3-Day Breast Cancer PledgePage
We are first time walkers in the Avon 3-day breast cancer walk.
It just so happens that it is also the first year for the event in Michgan. There are 13 events this year nationwide. Michigan has just enrolled its 4200 participant. See the picture of me and my sister, Dawn, on my photo page, taken just a few days ago. Looking at us one would never know the obstacles we have had to conquer. Four years ago, at the age of 25, I was first diagnosed with breast cancer (Cancer does not care what your age is!) and have been fighting hard ever since. Today after 11 surgeries and a diagnosis of Stage IV breast cancer I’m still alive. My sister Dawn was diagnosed 2 years ago and it was because of my 2nd diagnosis she got a mammogram (anyone who knows Dawn knows she is a bit of a procrastinator). Anyway, we believe she is alive today because of this warning sign. Thanks to modern medicine and early detection we are here today to tell you about it. For this reason, in celebration of our lives and for the many other people who have been affected from this disease, my husband Tony and I are participating in the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day walk from Ann Arbor to Detroit on May 31 – June 2. We are walking 60 miles ~ that’s right 20 miles a day for 3 days to raise money for breast cancer. We will be sleeping in tents, eating with 3900+ other people, showering in trucks and using port-a-johns, all for the cause. The goal of this event is to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and to raise funds for the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, a 501(c) (3) organization. The contributions of the 3-Day walks fund many different areas of breast cancer, including: medical research and clinical care; a national-financial assistance program for medically underserved women who need breast biopsies and support services; advocacy training; community-based breast health programs, and more (for details, visit www.avoncrusade.com). ALL of us have been touched by breast cancer in this country, one way or another. The event and the cause relates to us in a way that needs no explanation. Both Tony and I have to admit that the 3 days of walking are going to be rough, but we have already started training. We will work hard because we want to make a difference. Did you know that 1 out of 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer? One of these could be your mother, aunt, sister or best friend. Did you know that in the United States someone is diagnosed every 3 minutes and that every 13 minutes breast cancer takes a life. These are staggering statistics. However, the best news is that there are more survivors each year due to modern medicine and research. Events ~ and your contributions to the effort ~ can help more men and women survive. ALL we had to read to encourage us was, “How far would YOU walk to save a life?” When signing up for this walk we made a commitment to raise a minimum of $1,900 a piece, but we would like to raise a lot more. We are asking you to contribute as a donor. We have 3 months till the 3-Day and we obviously want to raise as much money as we can. We will do the PHYSICAL part and you can do the FISCAL part. We are requesting support from EVERYONE we know to help us succeed. This is a ONE TIME ASK ~ we will not be hounding you with a follow-up or reminder calls. We hope the cause sells itself. On our links page you will find our donation forms. We are asking that you follow the Avon 3-Day links and contribute using your debit or credit card. You’ll need to know that Tony is walker #9297 and I am #9298. Please make your pledges by April 15th. Whichever method you choose we hope that you are willing to share this incredible experience with us. Even though my cancer has progressed, I believe that God has kept me alive for a reason. Maybe by doing this walk and educating women about breast cancer and early detection is the key. I believe that early detection and modern medicine have prolonged my life to where it is today. We pray everyday for a cure. For those of you who know us you know why we are doing this. For those of you who don’t we hope this letter explains it. This is just something the both of us together need to do. Thanks in advance for your generosity and support. Sincerely, Sherrie & Tony Antoszewski Email: Tonyandsherrie@aol.com P.S. If you want us to carry the names, stories or pictures of women or men who have been affected with breast cancer on our walk please e-mail us and we will share their stories.
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