SHIFLET COMPLETES 60-MILE WALK FOR BREAST CANCER

          Judy Shiflet, Senior Secretary for Alumni Relations at Abraham Baldwin College, recently participated in the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day walk, a journey from Bear Mountain to Suffern, N.Y.

          More than 2,383 walkers, including 90 men, generated $6 million for the breast cancer cause. These breast cancer "crusaders" walked 60 miles over three days to raise money and awareness for breast cancer programs nationwide, including medical research, clinical care, financial assistance and support services, educational seminars, and non-profit, community-based breast health programs.

          The participants walked approximately 20 miles a day, traveling at their own pace. The walkers were supported by 360 volunteer crew members and enjoyed catered hot meals, water and snack stops, gear transport, and hot showers. Volunteer physicians and nurses from Continuum Health Partners provided comprehensive medical services.

          Shiflet, who also participated in the event last year in Atlanta, said the walk is one of the most incredible experiences she has ever had.

          "The walk is a great opportunity to help raise money for breast cancer awareness and research," Shiflet said. "As a mother of a 16-year old daughter, I hope breast cancer will be more treatable and that women will have more options in the future. If a cure is found, perhaps my daughter will not have to deal with breast cancer in her lifetime--it will just be a thing of the past.

          "Besides helping raise money for the cause, the walk is also very fulfilling on a personal level. It's so great to be a part of something like that, and it's inspiring to see all of the people who participate--many of whom are breast cancer survivors. I'm already looking forward to next year."

          In order to participate, Shiflet trained for the event and raised $1,990. Each walker was assigned a walker-coach to assist with all aspects of training and fund-raising.

          The walk is a fund-raising program of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade whose mission is to fund access to care and to find a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on medically under-served women, including minorities, underprivileged, and under or un-insured women. Avon Crusade funds support community-based breast cancer early detection programs; financial assistance and support services for survivors, patients and their families; educational and advocacy seminars; clinical care; and medical research into prevention, diagnosis, treatment; and a cure for breast cancer. Funds raised by the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day are disbursed through the Avon Products Foundation.

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