When in doubt, here is something to consider ...

The latest news that Susan G Komen has cut funds to support Planned Parenthood has caused recent controversy and sparked many to sign petitions, boycott Susan G Komen and their supporters and caused many to scrutinize if it really is worthwhile to continue contributing to such causes. Here is my response to all this hoopla:

Cancer does not care if you are pro-choice, anti-choice, progressive or conservative and choosing to support breast cancer patients should NEVER be based on political agenda. However, people should take into consideration that there are so many other wonderful organizations that are receiving grants for research and funding from both Susan G Komen AND The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer! The money donated supports a national network of more than 200 research, medical, social service and community-based organizations annually, each of which is making a unique contribution to helping patients or advancing breast cancer research. Soooooooo I encourage people to not let this news dissuade you from donating or participating in the cause!!! :)

2012 Team - Let's Get This Party Started !!

911 Angels are on FIYAH !!! I had 13 register for our 2012 team last week. Some of them 1st time walkers and some have returned. 2012 is going to be the biggest team yet ... So far we have 33 walkers !!!!! So excited that my son, Zach who has been a part of the 911 Angel and Avon Walk family since he was 7 years old is finally old enough to walk at 16 !!! My niece Hannah at 17 will also be participating as a walker for the 1st time. SF Avon Walk, The Angels are coming deep !!!!

A Note To My 911 Angels

Amazing Angels,

You ROCK. What an intoxicating weekend!!! (and I say that on H2O and Gatorade!!) Congratulations, I am so proud of each and everyone of you. I know this morning you must be feeling many different things as I am sure "sore" is on the top of the list but I wanted to share what I am feeling at this moment... "SO VERY BLESSED" to have such a fun and exciting group of remarkable women and men on our team, many of you who return year after year and keep the team growing by recruiting new friends and family because you KNOW just how important this cause is. It is an experience that is very difficult to put into words without having journey'd through it!!

I certainly missed walking along side my Angels this year but having experienced all those pains and challenges in years past, it was a nice change of pace to be able to join the "cheering/support crew" this year because I KNOW that is so needed along the way.... Thank you to Alex, Rahul, Tracy for doing this every year .. and our newest Michael and Andy and Moto Crew Lisa too !!!!! Thank you to Gina who even after injury, was able to ice her leg, grab some pom poms and continue to cheer on the rest of the team ... I ♥ you all !!!!!

Congrats to the newest members for completing your very 1st Avon Walk ... I hope it was everything you imagined and MORE. It says so much that so many of you pre-registered for the 2012 walk on Event Eve (even before having experienced it).

I am especially proud of Linda Doering (my proxy walker) for completing her 7th walk!!! It's been a year since you suffered from your stroke and most of us know how very far you have come recovering from such trauma ... Through speech, occupational, and physical therapy, you champed your way through it and were COMPLETELY prepared to conquer this weekends walk!!!! AMAZING LINDA !!!!

As they said on the stage at Closing Ceremonies, "Every journey is different" .. this years walk is not the same as last years and next years walk will be different too. Many of us experience different challenges along the way and we learn so much about ourselves.. you learn to persevere and through self reflection, you grow. ♥ I hope this years journey, however different has been just as meaningful to you as it has been to me over the past 7 years. I never grow numb from this "high" of helping as I see how my participation has helped so many cancer patients and families along the way in such a positive way!

I am so thrilled that so many of you are returning for the 2012 walk as we already have new walkers and returning walkers from past years coming back. I imagine next year our team will be twice as big. This year we made just over $42,000, putting our grand total at $200,000 since the team was 1st formed in 2002. 2012 will be a BIG YEAR no doubt because the 911 Angels is sure to reach a HUGE milestone .. We will reach a Quarter of a Million Dollars !!!!

Glad you are registered early so we can start fundraising early!!!! :) Remember to keep stretching and hydrating and listen to your body. Hope your recovery is swift and smooth and you are back on your toes in no time.

Tickled Pink and Loving my Angels !!!

Tara


If you did not have the chance to visit the 2012 registration station over the weekend, Avon doesn't want you to miss out on a great opportunity so they are offering a special reduced registration fee of $45 through Friday, July 15 when you register online at avonwalk.org. Use promotion code: 2012start to receive this special rate.

SF Avon Walk 2011 - Come Be A Part of An Amazing Weekend !!

The Avon Walk San Francisco is this weekend! On behalf of the 911 Angels - 2011 Team, we thank you for your continued support and encouraging words. With your support we know that you are also IN IT TO END IT and you are passionately committed to making a difference. Because you are here, following our blog, you are an important part of our 911 Angel family. Remember, as a supporter ... you can continue to make an impact and help ensure that we’re walking towards a world without breast cancer by taking action on one of the following:

#1. It is not too late to make a donation. Your contribution will enable medical centers and organizations in the SF Bay area to provide people with breast cancer care they need regardless of their ability to pay, and will help fund life saving research being done in your community. You can click on any of the walkers names listed to the RIGHT to make an online donation today.

#2. Join us at one of the great Cheering Stations along the SF walk route THIS WEEKEND! Our cheerleaders are really what keep us going, so join us Saturday or Sunday or the entire weekend. We need to feel YOUR energy and excitement. Wear your best flair, make a poster, and show your enthusiasm for our 2011 Walkers. Our Cheering Stations are the best locations to safely cheer along the route. Cheering Stations are listed below.

#3. Join us for Closing Ceremonies !!! Come on out and help us celebrate the amazing accomplishments of our Walkers and Crew at the Avon Walk San Francisco Closing Ceremony (details listed below). Not only will you witness the excitement, emotion and inspiration of the Ceremony, but you will also see firsthand the grants presented to local organizations who are leading the fight against breast cancer.

Plus, if you’re thinking of joining us again in 2012, be sure to visit the Registration Station to register for any future Avon Walk event for just $32.50 – that’s 50% off the registration fee! This one-time offer will only be available on-event and is our lowest offer of the 2012 season.

We hope to see you this weekend, and we thank you for being In It to End It with us. With the continued efforts of dedicated Avon Walk community members like you, we will see an end to breast cancer.

OPENING & CLOSING CEREMONIES - FT MASON.
CEREMONIES - FORT MASON
OPENING: July 9, 2011 | Walker Arrival 5:30AM - 6:00AM | Ceremony Begins 6:30AM
CLOSING: July 10, 2011 | Ceremony Begins at 3:00PM

Fort Mason
Bay St. and Franklin St.
San Francisco, CA 94123

Friends and family are more than welcome to park for Opening and Closing Ceremonies at Fort Mason Center, located at Buchannan St. and Marina Blvd, adjacent to the Ceremonies site. Fort Mason Center offers a limited amount of parking for a minimal charge. Please note that overnight parking is not permitted in the Fort Mason Center parking lot. Participants who need overnight parking are encouraged to park at the Westin St. Francis and take the shuttle bus to the Opening Ceremony site on Saturday morning.


Avon Walk for Breast Cancer San Francisco
July 9-10, 2011


Here‟s a list of the best locations for friends and family to safely cheer on Walkers along the route. You are all invited to come on out and show your support for the 911 Angels, and all of the other Walkers out there.

Our Walkers can really use your energy and excitement throughout the weekend!
Please be a courteous neighbor and leave the Cheering Station as clean as you found it and obey all traffic rules so that we‟ll be invited back next year. And don‟t forget to bring your Avon Walk flair, posters, music, etc. This is your time to have fun while supporting a great cause.


SATURDAY – JULY 9, 2011

The Wharf Inn (Mile 1.1)
Beach Street at Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
Peak viewing times: 7:00 am – 8:30 am

Directions: Cheering Station is on Beach Street, at the northwest corner of Beach Street and Mason Street. Please don‟t block the parking spots or entrance to the parking lot. The Wharf Inn parking is for customers only. Street parking is available.
Notes: This is the first Cheering Station along the Walk route! Come cheer in San Francisco‟s famousFisherman‟s Wharf neighborhood as the Walkers complete their first mile!

E Tutto Qua (Mile 3.7)
270 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133
Peak viewing times: 7:30 am – 10:00 am

Directions: Cheering Station will be on the corner of Columbus Street and Broadway Street. Street parking is available.
Notes: Walkers will approach this lovely Italian restaurant from the south as they head toward Washington Square Park in the heart of San Francisco‟s North Beach neighborhood. North Beach is home to many Italian delicacies and the birthplace of the beat generation!

SRT Consultants (Mile 4.6)
792 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
Peak viewing times: 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Directions: Cheering Station is on the northeast corner of Bay Street and Hyde Street. Metered street parking is available in the area.
Notes: Watch the famous San Francisco Cable Cars pass by on Hyde Street as the Walkers make their way up the Bay Street hill from Leavenworth Street. Be ready to cheer a little louder than normal – the Walkers will need to hear your enthusiasm over the Cable Car bells!



Alta Plaza Park (Mile 6.5)
Jackson Street, San Francisco, CA 94115
Peak viewing times: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm

Directions: Cheering Station is located in the grass area on the north side of the tennis courts facing Jackson Street between Steiner Street and Pierce Street. The pink pack of Avon Walkers will be westbound, so keep your eyes peeled in the direction of Steiner Street. Notes: Located in San Francisco‟s exclusive Pacific Heights neighborhood, this Cheering Station has been provided by the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department!

Warming Hut (Mile 9.8)
Hamilton Street, San Francisco, CA 94129
Peak viewing times: 9:00 am – 1:30 pm

Directions: From Marina Boulevard, continue straight on Mason Street along Crissy Field. In 1.9 miles, the road bends to the left and becomes Harrison Street, where parking is available. The Warming Hut is the
first building on your right and the Cheering Station is the area between the Warming Hut and the adjacent buildings. Notes: Enjoy the amazing views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge while you cheer the Walkers in front of this warehouse restored with green materials. They will need your extra energy and words of inspiration as they approach one of the challenging San Francisco hills.

UBICS Offices (Mile 15.3)
1050 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965
Peak viewing times: 10:30 am – 2:30 pm

Directions: Cheering Station is at the corner of Bridgeway and Johnson Street in the parking lot. Notes: Walkers will be approaching from the east of Bridgeway, and at 15 miles they are getting tired so keep a look out and cheer them on! The nearby dock is home to a large houseboat community touting a famous houseboat built to resemble the Taj Mahal.

Marin Joe’s (Mile 22.3)
585 Casa Buena Drive, Corte Madera, California 94925
Peak viewing times: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Directions: Parking is available along Casa Buena Drive in front of the restaurant.
Notes: Come cheer on the Walkers at the first Cheering Station in Corte Madera – they‟re almost to their home-away-from home for the evening, the Wellness Village!

Lark Theater (Mile 24.6)
549 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur, CA 94939
Peak viewing times: 2:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Directions: Cheering Station is on the Magnolia Street side of the theater. Street parking is available. Notes: Only two miles left until the Walkers get to the Wellness Village! Remember their feet hurt, their muscles ache and they need your smiles and cheers to get to the finish line!

Wellness Village Archway Finish (Mile 26.2)
Corte Madera Town Park, Corte Madera, CA 94925
Peak viewing times: 2:00 pm – 7:15 pm

Directions: Visitor parking is available on the north side of the park off of Mohawk Avenue. Notes: This beautiful 22-acre park is where Walkers will finish their first day! Welcome the Walkers across the finish line – they‟ve officially made it! The first day of the Avon Walk Weekend is over and the Walkers are ready for some much-deserved rest and relaxation!

SUNDAY – JULY 10, 2011

Volvo Marin (Mile 0.6)
201 Casa Buena Drive, Corte Madera, CA 94925
Peak viewing times: 7:00 am – 8:30 am

Directions: Cheering Station is located on the corner of Conow Street and Casa Buena Drive. Ample parking is available in the area.
Notes: It‟s time to cheer, cheer, cheer! The Walkers would love a boost as they „get into the groove‟ of Sunday‟s walk route through Corte Madera, fondly known as the “hidden jewel of Marin.”

Dunphy Park (Mile 6.9)
Bridgeway and Bee Street, Sausalito, CA 94965
Peak viewing times: 8:30 am – 10:45 am

Directions: Parking is available in Dunphy Park or on the street. Turn right on Napa Street from Bridgeway to park in the lot.
Notes: Walkers will approach on Bridgeway from the north. You‟ll be inspired to cheer on the Walkers, as you sit among the daisies and willow trees in this lovely park that overlooks the Bay. Go walkers go!!

Fort Baker Lookout Point (Mile 8.9)
East Road, Sausalito, CA 94965
Peak viewing times: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Directions: Cheering Station is located south of where Alexander Avenue crosses East Road. There is parking next to the lunch tables in the turnout.
Notes: This is the last Cheering Station before the Walkers cross the bridge to San Francisco! Give them your best cheers, smiles and encouragement as they approach their ninth mile of the day (whew!). Bring a lunch to enjoy on the picnic tables with a view of the Bay as you wait for the Walkers to arrive.

Marina Green (Mile 14.9)
Marina Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94123
Peak viewing times: 10:00 am – 2:30 pm

Directions: Located on the corner of Marina Boulevard and Marina Green Drive, you can
watch the boats dock at the yacht harbor while you wait for the Walkers to pass this last cheering station before they reach Fort Mason!
Notes: This Cheering Station, provided by the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, features views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and is a great location to
give the Walkers the encouragement they need to get through the final stretch of their day!

Welcome Home Archway (Mile 15.6)
Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA 94123
Peak viewing times: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Directions: Fort Mason Center, located at Buchannan Street and Marina Boulevard, adjacent to the Ceremonies site, offers a limited amount of parking for a minimal charge. Street parking is also available. Notes: Back where it all started! These Walkers will have had one amazing weekend so come on our and high-five them across the Finish Line! Congratulations Walkers!!!


***
We look forward to seeing you on the route, cheering on our Avon Walkers!

Thank you for supporting the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

Fundraiser Update - WE DID IT !!!!

Amazing Angels, We Did It !!!!!

Tara Doxie $3,355.00 - Fabulous Fundraiser !!

Kehaulani Ah Yo $1,347.00 - will get the donations from the Jello Shot fundraiser and has made goal !!!!

Jill Ahearn $2,380.00 - Fabulous Fundraiser !!

Katie Alaga-Smith $2,645.00 - Fabulous Fundraiser !!

Jennifer Arata $1,800.00 - Awesome !!!

Andrea Atkinson $2,100.00 - Fabulous Fundraiser !!

Jennifer Burnham $2,227.00 - Fabulous Fundraiser !!

Heather Chapman $1,825.00 - You are Awesome !!

Martha Chavez $2,175.00 - Fabulous Fundraiser !!!

Tammy Church $1,310.00 - has the rest of donations in hand and has made goal !!!

Catalina Cortese $2,145.00 - Fabulous Fundraiser !!

Lisa Dalaison $1,829.00 - Awesome !!!

Margo Flores $2,565.00 - Fabulous Fundraiser !!

Jennifer Hern $0.00 (not walking)

Gina Lualemana $1,765.00 - has just reached goal !!!

Caria Martins $180.00 (not walking)

Laurie Morales $1,850.00 - Awesome !!!!

DaShawn Parker $2,115.00 - Fabulous Fundraiser !!

Lisa Solomon $0.00 (crew - no donations needed.)

Char Tabag $720.00 - has donations in hand and including the extra checks from Jen Tuck, has just made goal!!!!

Jennifer Tuck $1,895.47 - Awesome !!!!

Teresa Zagalo $3,688.00 - Phenomenal Fundraising TERESA !!!!!!


CONGRATULATIONS TEAM -- WE DID IT !!!!! With all the donations we are walking into Event Eve, our team has collectively raised over $42,000 for the 2011 walk !!!!!! SOOOOO PROUD OF YOU ALL !!!!!!

Thank you to all our friends and family for supporting a cause that is so near and dear to our hearts. You all REALLY DO make a difference!!!!

Our night as "Shooter Girls."

Last night, The 911 Angels had the wonderful opportunity to serve as "Shooter Girls" selling Jello Shots at Freddie J's Bar in downtown San Jose. This fundraiser was planned within a few short weeks and came together beautifully. Thank you to all the Angels who were able to make this happen. A very special thank you to Angel, Tammy Church for masterminding the fundraiser!!!! Freddie J was awesome and so good to the 911 Angels, his staff was amazing, great music, good crowd of people who showed much support for the Boobie Cause!!! Successful fundraiser - easy money. :) We will definitely be back. As always, we appreciate all of our family and friends who came out to support our fundraising efforts in the fight against breast cancer. With less than one week away from our San Francisco Avon Walk, you have helped us to become much closer to our team goal. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you !!!!!

Keeping The Memories Alive.

CONGRATULATIONS 911 ANGELS, Our team has qualified for the "Keeping the Memories Alive" Team Package.

In all 212 registered SF Avon Walk Teams, The 911 Angels have again risen to the top as the 3rd highest ranking team for most money raised. Having raised nearly $38,000 so far this year and nearly $250,000 since 2002, our team is CERTAINLY In It To End It. For our amazing recruitment efforts, we have qualified for a few exclusive Avon Walk mementos along with some special recognition that our team will remember forever! It is a simple thank you from Avon for all of our hard work.

The "Keeping The Memories Alive" Team Package includes:

- Team Photo - taken by an official Avon Walk photographer. All team members will receive a copy of this photo at closing ceremonies.

- Team "Meet Up" sign: Our team sign is in the process of being made and it will be big and bold - perfect for gathering at Opening or walking triumphantly into Closing Ceremonies or for photo's at the Wellness Village on Saturday afternoon.

Team Postcards: Team Captain will receive 100 special team postcards proudly displaying your team photo. These custom team postcards are an ideal way to send a meaningful message of thanks to your donors or for recruitment in 2012!

Team Recognition in Closing Ceremonies slideshow - Our special team photo will be included in the Closing Ceremonies slideshow!

Great Job, 911 Angels!!! What an AMAZING accomplishment.