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Walk 40 Miles in My Shoes

Avon Walk
Opening program for Avon Walk

This weekend, blogger and breast cancer survivor Elissa Bantug is walking nearly 40 miles in Washington, D.C. at the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.  She's there with survivors, friends, family and others sharing their support.  Stay tuned to see updates and photos from Elissa at the event.

Saturday, April 30, 2011: Updates from Elissa at the Avon Walk

Elissa Bantug and Debbie Stewart
Elissa Bantug and Debbie Stewart

6:35 AM It's a beautiful morning in the Nation's Capital.  Soon we will begin the first day of walking-26.2 miles will be walked before we rest tonight.

6:50 AM $5 million raised.  215 survivors walking.

6:52 AM We walk because every 3 minutes someone will be diagnosed.

9:27 AM We walk to bring awareness, we walk to give back, we walk to raise money, we wall to inspire, we walk because we can, we walk because others could not.

10:51 AM We are stopped at lunch.  Just enough time to check my feet for blisters, refill drinks, shove a sandwich in my mouth and keep walking.  Mile 10.

12:32 PM We are half way on day 1 at 13.1 miles.

2:31 PM A little under 9 miles to go.  Walking through American University now.

3:18 PM There are so many faces here-young and old, male and female, black and white, survivor and not; all with one goal-we are in it to end it.

3:19 PM Crossing over from DC into Maryland.  Walking through beautiful Chevy Chase.  Almost at mile 19.

4:27 PM Every time I start to think that this is getting to be too much, cheerers with inspiring words, posters, candy, snow cones, and hugs allow me take one more step.  Thanks for getting us through!

5:36 PM It has been a long day filled with blisters, blood, sweat, and tears.  We look like we have come through a war (and for many of us we have). Laughter and stories of inspiration still fill the air.  We are in Day 1 of the final trek at mile 24.

6:29 PM We did it.  Day 1 of 26.2 miles is complete.  Dinner, shower, and bed soon to follow.  Tomorrow, we begin again.  In It To End it!

Avon Walker
Avon Walker

Baby Avon Walker
Baby Avon Walker

Avon Walker
Avon Walker

Johns Hopkins Survivor Volunteer Team
Johns Hopkins Survivor Volunteer Team

Going strong
Going strong

Halfway there
Halfway there

Thank you!
Thank you!