Somehow we made it to the last Motivation Monday of February. As we prepare to welcome a new month with spring not too far in the distant future, I’m excited to share some news about what’s become an annual labor of love in my life. This marks the fourth time I’m training to  to lace up and join in the Avon 39 Walk to End Breast Cancer. The big change for 2017: In 117 days from now, I hope to cross the finish line in Boston!

You may remember, I typically join in the two-day, 39.3 mile journey here in New York City. However, one of my Goddaughters will make her Confirmation the same weekend in October and she’s honored me by asking me to be her sponsor. By pounding the pavement in another city, I am able to share such an important day in her spiritual life and keep up my efforts to help kick breast cancer’s butt!

Why do I keep walking the Walk? For me, it’s a very personal journey. While 2017 marks my mom’s ninth year as a breast cancer survivor, it also marks the first time I’ll earn my 39 without my high school friend, Liz, cheering for each and every walker from the sidelines. Liz lost her brave battle with breast cancer less than one month after Avon 39 in New York this past fall. She was 43 years old. It’s impossible to believe the photo you see here marked the last time my fellow St. Mary’s Gaels Sue and Molly and I got to hug her. Even though Liz is gone, I also know she’ll be with me every step of the way in Boston and wherever else the Walk – and life – takes me in the future.

Since there are so many other amazing women waging their own battle against this awful disease and because I still dream of a world without breast cancer for my Goddaughters and all the daughters and nieces out there, walking 39.3 miles seems the least I can do to join in the fight. Of course, I can’t do it without your help! I have to raise a minimum of $1,800 to get to the starting line, but I hope to raise much more than that and make 2017 my biggest year yet!  You can make a donation by simply clicking here and you’ll be taken to my personal page on the Avon 39 website. (You even have the option of donating by mail.)

While proceeds help national research programs, some of the Boston area beneficiaries from 2016 include:

• Boston Medical Center
• Community Servings
• Massachusetts General Hospital
• Silent Spring Institute
• Tufts Medical Center

Be sure to look out for updates here on my blog and on my social media feeds. If you’re not following me yet, I hope you’ll check out LauraLovesFitness on Facebook and find me @FitnessLaura on Twitter and Instagram.

I close with a big thank you in advance for your support and a wish for a wonderful month ahead filled with new adventures and plenty of chances to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!