Thank you to Michelle & all the amazing Avon39 Warriors!

On this Motivation Monday, I want to offer a heartfelt thank you to the more than 2,400 warriors who spent their weekend walking 39.3 miles around the streets of Manhattan in the Avon 39 Walk to end Breast Cancer.

As my repeat readers may remember, this marked the first time since 2014 I couldn’t participate in the New York City event. That’s because my Goddaughter Lauren gave me the honor of being her sponsor for Confirmation. However, you may also recall my good friend and four-time Avon39 walking buddy Sue and I earned our 39 in Boston back in June. In addition to knowing I’d walk the walk somewhere in the country this year, I also decided to get out on Sunday and cheer on the men and women who pounded the pavement in an effort to raise $6.4 million in the fight against a disease that still affects too many people.

Being a spectator was a truly moving experience. I saw so much strength, determination and tenacity on the faces of the walkers of all ages and races as they pushed their way to the finish line – blisters and all! Even more powerful was the chance to hug my new friend, Michelle, and the rest of her “Team Awesome” crew. Michelle is a two-time cancer survivor and she was the lone speaker at this year’s closing ceremonies. Knowing survivors like Michelle and of course, my beloved Mom, is a constant reminder that we all have a fight in us, even when life throws you a serious curve ball.

Of course I also couldn’t help but think of my dear friend Liz, who lost her brave battle with breast cancer less than a month after last year’s Walk. However, I had to smile remembering how she met me, Sue and Molly along the route armed with supportive hugs and signs of encouragement. Her fierce spirit will forever be a source of energy in my life – on future walks and on all the twists and turns I encounter on this road called life.

I close with a simple thought: Wherever you live, I encourage you to jump on any opportunity to get out and support people putting their hearts into a good cause. It is amazing the power a high-five or shout of “you rock!” can have on a weary body or mind. Whether we’re walking, running, donating some dollars or standing on the sidelines screaming a heartfelt thank you, each of us can play a powerful part in the fight against breast cancer and other diseases as part of our never-ending journey to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!