Arlene is one of my staff at work that has incredible determination, motivation, courage and strength. She has beaten one form of cancer already and she is working on fighting another one from starting.  With all this on her mind, she is training for the Avon Walk.  I'm not very eloquent so I'm going to post what her favorite nephew sent out.  She has now met her minimum requirement to be able to walk, yet she is still a bit away from attaining her goal.  She could use a few big donations... but many smaller ones are going to help her just as much.

All,

About a year and half ago my aunt Arlene Napolitano, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  My aunt is single and anyone who knows the toll that fighting cancer takes on the indivual understands how critical support is to recovery.  Arlene, had a very agressive form of cancer that required immediate surgery and exhaustive aftercare.  On Christmas Eve 2006 Arlene was over at the house for our family celebration her evening ended with the "haircut" (those familiar with side effects of chemo know what I am referring to).  Arlene's resolve during this time was utterly amazing, she would go to chemo in the morning and work afterward seldomly missing a day remember she's single she couldn't afford to.  Weekends were a time to be sick (side effects from chemo).  Family pitched in when possible and organizations supported by Avon Foundation provided considerable assistance.  My aunt and I are very close we sh are similar hobbies and enjoyment of sporting events. Arlene has been in remission for over six months, it has been great to have my partner going to the events she enjoyed so much before.  She is also really excited about the challenge of the upcomming walk.  She has been in "training" for the past three weeks and the motivation has been incredible.   While I will be unable to walk with her, I can assist in her attempts to reach her goal of $10,000.00 raised.   

Arlene has a page on the Avon Walk website that can be accessed by clicking on the link, she is currently at 14% of her goal. I have provided instructions to submit donations. I have commited to match up to $5,000.00 dollars, therefore we only need to get her to 50% and she will reach her goal.  As with donations to any charitable cause your donation to the Avon Foundation is tax deductable.

To donate simply select one of the following ways:
1. Click link below to Arlene's website, then select "Click Here to Support Me" (Pink Link) below her picture.  Follow the steps, click "Other" to enter the amount you want to donate if different that the established amounts.

2. Check or Money Order, please reply to this e-mail and I will provide the form required for check or money order.  If donating by check all donations will go directly to Arlene who will turn them in prior to the walk.

http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk2008/Chicago?px=3975012&pg=personal&fr_id=1450&et=q2Wx7xTvNrAe2LrGApZm7g..&s_tafId=300764

Respectfully,
Michael Gallagher


Here's a little note from Arlene:

..... and so I wanted to take a moment to let you know that I will be walking in the Chicago Avon Walk for Breast Cancer on May 31st and June 1st. It is my hope to raise $10,000 in donations to support the research, and ultimately, a cure for this disease.

I am both excited and very fortunate to be able to participate in the walk this year for the cure of this disease, one that affects both women as well as men.

On September 1, 2006, I was diagnosed with breast cancer (ductal invasive carcinoma; ...a very fast growing, aggressive cancer). "My" cancer was detected at an early stage; there was no lump to be felt, so if it weren't for the mammogram detection, I wouldn't have known that I had cancer.

Just hearing the words "you have breast cancer" sent my world spinning...in my lifetime, I was never more frightened and terrified as I was at that moment. You forget how to breathe; how to laugh, how to live. You go through the motions, while trying to sport a brave façade. Cancer is gruesome to the body (as well as the mind), and the treatment can feel horribly invasive and offensive.

It has been a year and five months since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I have undergone surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. All of my follow-up tests are looking good, and I continue to work towards being the best and healthiest that I can. Honestly, I have good days and bad, or, as I like to say "trials and tribulations." But, despite it all...

Still, I am here.

Still, I am strong.

Still, I can help myself and others, all over the globe, by participating in this walk and raising donations to eradicate breast cancer.

I realize that you receive many requests for donations from charities, but I am asking you to take a moment to make a contribution that can enhance the lives of us all.

Thank you for your time, your consideration, and your generosity!

Arlene