I've made a commitment to a very special and powerful event in the fight against Breast cancer. I will be walking in Loving Memory of my aunt Janie Moreno who died of breast cancer and a great friend Kim Roberts a survivor of cancer. The weekend of April 26, 2002, I'll be participating in the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day.

I will walk 60 miles from Fort Worth to Dallas with more than 3,500 other courageous people to raise money for breast cancer and other diseases that affect women. The net proceeds from the event will support non-profit breast health programs in every region of the country, and medical research on breast cancer. The Avon Products Foundation, Inc., a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, will award grants to these types of organizations.

I've agreed to raise $1,900 in pledges between now and April 1st! But, I need your help. Would you please consider making a fully tax-deductible pledge to help meet my goal before March 30th?

This year over 180,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Over 40,000 will die. I am walking for friends that have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are fighting for their lives. I too walk for all those that have been diagnosed and will be, for our children and their children in hopes that one day this dreaded disease will be extinct. That's why I'm walking so far. To do something big. I hope you'll share this incredible adventure with me-by supporting me in my fund-raising efforts.

Please keep in mind how far I'm walking -- and how much I'll have to train for the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day between now and April.

Maria Mendez
Walker #3476