Walking Against Cancer

September 22-23 – Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
We’re in it to end it!

On Facebook: Team In Her Shoes
On Twitter: InHisShoes – we’ll be tweeting from the walk
Photo: Ani Burr & Anush Avejic, 2011 Avon Walk >

Message from Fr. Vazken… “Why I’m walking”
I’m committing to walk 39 miles this year. It’s a personal walk for me because cancer almost took away something very precious to me. Eighteen years ago my sister was diagnosed with this disease. My sister is one of the bravest and fiercest people I know. She beat it! She stopped cancer.

But last year, it resurfaced. Eighteen years later cancer was back. And by the Grace of God, she beat it! My precious sister is still with us.

No one should have to go through cancer. It is a dreaded and awful disease. I know, because I’m a survivor myself.

I’m walking to do away with cancer forever. Not for just for 18 years, but forever. I know it’s a tall order. Cancer, especially breast cancer, is a big disease. So I’m starting this walk off with a dream, imagining a world without cancer/without disease. It’s a very big dream, but dreams do come true, when enough people believe in the dream. And so I’m asking you to dream with me. OK? Now, let’s wake up and do something to make it come true.

In September I’ll be walking 39 miles with thousands of others who share the dream. I’ll be walking with my wife, my sisters, and many friends as part of the Team In Her Shoes.

I’m committing to collect $1,800 by September, but I hope to collect more. The money I raise will be managed and disbursed by the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade to help provide access to care for those that most need it, fund educational programs, and accelerate research into new treatments and potential cures.

You can financially support our Team by making a donation, payable to “Avon Breast Cancer Walk” and mail to St. Peter Armenian Church, 632 W. Stocker St, Glendale, CA 91202 (you may visit my Avon site and donate on the “Donate Now” button if you prefer).

I’m a man of faith. I believe in the power of prayer. If you or a loved one has been hit by cancer, please provide me with their names. I will offer special prayers in preparation for the walk and on the Sunday morning that we are on the walk. Cancer is big. God is bigger. This truth is the first stepping stone in my walk.

Thank you in advance.

Fr. Vazken