For the second consecutive year, Integrated Builders’ Project Manager Sean Burgess will be walking in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. This year, Sean will be traveling to New York on October 18th to embark on the 39.3 mile, 2-day feat that raises funds for breast cancer research and prevention.
Since 2003, over 190,000 Avon Walk participants have raised $500 million for breast cancer programs, supporting the search for a cure and ensuring access to quality care for all patients. Last year, The Avon Walk New York attracted nearly 3,000 participants from 45 states and raised $6.7 million.
Throughout the next several months, Sean will be spending his free time training and fundraising in hopes of reaching his personal goal of $1,800. Sean’s team, Teacher’s for Ta Ta’s, will combine forces to reach their $20,000 team fundraising goal in an effort to raise awareness and work toward ending the suffering caused by breast cancer.
Teacher’s for Ta Ta’s is comprised of 15 dedicated team members who are either dealing with a personal fight with breast cancer, coping with the loss of a loved one or just committed to the cause. For Sean, the loss of his aunt to breast cancer in 2012 and the closely followed diagnosis of his mother and grandmother fuel his fight.
The team finds many creative ways to fundraise throughout the year, which has resulted in an incredible $75,000 raised since its inception five years ago. So far this year, Teacher’s for Ta Ta’s hosted a comedy show at Giggles Comedy Club, which brought in a total of $6,742 – all of the proceeds directly benefitting the Avon Walk.
The sense of community felt during the Avon Walk is contagious. In a blog post from October, Sean stated:
“I was most moved by the passing of the Connection Ribbons during the Walk. Every three minutes, volunteers and past survivors would hand out a new pink ribbon to a walker, symbolizing the fact that someone new is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes in the United States. It’s very powerful to watch and brings the walkers together as they proceed.”
To join Sean, Teacher’s for Ta Ta’s and thousands of other participants in the fight against breast cancer, donate now through Sean’s personal fundraising page: Personal Fundraising Page – Avon Walk New York. In addition, follow the link to learn more about the Avon Walk, join Teacher’s for Ta Ta’s or register for one of the eight walks in cities across the U.S. You may just see Sean dressed up in all pink and sporting a pink beard!