Grantee Spotlight
“Get Up and Make a Difference”: Mandy Hobbs describes her
experience in the 2007 Los Angeles Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
In February 2005, I was hired by Wyoming Health Council to implement a
breast health program (funded by the Avon Foundation Breast Care
Fund) that would educate women on breast self exams, annual
wellness exams, and mammograms, and assist low-income, uninsured,
and migrant seasonal farms workers with funding to receive these
annual screenings. At the time I was hired I did not know much
about breast cancer except the small portion that is taught in
nursing school and I knew that my grandmother had died from breast
cancer. I was up for a new challenge. Little did I know at the
time that this would become my passion.
Years 1 and 2 had many challenges which were overcome with effort and
lots of support. Cathy Florian, Migrant Health Program Director
has been very supportive and helpful to our program. This year
(year 3) has been a very exciting year, with lots of growth and
new opportunities.
In March of 2007, I participated in a grantee conference call that
reviewed the importance of grantee participation in the Avon Walk
for Breast Cancer. The point of this call was to get people
excited and to encourage participation. During the conference
call I had many questions and reasons as to why I could not
participate. I live more than 500 miles from any walk site; I am
not athletic; how would I raise the money; I have 2 kids, a
husband, and I work full time so when would I have time to train;
and the list went on. Then I sat down and I asked my friend, “If
I go and participate in the walk, will you?” She said “No, I
can’t walk 39 miles; anyways I will be in school.” I thought for
about 15 more seconds and I said “Well, I am going!” I realized
that I had two options, 1) Come up with a reason why I could not
participate, or 2) Get up and make a difference.
I called my husband and shared my decision with him. He was very
supportive and agreed to accompany me to the walk. I signed up to
walk and my husband signed up to be a crew member. So then we had
the challenge of raising $1800.00. Instead of taking the time to
wonder how I was going to raise that money, I just said I was
going to find a way – and I did. My co-workers were very
supportive and helpful through my whole journey. I wrote letters
to family, friends, and community members along with a few other
small fundraisers (Krispy Kreme, Lemonade stand, and donations).
My husband was supportive through the whole processes of
fundraising, training, and the walk weekend. As a crew member he
not only helped me, but he also helped hundreds of other women
complete an amazing experience. This team effort is an example of
how working together we can make a difference.
The training was a challenge. I walked many miles pushing a jogger
stroller (with my 2 year old son) while my daughter (7 years) rode
her bike to keep up. I walked alongside my kids as they rode
their horses. I also put on many miles ridding my bike pulling my
son in a bike trailer with my daughter trying to keep up on her
bike. My family was very supportive in my journey.
On September 14, 2007, I flew to Los Angeles and reported for the Walk.
My total fundraising amount was $3200.00.
The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer was an experience of a lifetime. It was
a beautiful weekend, great company (people from all walks of
life), great entertainment, great food, and amazing stories. As I
was walking the 39.3 miles I thanked God many times for being able
to participate in such an amazing event. At times it was
difficult due to blisters, shin splints, and sore muscles,
although these are all things that heal quickly without difficult
treatment. I am honored to be physically able to participate in
such a great event.
