As a podiatrist, you’d assume most of my energy would be directed toward feet, and the prevention of diabetes (one of the major causes of foot problems in our country these days), but in my free time I devote a lot of attention to breast cancer research, and the fight for a cure. 

Many women in my family are survivors, and I’m very conscious of screenings for myself and being prepared and educated about the disease. I’ve also been involved with the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer events nationwide for the last eight years, having worked as a medical volunteer some years, and completing the 40 mile walk as a participant in others. I’ve done the Chicago walk as well as the San Francisco walk, and this year I’ll be walking in Charlotte, NC in October!

And goodness, it’s more difficult to train in Georgia! In Chicago and the Bay Area it’s easy enough to go for long walks outside, but the Georgia summer (humidity, rainstorms, and bugs, oh my!) has put a bit of a damper on my ability to train this year. 

I started my training earlier this summer in a pair of (pink!) Asics that I loved, but once I put enough miles on them, they were retired. I switched to a pair of Saucony, but I think I like that brand for everyday use more than running or long distance speed walking. (That said, this is based on my individual foot type. I’m not recommending one brand over another for you–everyone is different, and you should wear what works for you and your foot type.) With a little less than two months to go, I’m doing 5k walk/runs three times per week, and long distance walks on the weekends. This weekend I’m planning for somewhere between 10-15 miles. Wish me luck! 

Now, each walker commits to raise at least $1800 to participate, and that’s where I need your help. If you have battled breast cancer; if you have daughters; if you have wives; if you love the amazing women in your life: visit this link to my Walker Page and click the Donate Now button. No donation is too small, and each penny gets me closer to my goal. (If you’d like to see where the donated money is spent, explore www.avonwalk.org–they’ll tell you where it all ends up! Avon helps to provide free mammograms, fund educational programs, and accelerate research into new treatments and potential cures.)

Thank you all so much for your support! I’ll check back in occasionally with updates on my training progress!