STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Did you know that three million women are living with breast cancer-and one third dont even know it? Even more startling, breast cancer kills approximately one woman every 14 minutes, robbing us of our mothers and grandmothers, our sisters and aunts, cousins and best friends. No one knows what causes breast cancer or how it can be prevented and there is no known cure.

Knowing this, I just wont accept that theres nothing I can do. And, since cancer has unfortunately touched my family, I feel even more compelled to do something-anything-to bring us one step closer to finding a cure and ending the suffering. Ill join thousands of others in the Chicago area to walk 26.2 or more miles in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

You may or may not know this but last year my Aunt Genny was diagnosed with breast cancer. This news was something that I did not know how to deal with, let alone accept. Unfortunately my Aunt Genny lost her battle with breast cancer two weeksago. While I had planned to do this walk in her honor, I will instead be doing it in her memory.

As part of this commitment, I have agreed to raise at least $1,800 for the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade. Since 1992, the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade has returned more than $250 million for the cause. That money is distributed to five critical areas: medical research, clinical care, support services, education and early detection programs.

While researchers have made significant progress in the last few years, theres still more that needs to be done. I know that the journey Im about to take head on doesnt begin to compare with the challenges that cancer patients and their families endure. So, for each blister and each muscle cramp, for every time I think I cant possibly go any father, Ill be humbled recognizing the small sacrifice Im making on behalf of millions of women everywhere. Ill think of those who have lost the battle and of those who fight fearlessly everyday. Victory for me will be crossing the finish line and surpassing my fundraising goal, and I hope youll be a part of it.

I ask that you please take this opportunity to honor the women you love by donating to the cause. Give whatever you can - every dollar really does help. Simply go to www.avonwalk.org click on make a donation choose Chicago and type in my name Collette Palmich.

I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your support and encouragement in this big undertaking. When I hit the road, Ill know that you were a special part of my journey and of the journey of so many others along the way.

Sincerely,

Collette Palmich