Avon Breast Cancer Walk Boston 2010 Expo

On Saturday, February 27, I traveled to the Reebok Headquarters in Canton, Massachusetts with my high school friend Maureen who has participated in the Avon Walk in various cities over the last several years, to attend the 2010 Expo. I was asked to speak to the attendees about my personal story of losing my mother to breast cancer in 2007 and how participating in the walk in 2008 made a difference for me and what they can do and the difference their participation makes. It always amazes me when people come to me after I speak and thank me for sharing my story. For me, the message is all about the importance of early detection, and how participating in an event like this raises funds for breast cancer research to hopefully one day put an end to it all so another woman and family won't have to fight the battle of breast cancer.

Go Red for Women Luncheon and Fashion Show

Friday, February 26 started off being in the dark with the storm that hit the Chelmsford area hard and knocked out our power. Thank goodness I was going to a fashion show where my hair and makeup were going to be done.

The Go Red for Women Luncheon and Fashion show was put on by the Massachusetts chapter of the American Heart Association. This cause is dear to me as it is the platform of the Mrs. International Pageant, and I have learned so much about Heart Disease, and also being affected by it personally when my father was diagnosed with high blood pressure.

There were many local celebrities from tv and radio as well as several of the Go Red Ladies from the 2009 Campaign. It was wonderful to meet these ladies especially and to hear their individual stories of how and why they became invovled in this important cause. There was a 12 year old who had undergone open heart surgery, a woman who was a survivor of several cancers as well as heart disease running in her family, to a woman who was there because her father-in-law suffered from heart disease.

Fashions were provided by the incredible designer Sara Campbell who has boutiques located in Boston and Wellesley.

I look forward to working on more projects with this organization, and am in the process of trying to organize a team at work to walk in the 2010 Heart Walk later this year! Till then, Go Red!

Lowe's Grand Opening in Lowell

On Thursday, February 25, I attended the Grand Opening of the new Lowe's in Lowell, Massachusetts. Not only will this Lowe's stimulate the local economy for contruction projects, but it also added many new jobs in the Lowell and surrounding area. The store also provided a $1000 Grant to the Charlotte M. Murkland School for their library which is a huge help during these trying times of budget cuts.

I had the opportunity to be there representing Habitat for Humanity and the wonderful way that Lowe's was helping the Great Lowell Branch. For every gift card purchased on this day, Lowe's was matching 100%, up to $5000 in a donation to the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell!

Next on the calendar for my work with Habitat for Humanity, attending the Gala on March 20 and then volunteering during the Women's Only Build Project in Bedford, MA the week of May 1 - 9. Stay tuned for an update from the wonderful Gala event!