Temple Jeremiah congregant, Robyn Weissburg, participated in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer on June 5 and 6, 2004. Here is the letter she sent asking for support:

Dear Friends and Family,

Gilda Radner used to say about cancer, "If it weren't for the downside, everyone would want to have it." I couldn't agree more. I received a lot from each of you last year. The following list just scratches the surface of the myriad of ways that you found to give of yourselves:

You pushed, prodded, and pulled strings to secure a speedy second opinion for me with the Director of the Lynn Sage Breast Center at Northwestern.
You phoned to tell us you love us.
You cooked and delivered healthy and bountiful dinners to our doorsteps,
You graciously coordinated the delivery of those meals for months and months,
You prayed for us.
You made me laugh when the sobering appointments and callousness of some doctors made me want to cry,
You sent humorous e-mails that kept me smiling throughout the day.
You sent inspirational e-mails that gave me hope.
You chauffeured our children to and from parties, activities and play dates.
You loved and comforted our children when they seemed confused and needed to talk.
You offered our daughter a safe and secure haven in your home once a week after school.
You accompanied me to my wig-fitting appointment and offered moral support.
You loaned me a collection of beautiful hats at a time when I couldn't bear to wear wig #1 (can you say "Spiccoli"?),
You knit me a hat and bought me hats.
You introduced me to the Cancer Wellness Center and brought me books from its library,
You "crowned" me with healing energy and wrote me letters I will treasure forever.
You descended upon our house like an angel each weekday morning and helped me get the girls off to school,
You got me thinking about alternative medicine to complement my medical treatments
You drove me around when surgery hindered my range of motion and those damn drains got in the way.
You sent me get well cards and newspaper articles about the latest cancer research.
You sent me books, magazines and music to keep me relaxed and entertained.
You kept me company during chemo and distracted me when I got tense watching nurse after nurse attempt to insert the I.V.
You phoned to see how I was feeling.
You sent beautiful flowers that lifted my spirits,
You offered words of encouragement,
You made a donation to the Avon breast cancer walk.
You walked in the Avon Breast Cancer walk in my honor.
You enthusiastically indulged me in my strange request to photograph my "bald" family.
You researched reputable doctors and sent me their names.
You sent positive energy my way.
You facilitated "hook ups" (with other cancer survivors) that would've made Oprah proud.
You accompanied me to doctors' appointments.
You sent a comfy cloth icepack when the veins in my arm ached from chemotherapy.
You laughed at the right times.
You listened at the right times.
You offered to watch children, run errands, and drive me around.

You stood by us, supported us, and sustained us through the single most challenging year of our lives.

I realize there is no way to repay everyone for each and every act of love and kindness which was bestowed upon my family and me last year, but there is one small way in which I hope to give back. On June 5-6, I'll spend the weekend walking, along with thousands of other people in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

That weekend I will walk the distance of one to one and a half marathons (26.2-39 miles), I'll have to spend the next six weeks fundraising, training and preparing for the event. It's a challenge, but I'm very excited about doing it because I am hopeful that it will make a real difference to millions of people like myself who are, were and may be affected by breast cancer.

The money raised goes to the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade, a 501 (c)(3) public charity whose mission is to provide access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer. They provide funding to organizations all over the country for medical research, education, and early detection programs, and clinical care and support services.

I'm required to raise at least $1,800 to participate, but I'm setting my goal even higher, and I plan to raise as much money as I can. Please support me and the breast cancer cause by making a contribution to my efforts. You can make your donation online by simply clicking on the link at the bottom of this message, which will bring you right to my personal page.

You can also help be by passing this message along to others who may be interested in being a part of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

Thank you for your support.
Love,
Robyn