There are some people in our lives that we meet and we know that they are put on this earth for a higher purpose. Jeanne Barbadoro is one of those special people. From the first day I met her, I knew that she and I would have a unique relationship.
Jeanne has selflessly committed thousands of hours to raise awareness for women's cancers. She has singlehandedly raised more than $78,000.00 in her past 6 annual walks. This year will be her seventh walk and has a personal cumulative goal of $100,000. I have decided to dedicate my editor's letter to Jeanne in recognition for her accomplishments and to inspire others to think outside of the box when reaching for a goal.
I sat down with Jeanne one Saturday afternoon to ask her how, and why, she feels so compelled to commit so much time and effort to raise money and awareness for cancer. As she states, "the awareness of the cause is just as important as the money that is raised to support cancer research."
Why did you get involved?
I have lost several good friends at young ages (under 55 years old) and watching them succumb to cancer was heartbreaking. Second, my mother is a survivor. She was diagnosed when she was 39 years old. The month of her 40th birthday, she underwent a single mastectomy without radiation or chemotherapy. I am happy to say she celebrated her 80th birthday this past December.
Third, a former client of mine was doing the walk and inspired me to join in this journey. I enjoy exercising and am an avid walker so I thought this was a great way to put my passion toward a great cause. My first walk was 8 years ago. I recall during my first year walk, seeing a young mother with her two tots and husband at one of the Cheering Stations. It was pouring rain and there she was full with tears thanking the walkers; it was obvious she was battling cancer. I think about this woman and wonder what happened to her.
How did you become such a passionate fundraiser?
I have been in the top 20 individual fundraisers 3 years in a row. In the 6 years that I have walked, I have raised approximately $78,000.00 as an individual participant. I try to think out of the box to find new creative initiatives to increase awareness and raise money at the same time. I want to fund research so we can have earlier detection, with accelerated and more effective treatments. This will result in a better quality of life and an increased chance of survival.
You have done such an incredible job raising funds; what has been your fundraising initiatives?
There is a minimum amount that has to be raised to participate in the walk. When I first started, I decided to set a higher goal and began seeking donations from family, friends, and business colleagues. Each year I raise the bar a little higher. For the past 3 years I have worked with the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel hosting an Afternoon Tea Fundraiser for about 65 invited guests. The event includes draw tickets for prizes and a silent auction. I donate the items for the draw and receive many items from local merchants to sell in the silent auction. (See Figure 1).
In April, I hosted a jewelry party for invited guests. I asked for a minimum donation of $10.00. Guests were encouraged to purchase items while enjoying complimentary wine and cheese. The jewelry franchisee offered to donate 10% of sales commission to the fundraising.
How do you prepare for the walk?
You need to prepare for a 60-km endurance walk as this can be very challenging, mentally and physically. I am an avid walker and will walk extensively for 6 months prior to the event. You also need to invest in proper footwear. This year the walk is changing to a 1-day walk 25-km walk instead of the 2-day 60-km walk. I enjoyed the challenge of the 2-day walk as it required significant training to do it painlessly and always gave me a huge sense of accomplishment.
What is one of your most memorable moments during the weekend event?
Year 3, I remember very early on day 2 before the sun came up, a young dad sitting on his lawn with his little daughter in her pink pyjamas holding a sippy cup. I stopped to say hello to them and commented about her pink pyjamas-how cute she was and that she was looking a little sleepy being up so early on a Sunday morning. The dad replied, "I got my daughter up to see what you ladies are doing--it is important and I want to thank you ladies." Very touching and I wondered where mommy was.
Jeanne has touched so many people with her personal notes she writes asking for donations. She will reach out to each and every person who has donated so they know of her appreciation. She writes a personal letter to all of her donors the day before her journey and after the journey that is very touching and heartfelt. I have included a few of her postings.
2014-IN MEMORY OF NORA
Thank you for your support in 2013 raising $16,761.25 benefiting The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation The Weekend to End Women's Cancers(TM). Because of you I am in the top 20 fundraisers for the second year in a row.
After 5 years, I thought about hanging up my running shoes, but soon realized I must continue my effort to make a difference. It is the special moments during the two day walk that makes me realize how important it is: the little girl probably five or six standing in front of her house with a sign saying "Thank you for saving my Mom"; meeting Nora at the lunch station and learning that she tried to walk but had to stop. Before I set off to complete my walk, she hugged me and said, "please walk for me Jeanne." I later found out that Nora lost her battle on January 3rd at the age of 46.
2014-ONE DAY BEFORE THE WALK
Recently someone told me it is good to reflect and I should do this. I cannot think of a better time to reflect than right now. I often think about my past walks and the experiences I had during those journeys, so I decided to share a few of my experiences with you.
Each year on the last part of the journey as we walk along the Lakeshore, a man is there serving watermelon to all of the walkers. He sets himself up at a picnic table with large tubs of watermelon cutting each of us a piece of this delicious fruit and I must say, provides a napkin too! I look forward to seeing him every year; he told me he has done this every year since the walk started. His daughter has walked every year since the beginning.
On September 11th, 2001, I was getting ready to check out of the Omni Hotel in New York City, heading to a meeting with a bank client. The meeting took place some months later. I never forget that day in 2001 and he quietly never forgets my 60K journey to End Women's Cancers(TM) in Toronto, Canada. A Guardian Angel can be from anywhere.
My heartfelt thank you to "Mr. Boss" for stepping out of his comfort zone wearing pink for Jeanne, helping me make a difference. I respect anyone who finds the courage to step out of their comfort zone to make a positive difference.
My walk is dedicated to the women who lost their hard fought battles. They touched my life and will be with me in spirit during these two days; Trish, in her 30s, Louise, in her 50s, Judith, in her 40s, Jennifer, in her 40s and recently Nora, in her 40s.
In memory of Patti and Esther, who lived long lives, ending from a female cancer.
2014-ONE DAY AFTER THE WALK
Today I completed my 60K journey for The Weekend to End Women's Cancers(TM) just after 12.30 p.m. This journey was a very special one that caused me to be full of tears for the two day event. Having my friend Rebecca who has been so brave fighting the fight, joining me at the opening ceremonies and then she watched all of the walkers head out of the Rogers Centre for the last time as The Weekend to End Women's Cancers(TM), was extremely emotional for me.
The Weekend launched a new event called "One Walk(TM) to Conquer Cancer" a one day event in 2015. The participants will be able to decide where they want the donations they receive during their fundraising to be directed. I will continue raising funds for Women's Cancers.
This year I took my time walking through the streets of Toronto spending time in the neighborhoods chatting with wonderful people who came out of their homes to cheer us on. There were lemonade stands being manned by such cute little children dressed in pink. Along the way today, there were some very young children standing on a wide ledge near their home with parents at their sides giving the walkers high fives!
Part of this journey takes us along the Bloor Viaduct--each year when I pass over the area and realize how many lives have been lost, it makes me think about how desperate and hopeless someone must feel to end their life in such a tragic way. While we are working so hard to find a cure for physical diseases, let us not forget the people who are suffering with mental diseases.
Today's journey did not take us back along the Lakeshore; I was sad thinking I would not see the wonderful man who provides us with such awesome watermelon--but I did see him! He was notified through his daughter (a walker) that the route changed this year and he was able to set up his stand in a different area. Thank You again for helping me make a difference raising over $18,000.00!
Jeanne's efforts are far reaching and do not go by unnoticed or unappreciated. In November, for the third year in a row, Jeanne's name was included in the top 20 individual fundraisers sign that is hanging in rotunda of The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. See (Figure 2) Jeanne in front of the sign with Mr. Paul Alofs, President and CEO of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
Everyone who has met Jeanne has been touched by her warmth and genuine, caring personality. I am very proud to know, and support, Jeanne on her quest to make a difference for all those affected by cancer.
I am sure that everyone would agree with me when I say...the world needs more Jeanne's!
Respectfully,
Tracey A. Hotta, RN, BScN, CPSN, CANS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
OneWalk to Conquer Cancer is a trademark of the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, used under license. This event was formally known as The Weekend to End Women's Cancers. I would like to acknowledge Jeanne Barbadoro for her contributions to this article.