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Help me fight breast cancer one step at a time

Personal Loss Spurs Novartis Employees to Join the AVON Walk

Article posted on Novartis Oncology website

For Novartis Pharmaceutical employees in the U.S. Karen Rosenzweig and Lesley Hynes, breast cancer is personal. Each lost a dear friend to the disease. In memory of their pals, both have signed on to trek 39 miles in the New York Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.

On October 7 – 8, a team nicknamed “Earthbound Angels” will take to the streets of New York City and the surrounding boroughs, walking to raise funds for breast cancer research and education. Karen is Global Head of Portal Management for NPC in the U.S. and Lesley is Associate Director, Operations for Global Medical Affairs, NPC, U.S. This duo is hoping others will soon join them, support or cheer them on during the two-day event.

Karen is walking in honor of her friend who passed away at age 35, just one year after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Frustrated by the lack of social services or information about treatment options she encountered when trying to help, Karen took matters into her own hands. As head of Portal Management, Karen has been instrumental in developing and sustaining www.novartisclinicaltrials.com, a site to educate patients and caregivers about trials for various diseases.

“It’s become sort of my crusade within the company to really push this,” Karen says. “I feel that there are people out there who don’t know where to turn.”

“I want to see breast cancer eliminated in my lifetime because I don’t want anyone to go through what my friend went through,” Karen adds.

For Lesley, the loss of her friend, Deborah, was particularly devastating. With daughters the same age and similar life experiences, Lesley and Deborah shared a great deal. But Deborah succumbed to breast cancer, just as her mother had. Lesley fears for Deborah’s daughter, now 14. She believes, by taking part in the Avon Walk, she can make a difference.

“I’m hoping that something will happen so she doesn’t have to go through what her mother went through,” Lesley comments. “Wherever the money goes, I’m walking to support research.”

Karen and Lesley are confident they can raise funds and awareness, especially at Novartis. “I’m proud to say that I work for a company that does so much good for the community and for patients,” says Lesley. In fact, Novartis Oncology’s Ribbon of Pink is an official sponsor of the Avon Walk for the third year.

For now, with just two months to go until the New York Walk, Karen and Lesley know they need to focus on training. It’s now about breaking in new sneakers, trying different socks, and making practice walks.

In October, when the two hit the New York pavement, they’ll be honoring the memories of their dear friends.

If you would like more information about how YOU can get involved in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer NY event, visit one of the Avon Walk information tables on Wednesday, August 2 during lunchtime outside the following cafeterias: East Hanover: Bldgs. 700, 438, 419 and in Florham Park: Bldgs. 105 and 104.

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Make a Monthly Donation

Monthly donations may be made over the course of either a 3-month or 5-month period. Your monthly donation must be a minimum of $25.00 per month. For example, if you make a $250 contribution over 5 months, you will be making a monthly gift of $50.00. In this case, the Walker or Crew member you are supporting would receive credit for the full amount of your $250.00 gift right away towards their fundraising goal.

MAKE A TRIBUTE

You have the opportunity to designate your gift as an honorary or memorial tribute of a loved one after you have made your donation. Your tribute and message will appear in the Avon Walk Tribute Book on this website. You can view the Avon Walk Tribute Book here.