Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Surdyka.
Jill, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My personal journey started with AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer in 2005. My best friend and I both had been touched by breast cancer through family and friends and wanted to do something to make a difference. We found the Boston Avon walk (we both grew up in RI) and registered – not really knowing what to expect. After that weekend, we were hooked and the walk became our annual tradition. Fast forward to 2013 and a corporate job opened up at Avon. Because I loved the walks so much, taking that role was a no-brainer. Of course, I got even more involved with the walks once I started working for Avon and now I have transitioned to working for the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade and AVON 39 full-time. It’s truly a dream job!
As someone who’s walked for as long as I have, it’s been so special and humbling to be part of the walks in this behind-the-scenes way. Seeing first-hand where the money goes and hearing how important these walks are for so many, makes me feel so proud to be associated with AVON 39. And the people I’ve met, the stories I’ve heard and the memories I’ve made make me even more passionate and driven to end this disease.
The AVON 39 event series was launched in 2003. Since its inception, the series has raised over $620 million through the dedication of nearly 235,000 participating women and men from across the country, including hundreds of Avon Associates and Representatives.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Throughout my career, I’ve looked for projects that were making a difference. It’s always been important to me to give back, and if my role at the time didn’t have that opportunity, I would do volunteer work and participate in events like AVON 39.
As the company for women, Avon gave me the chance to work for a purpose-driven company. Avon’s philanthropy focuses on issues that matter most to women (breast cancer and domestic violence) so when I joined Avon, I knew it was a perfect fit.
Working in communications for the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, I know that my work helps to make a difference in the lives of breast cancer patients and their families.
There is a new diagnosis of breast cancer every two minutes, and breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer worldwide.
The good news is that breast cancer mortality rates are decreasing. [According to ACS BC stats for 2015 – 2016. Women Overall breast cancer death rates decreased 36% from 1989 to 2012.] The decline in breast cancer mortality has been attributed to both improvements in breast cancer treatment and early detection. However, not all populations have benefited equally from these advances.
That is where AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer comes in.
While much progress has been made in advances in breast cancer care, there is still work to be done. Especially in uninsured and underserved populations — where the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade focuses funding. That is why it is more important than ever to participate in events like AVON 39.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are extremely proud of the support we have been able to provide to breast cancer organizations across the country thanks to funds raised by AVON 39. The funds are distributed through the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade to organizations that help people – regardless of their ability to pay – get the breast cancer care they need. This includes funding mobile mammography vans delivering services to high-risk populations, patient navigation programs, research initiatives and nutrition services.
Everything we do is motivated by our vision to improve breast cancer outcomes and reduce disparities in survival rates across the country, specifically in areas of high-need. We believe in health equity and that all individuals should have timely access to affordable, high-quality breast health care when they need it.
During the AVON 39 Boston closing ceremony, we will present checks to local organizations that are receiving the hard-earned donations that 39ers have raised. It’s rewarding for the 39ers to see the money they’ve raised is going back to organizations in the Boston community. And we’re really proud that a large portion of what is raised will stay in New England. Boston-area beneficiary organizations include Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Medical Center & Tufts Medical Center.
What were you like growing up?
As a child, I was always active and compassionate toward others. Giving back was important and I have been very fortunate to work with some amazing people throughout my career who have helped me do just that. I’ve had managers who have supported me, pushed me, and offered me opportunities that were scary at first, but then enabled me to succeed.
The Avon Breast Cancer Crusade is a growing organization and Avon has been a tremendous sponsor and supporter of us and the AVON 39 event series since inception. For more than 130 years, the Avon brand has stood for beauty, innovation, optimism and, above all, for women. Women cannot be truly empowered until their health and safety are guaranteed and for that reason, Avon has been committed to a mission of improving women’s lives. Through this commitment, AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer was created as a way to get us one step closer to a world without breast cancer. Together, Avon and the Avon Foundation have contributed more than $800 million to breast cancer programs.
For AVON 39, our walkers and volunteers are some of the most determined, fierce and resilient people out there. We feature our participants in our advertising and creative materials because they ARE the face of AVON 39. They have powerful stories. They fundraise, talk about and participate in our event. They represent who we are and what we want to accomplish. We couldn’t do it without them. Together, we help to power more research, more screenings and more survivors.
Pricing:
- To participate in AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer, walkers must raise a minimum of $1,800.
- There are many ways to get involved with AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer Boston. You can register to walk, come out and cheer or make a donation. Visit http://www.avon39.org/boston/.
- For more information about AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer, visit www.avon39.org or join the #Powerof39 conversation on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.avon39.org/
- Phone: 1-800-510-9255
- Email: info@avon39.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avon39/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avon39
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/avon39walk
Image Credit:
AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer
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