About Rowena

Hello, my name is Ro, and I believe that it is possible for you to turn your ordinary life into an extraordinary life - to find true happiness, while remaining, selfless, mindful and compassionate towards other living beings. Here at my blog, I interview and post articles by musicians, writers, world travelers, humanitarians and other amazing individuals who are doing just that. I also share with you various anecdotes about my own totally awesome existence as a musician, composer, journalist, environmentalist, and compassionati. My hope is to connect with you, enlighten you, inspire you and lead you down the path to true happiness. Compassion is always in fashion and it starts with you loving that most important of people, yourself.


August 9, 2011

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer - Rock the Walk



Heaven is under our feet, as well as over our heads.  ~Henry David Thoreau






At this time I would like to give a shout out to my friend and hero Donna Narvaez, who has been training since March for her 12th consecutive  Avon Walk for Breast Cancer to be held in  Santa Barbara, California September 17 - 18, 2011.   Last year I interviewed Donna regarding her many years of participation in the walk.  Over the years Donna has personally raised over $30,000 towards this wonderful cause, and has also participated in a team effort which raised over $110,000.00.   If you have not already read my interview with Donna, be sure to do so by clicking here:  Donna Rocks the Walk!.   It was heartwarming to have that particular interview be one of my most popular interviews ever.   Rowena readers care!

This year Donna is dedicating her walk in memory of her Aunt Dar, Ann "Bunny Silva" and Sharon Franzen who were all strong, beautiful and wonderful women - women whose awe and dignity were an inspiration to her.   In order for Donna to participate in the walk, she must raise $1,800 - although it is her intention to raise even more!   If you would like to assist Donna in her endeavor, you can make a donation to her/her team by going to her Avon for Breast Cancer page -We Walk for a Cure .   Every dollar counts and you will feel great for having helped out.  As the Dalai Lama has said:   Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.

The money that Donna and her team raises will be managed and disbursed by the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade to help provide access to care for those that most need it, fund educational programs, and accelerate research into new treatments and potential cures. Donna is just one of thousands of people that will walk up to a marathon and a half over a weekend, raising awareness of the cause and educating even more people.

You can find out how you (yes you) can register to walk, or otherwise assist in the crusade by visiting the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer site.  Upcoming walks are as follows:

Santa Barbara - September 17 - 18, 2011
New York - October 15 - 16, 2011
Charlotte - October 22 -23, 2011
Houston - April 21 - 22, 2012
Washington DC - May 5 - 6, 2012
Boston - May 19 - 20, 2012
San Francisco - July 7 - 8, 2012

This is also a good time to talk to you about the importance of  taking care of yourself. Be sure to see your doctor, discuss your risk factors for breast cancer and how to reduce them.   Find out what age you should start getting mammograms and just do it!   Early detection saved the lives of several of my friends as well as my own mother.   

Now go out and live your extraordinary life, knowing that I want you not only to be happy, but to be healthy as well.  

Love,
Ro









  “Earth: We are all on this thing together.”

2 comments:

donnaw said...

I've known Donna for many years. She has always been a giver, not a taker. The cure for breast cancer and all cancers is what we hope for and what she works for. I remember years ago when she and her brother used to serve Christmas dinner at the Mission in downtown LA. Loved your interview with her. Donna Williams

Ro said...

Thank you Donna! She is truly amazing and someone that I am extremely grateful to have as a friend.

Ro