My name is Brittany Dean and I am participating for my 4th and final year on the Avon 39 Youth Crew 2016. 

I started this journey first off because my mom has been involved for many years and I wanted to be a part of this amazing cause.  My grandmother is a breast cancer survivor, my Aunt Christine is a breast cancer survivor and we have had many family friends that have fought the battle, won the battle and a couple that have lost the battle.  My dad was told last year that he carries the BRCA2 gene which according to the lab reports he got, he has a higher chance of getting breast cancer than the next person walking down the street that does not carry the gene.  My sister Courteny and I also have a 50/50 chance of having this gene and being that we are girls, that increases our chances to 80% that we will get it (or something close to that).  That is a very scary number.  I am hoping that by the time we turn 18, if we are positive that there will be a cure to this horrible disease so we won't have to worry about it.  I know this is a long shot, but anything that I can do to help in the fight and make a difference, I am all in.

I am required to raise at least $500 to EARN MY YC 39 and participate, but I plan to raise much, much more! I hope that I can count on your support!  Last year I raised over $1,800 because of my amazing family and friends that all donated.  I hope I can count on you all and many more again this year.

Participating in Avon 39 YC has been such an incredible journey and one that I am sad that this year is the last year I can participate.  It has been amazing being along side my mom and sister (who participated last year for the first time) through this journey.  I think we have all grown and made some amazing memories together that I will cherish for a lifetime.  I hope to be able to walk next year when I am 17 with my friend Emma that has participated on the YC with me for the last few years.  Although being on the YC has been very hard work, waking up at 4:00 in the morning and not getting to sit down and rest until late at night, it has been an unforgettable and rewarding experience.  I have met so many incredible people from the other YC members to the amazing walkers that do the 39.3 miles.

You can make a donation right here on my webpage by clicking the "Donate Now" button to the right. If you prefer to write a check, click the “Donate By Mail” button and follow the instructions on the form.

Your donations will be managed and disbursed by the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. The dollars you pledge will put food on the table of a breast cancer patient and her family. They will enable access to mammograms and medicine, fuel research, and save lives. Need any more reason to click that Donate Now button?

I’m walking with thousands of other 39ers. We’re banding together in solidarity and have one goal: to take breast cancer down. So many sisters and mothers and friends have been lost. We see a world without breast cancer for our daughters and nieces. AVON 39 is a force of change that can’t be stopped. By supporting me with a donation, you’re part of it.

Thank you for your support, Love Brittany