The 2-Day Breast Cancer Walk

As you know, I participated in the Atlanta 2-Day Breast Cancer Walk recently. I was so excited to be a part of this wonderful cause, and I am proud to say that I was able to raise $1,600 thanks to the generosity of my friends and family. I am sad to say, however, that there was an unfortunate turn of events right before the walk took place.


The founder of the walk, Randi Passoff, was asked to leave the organization by a handful of the board members. This occurred less than a month before the walk was to take place. All of the walkers received an e-mail from Randi telling us that she had been asked to leave, and a few days later an e-mail from the board of directors telling us about Randi's departure but providing no further details. Needless to say, this created a lot of confusion amongst the walkers, crew, and numerous vendors who were only weeks away from participating in the walk. The board knew people would be very upset about the sudden turn of events so they asked Randi if she would stay on to be the face of the walk but not actually have a part in the organization. Randi declined their offer.


Randi's daughter, Stephanie, has been a close friend since high school. So, I know Randi personally. I was so disheartened to learn that she had been asked to leave an organization that she started from the ground up. Randi is a two time breast cancer survivor and one of the most determined, positive, and inspirational people I have met. She turned her struggle with cancer into hope for others and has helped raise well over $6 million for research, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer in the local community. All of the money raised this year will still go towards the same efforts, but the organization itself will surely suffer because of the decision to ask Randi to leave.


According to my friends, who have participated in the walk before, the mood was very different this year. It did not seem as organized, and we were certainly sad to be there without Randi. You could tell we were not alone. One group of walkers carried a sign that read TEAM RANDI, and one of the vans that drove around checking on walkers had her name posted on the back.


I know that most of you read this blog to hear about Charlie, but if you have a minute, find out a little bit more about Randi Passoff and what she has done for our community. I promise you will hear her name again. She has assured me that she already has plans for another non-profit that will benefit the local community.