Every three minutes, another woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer.

Ten local woman business leaders have committed themselves to fight this horrible disease. And they are doing more than putting their money where their mouths are: They are committing their time and energy—and their whole bodies!

On October 21-22, the group will spend the weekend walking, along with thousands of other people, in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer to be held in Charlotte, N.C. The nationwide event began in 2000 in four cities and has expanded to include eight U.S. cities this year. In just five years, the combined cities’ fundraising efforts have totaled an amazing $115 million for the cause. These local ladies hope to add generously to that total and are seeking pledges for their ambitious venture, in which they will choose to walk either the distance of a marathon (26.2 miles) in one day or a marathon and a half over two days.

The northshore women decided early on that they wanted to stand out. They have assured that by cleverly coining their group the “Tigers for Ta-tas!”—each member is an avid LSU fan. A fun-loving bunch, the gals hope to draw others into the cause by their infectious enthusiasm. Be on the lookout for the ladies around town—you’ll know who they are by their specially designed “Tigers for Ta-tas!” t-shirts that the activists plan to wear as they spend the next few months training, fundraising and preparing for the event.

Lacey Toledano, enthusiastic team member, comments, “It’s the biggest athletic challenge I’ve ever taken on, but I’m very excited about doing it because I know it will make a real difference to the millions of people affected by breast cancer.”

Each member is required to raise at least $1,800 to participate, but the group has planned many fun events to make that happen, including a premier “Save the Ta-tas!” event August 2 at CRU Wine Bar in Mandeville and a “Tailgating for Ta-tas!” bash to be held before an LSU game. All money raised will benefit the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade, a 501(c)(3) public charity whose mission is to provide access to care and to work toward finding a cure. It provides funding to organizations all over the country in the areas of medical research, clinical care, support services, educational and advocacy seminars, and community-based non-profit early-detection programs.

Team member Tammy Gennusa stresses the urgency of the cause with this reminder: “In about the time it took to read this article, another woman in the United States was diagnosed with breast cancer.”

The Tigers for Ta-tas! members include Margaret Bossier, Judy Cazaux, Candice Chopin, Gennusa, Frankie Lofton, Laurie McCants, Lori Murphy, Jennifer Perilloux, Brenda Reine, Toledano and Donna Yurt. But don’t feel left out! There is still time to join the Tigers for Ta-tas! team and make a difference. Contact Gennusa at 264-7807 or tammyg@parishnational.com for details. Additional information is also available at www.avonwalk.org.

Not up for the long walk? You can help support the Tigers for Ta-tas! and the breast cancer cause by simply making a contribution. Checks should be made out to Tigers for Ta-tas! Donations are accepted at any Parish National Bank location, or can be mailed to: Parish National Bank; Attn: Tammy Gennusa-Tigers for Ta-tas!; 404 East Kirkland; Covington, LA 70433.