Elmsford, N.Y.-based Brothers Plumbing and Heating Supply Co. co-owner Brian Schwartz and his wife, Ania, walked last fall in the AVON 39, a 39.3-mile walk for breast cancer awareness in New York City.

“39.3 miles seems like a long distance to walk, but it’s really nothing compared to what breast cancer patients go through every day while fighting this disease,” Brian Schwartz said.

Brian and Ania Schwartz walked in honor of a friend that lost her battle with the disease. “We trained for several months and tried to log about 13-15 miles each weekend in order to prepare our bodies for the trek,” Schwartz said.

Thus far, Brothers has raised more than $5,000 for the cause, with contributions from family, friends and business associates.

“We expected family and friends to donate, but were truly moved by the donations given from vendors such as Bradford White, Jones Stephens, Legend, Oatey, Sloan Valve and Watts Regulator,” Schwartz said. “When I mentioned my wife and I were participating in the walk, these manufacturers were quick to send generous donations since they all have known someone touched by the disease. Those two days of walking were grueling, but we are very proud to be part of such an uplifting and unifying event that raised a lot of money for an important cause.”