Why I Participate in The Komen for the Cure 3-Day
I am walking in memory of Margaret Kelly (my husband Colm’s mother), Elizabeth “Lilly” Crangle (Colm’s aunt) and Jackie Kelly McCann (Colm’s sister) three wonderful people whose lives were cut short by Breast Cancer. And I am walking for my five daughters in hopes that a cure will be found very soon.
This event isn’t easy, but I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t believe 100% that it was worth every muscle ache and injury (tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, pinched nerve, oodles of blisters), weary nights in a little pink tent (too hot, high “are we going to wake up in Oz?” winds, pouring rain and way too cold—all over a two-night span!) and other interesting experiences that would be considered TMI to share here!
Check out my slideshow from the 2009 Washington DC 3-Day walk here.
Breast Cancer Facts:
- Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and is the leading cause of death among women worldwide.
- More than 1.3 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer globally each year.
- More than 465,000 die from the disease each year.
- A woman dies from breast cancer every 68 seconds.
- Incidence rates are increasing five percent annually in low-resource countries.
- Susan G. Komen for the Cure partners or funds programs in 50 countries to end suffering from breast cancer.
- Komen Founder and CEO Nancy G. Brinker, a Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control for the U.N.’s World Health Organization, is urging global health officials to include cancer in global health agendas.
Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure Facts:
- The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure is a 60-mile walk for women and men who want to make a personal difference in the fight to end breast cancer. Participants commit to raise at least $2,300 and spend several months training to prepare for the event. They devote the entire three-day weekend to the cause.
- Since its inception in 2003, nearly $500 million has been raised through Komen 3-Day for the Cure donations, contributions and sponsorships.
- 3-Day for the Cure net proceeds help pay for vital global breast cancer research and local community programs supporting education, screening and treatment.
- Komen for the Cure paid for half a million breast screenings in 2009–part of a nearly $1.5 billion commitment to research, advocacy and community programs since Komen was founded in 1982.
- 3-Day for the Cure participants walk an average of 20 miles a day during the event. Participants are provided meals, snacks, drinks, shower facilities, tents, safety guidelines and 24-hour medical support–all resources needed for a safe and memorable experience. A crew of volunteers spends the entire weekend with walkers and staff to make the event possible.
The 2010 Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure Series includes events in:
Arizona (Nov. 12-14)
Atlanta (Oct. 22-24)
Boston (July 23-25)
Chicago (Aug. 6-8)
Cleveland (July 30 – Aug. 1)
Dallas/Fort Worth (Nov. 5-7)
Denver (Aug. 27-29)
Michigan (Aug. 13-15)
Philadelphia (Oct. 15-17)
San Diego (Nov. 19-21)
San Francisco Bay Area (Oct. 1-3)
Seattle (Sept. 24-26)
Tampa Bay (Oct. 29-31)
Twin Cities (Aug. 20-22)
Washington, DC (Oct. 8-10)
About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, we have invested more than $1.5 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.
