Local residents commit to walk 60 miles in 3 days for cancer awareness

Sixty miles, three days, thousands of steps, and months of preparation to make a personal difference in finding a cure. Maricopa residents Cindy Mortenson and Jennifer Ahlstrom have joined thousands of breast cancer supporters in preparing for the 2010 Susan G. Komen Arizona 3-Day for the Cure, presented by Energizer.

After months of training and fundraising, participants will walk 60 miles during three days to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and community-based breast health and education programs.

“This is my first year participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure,” Mortenson said.  “Through my participation in this event I know I am making a personal impact on the breast cancer movement. The Komen 3-Day for the Cure is challenging, but the opportunity to have an impact is enormous.”

For Mortenson, the battle is personal. “I have several girlfriends who have either lost their battle with breast cancer or who are survivors,” she said. “I walk for them and, as a mother of two daughters, I walk so my daughters won’t have to ever know what that struggle is like. Our goal is to raise $2,300 each and to not be the last people to camp each night.”

“Our team, the ‘Ta-Ta Sisterhood,’ is currently at nine members, but we are still accepting anyone that would like to join us in our fight to end breast cancer forever,” Mortenson said.

Each walker is supported by coaches and online assistance aiding in all aspects of training and fundraising. Additionally, clinics, meetings, training walks, teams and buddy walkers provide ongoing encouragement.

The Susan G. Komen Arizona 3-Day for the Cure starts on Friday morning, Nov. 12, and ends with the closing ceremony on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 14. Walkers cover about 20 miles a day, traveling at their own pace. Hundreds of volunteer crew members support the walkers through the three-day journey providing meals, refreshments and snack stops, gear transport, hot showers, portable restrooms, safety on the streets and 24-hour medical services. The Komen 3-Day for the Cure is the greatest distance you can go in the fight against breast cancer.

More than 1.3 million women will be diagnosed with breast cancer globally each year. To help Cindy reach her goal by making a donation, visit  www.the3day.org/goto/cindylouwho33 to learn how to participate or volunteer with the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure, visit The3Day.org or call 800-996-3DAY.

About the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure

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. Komen 3-Day for the Cure participants raise a minimum of $2,300 and walk an average of 20 miles a day for three consecutive days, educating tens of thousands of people about breast health with every step. Funds raised impact breast cancer research and community-based breast health and education programs. The 3-Day for the Cure is presented by Energizer. The national series sponsors are Bank of America and New Balance.

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, the organization has invested nearly $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 komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.

Submitted photo  (Left to right:  Maricopa residents Jennifer Ahlstrom and Cindy Mortenson, Marci Dusseault, survivor Sarah Ellery, team captain Beckie Black and Jen Gloria)