Local Woman Walking 60 miles to Fight CancerSixty miles, three days, thousands of steps, and months of preparation are what go into the 2009 San Francisco Breast Cancer 3-Day, a walk on October 2-4 to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.
Louisville resident Teather Sanders is preparing for this bold journey, joining thousands of other breast cancer supporters to make a personal difference in finding cures for a disease that affects one in eight women.
After months of training and fund-raising, participants walk 60 miles over three days to raise awareness and funds for critical research, education and community health programs.
This is Sanders’ second year participating in the event. She admits the walk is challenging, but the opportunity is a life-changing experience.
“Last year in Atlanta, I met a group from Georgetown, Ky., who were walking in memory of their friend who had recently lost her life to breast cancer. Within a few years of being diagnosed and after many different treatments, she succumbed to the disease, leaving a husband and two small children – all before age 26,” says Sanders. “It really hit close to home that such a young woman could be affected by this terrible disease. I mean, that could be me – I am 25. I decided to continue walking and fund-raising so that no family has to lose a loved one this way.”
Each walker is supported by coaches and online assistance that aid in all aspects of training and fund-raising, while clinics, meetings, training walks, teams and buddy walkers provide ongoing support. Play It Again Sports, owned by Highlands resident Ryan Chandler, is sponsoring Sanders in her fund-raising efforts.
The San Francisco Breast Cancer 3-Day covers about 20 miles a day, with walkers traveling at their own pace. Hundreds of volunteer crew members support the walkers through their journey, providing meals, refreshments and snack stops, gear transport, hot showers, portable restrooms, safety on the streets and 24-hour medical services.
To help Sanders reach her goal, a donation may be made directly to her online donation page at www.teathersanders.com. To learn how to participate or volunteer with the Breast Cancer 3-Day, visit www.The3Day.org, or call 1- 800-996-3DAY.
HCM Day Care Openings
Highlands Community Ministries (HCM) has full- and part-time openings for children, ages 6 weeks to 5 years, at its day care centers. For more information, call HCM St. Paul/Douglass Boulevard Day Care at (502) 458-3045, or HCM Eastern Star Home Day Care at (502) 458-8723.