by Tim Troglen
Reporter
Hudson -- Cancer can't be cured by walking alone.
But a group of friends from the area hope the money raised by taking part in the July 31 Susan G. Komen 3-Day walk in Cleveland will help fund research to find a cure for the deadly disease.
"I'm doing this walk because one of my best childhood friends was diagnosed with breast cancer in December," said Hudson resident Nancy Terry. "She has undergone chemo, lumpectomy and double mastectomy -- I told her that I couldn't do anything for her in California but I could walk in her honor and raise money for the cure."
The walk will be 60 miles over a three-day period, said Terry, who is a Hudson Board of Education member.
"This event raises contributions from partners, sponsors, and all the walkers and volunteers to help find a cure," Terry said. "We walk 20 miles a day for three days and it raises millions of dollars for breast cancer research, education and community health programs -- I figured I could endure 60 miles if she is enduring the treatments."
Terry, who also has a cousin who is a breast cancer survivor, said the organization receives 85 percent of the net proceeds, with the remaining 15 percent going to the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.
Lenni Mitov of Stow, a licensed esthetician is also on the team.
"My maid of honor passed away of breast cancer five or six years ago, 10 years after my marriage," she said.
Mitov, who walks two to five miles a day, said one of her clients suggested she take part in the walk.
She said team members had to raise $2,300 to be able to participate, adding, "it was really tough for me to raise the money."
However, Mitov said she wanted to thank those who contributed to the cause.
"It's very humbling to know that people wanted to help us to help fight breast cancer," she said.
Nurse Practitioner Vanessa Giancola of Twinsburg said she is walking for several reason.
"I lost a close friend of mine at 36 years of age from breast cancer," Giancola said. "She was a young and vibrant person who was an inspiration."
Giancola also said she is walking to help find the cure to several diseases as well as showing "my commitment to health."
Kelly Mintz, of Hudson, rounds out the team.
"I walked in the first Cleveland 3-Day in 2007 in memory of my grandmother who died of breast cancer and in honor of my family and friends who were just diagnosed, in treatment and or survivors," she said. "This will be my third year-- I do it so that we can have a world without breast cancer and I believe every step brings us closer to that reality."
Susan G. Komen is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting breast cancer.
"She fought breast cancer with her heart, body and soul," Terry said about Komen. "She spent her time during her treatments thinking of ways to make life better for other women battling breast cancer."
Terry said Komen's sister, Nancy G. Brinker, promised her sister that she would everything in her power to end breast cancer and founded the organization.
The opening ceremony will be in downtown Cleveland.
"After passing Progressive Field and the Q Arena, we'll head through Cleveland's western neighborhoods and make our way out of the hustle and bustle," Terry said. "We'll explore the outlying towns, and ultimately end the day by settling in to camp where the hot showers and dinner await."
She said the walk will take the participants through the Cleveland neighborhoods "spreading our message through neighborhoods and communities as we walk."
"After passing through quaint localities we'll as we make our way to our final destination, the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, for a closing ceremony," she said.
Those wishing to donate may visit www.the3day.org and donate in the name of any participant.
E-mail: ttroglen@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3146