Preparation is half the battle.
“There are many benefits of participating in the Breast Cancer 3-Day,” says Brian Henderson, National Philanthropic Trust vice president. “The ideal training program starts 24 weeks prior to the event so walkers can gradually increase stamina and endurance at their own pace. Not only do participants increase their physical fitness level, they have the extra incentive of raising funds and awareness for a worthwhile cause.”

Each participant uses different methods to get in shape for the strenuous 3-Day Walk. Besides walking several miles a week and working out at the gym, Brady has discovered mall walking. [Many shopping malls around the country are opening their doors in the mornings to anyone who wants to exercise away from traffic and harsh weather.]

Jami Ballentine, a first time walker, decided to participate after losing several of her family members to cancer. The former couch potato said training for the 60-mile walk has been a struggle.

"Every time that I want to quit, I just look at a picture of my aunt and it keeps me motivated," says Ballentine.

Raising Money.
More than 80 percent of proceeds from the Breast Cancer 3-Day directly benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The foundation provides various fundraising tools to help walkers raise the compulsory $2,200. A free personal fundraising web site is available so that participants can keep track of their donations and send out group emails to family and friends.

While Ballentine has been sending emails, she’s also taken her efforts a step further by planning a benefit—Comedy for a Cure—to help raise money for this September’s 3-Day Walk in Missouri.

Awareness is for everyone, everyday.
Susan Cavanaugh will walk in the 3-Day event in Kansas City, Missouri, for every person with breast cancer who does not have the strength to walk.