Footsteps For The Cure
October 4-6, 2024
In 2009 I joined a group of friends to participate in the Susan G Komen 3-Day for the Cure – the annual event where hundreds of men and women walk 60 miles over the course of three days to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. Since then, as Team Treasure Chest, we have collectively logged over 5,000 official 3Day miles and raised over $200,000 in the fight against this dreaded disease. Raising money and awareness are the most crucial elements of being involved with the 3-Day events and that is why we do it. As a member of the special community dedicated to this cause, I know that the money we’ve raised has helped save lives. And being together as a team, along with hundreds of other Pink Warriors, for the actual 60-mile weekend event is always just icing on the cake.
Each year as the weather starts to warm up, I begin my walk training. Starting slowly and building up the mileage, I hit the streets of my neighborhood to prepare my body and mind for the 60-mile challenge. And last year was no different. Happy to have my daughter, Maddie, join me, we decided to expand the training area and explore the many beautiful walking trails and paths throughout Cherokee County. It was on one of these walks that we realized that we could actually create our own 60-mile route right here in our backyard.
Well, in mid-May of 2020 we received the inevitable email letting us know that, understandably, all the Susan G Komen 3-Day events had been cancelled. We would not be spreading the pink love in Chicago later that year. Without missing a step (pun intended), Maddie and I knew what we had to do – bring the Pink Bubble to Cherokee for own walking adventure - so FOOTSTEPS FOR THE CURE was created.
Just like a true 3-Day event, our route takes us through amazing parks, trails and neighborhoods. There are quiet streets and busy roads, and plenty of opportunities to buy food and fill water bottles. FOOTSTEPS does not have all the bells, whistles and amenities of an official event (like port-a-potties), but it is still an opportunity to be with other Pink Warriors spreading the Pink Love.
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We are happy to share our route and welcome those of you interested in making a statement to take the challenge and give it a try. Walk for one day or all three, it’s up to you. This is a walk with friends – a walk with a purpose. And if seeing a group decked out in pink walking down the street gets one woman to make that mammogram appointment or do a self-exam, it will be worth it.
So, on Friday, October 4, we will begin the journey with pride, knowing that we will continue this battle Because We Can and Because We Must.
