3-Day Breast Cancer Walk Hits San Diego Nov. 21-23, 2008

The Breast Cancer 3-Day benefiting Susan G. Komen For The Cure is coming to San Diego November 21 – 23. This is a 3 day walk that covers 60 miles, and the money raised goes to support those affected by breast cancer, and towards breast cancer research. It is a remarkable event, one that I hope you will support either with a donation or participation. 85% of the net proceeds stay in San Diego, with 15% being contributed to breast cancer research. Last year, out of the 12 cities nationwide that participated in the 3-Day events they raised over 86 million dollars through donations, contributions, and sponsorships.

There are many ways to support the walkers: You can organize a group to host a cheering station during the walk, or get a group of “Camp Angels” to assist participants with setting up & striking tents and unloading gear. You can help raise money, or just line the streets during the walk and show your support for those brave walkers as they hit the streets on their 20 mile per day journey. Make signs of encouragement, and get the kids involved. It is unbelievable how much you get back by helping the volunteers accomplish their goal of finishing the 3-Day Walk.

The staggering numbers show that the chance of developing invasive breast cancer at some time in a woman’s life is about 1 in 8. It can hit any one of your friends or family, as it did to my family. My wife is a breast cancer survivor. She detected a small lump while doing a self examination, and quickly went to see her doctor for a more in depth checkup. Then came the mammogram, a trip to see a surgeon, biopsy, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and more surgeries. There are several things that were critical to my wife surviving: early detection, aggressive treatment by her oncologist, surgeon, & radiologist, and the love and support from her friends and family. It has been almost 6 years since her first diagnosis, and now she is an inspiration to many others either beginning their battle with this cruel disease, or as support for family members looking for guidance through this emotional roller coaster.

That is how I first found out about the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and why I am presenting this information to you. Being part of the 3-Day in any manner is heartwarming, from the stories shared while on the walk, to the crowd support as the walkers pass by. We plan on showing our support this year by setting up an area with banners and playing music for the walkers. Each day, there are a few pre-determined areas for the cheering stations, as listed below. Please join us in showing support for these amazing men and women, and you will see just how important this cause is.

Cheering Stations Schedule:

Friday 11/21 Day 1

6:30 a.m. Del Mar Fairgrounds: Opening Ceremonies (walkers arrive 5:30 – 6:00)

11:15 – 2:30 Coast Blvd Park, La Jolla 430 Coast Blvd, south of Cuvier St.

2:00 – 5:30 Fanuel Street Park, Mission Bay 4000 Fanuel Street

Saturday 11/22 Day 2

9:00 – 1:30 Ocean Beach Surf Spot Park Grass area at Abbott St. & Newport Ave

10:30 – 3:30 South Mission Grass area just north of South Mission Parking Lot
2600 Mission Blvd. (turn west on N.Jetty Rd into parking lot)

Sunday 11/23 Day 3

7:00 – 9:00 De Anza Cove 2700 North Mission Bay Drive

11:00 – 3:00 Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater Lawn Area 2150 Park Blvd.

Closing Ceremony Information:

Location: Petco Park 100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

12:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Walkers arrive at Holding Area

3:30 pm: Spectators arrive and should head directly to the stage

4:00 pm: Participants begin lining up for victory walk

4:30 pm: Closing Ceremonies begin

Friends and Family should plan on arriving an hour early due to crowd congestion. Please use public transit (the trolley is a lot of fun, and drops you off in front of Petco Park) and expect very large but friendly crowds. For more information, call (800) 996-3DAY or go to the 3-Day website.

Other great sites for information, support, and 3-Day gear:
www.the3day.org
www.komen.org
www.thebreastcancersite.com
www.bcsupport.org
www.breastcancer.org
www.nationalbreastcancer.org
www.pink-link.org