Breast Cancer Survivors Walk The 3-Day To Inspire, Support
MAPLEWOOD, Minn. (WCCO) - A sea of pink tents helped brighten up the gray skies in Maplewood. This tent city is part of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, an event designed to raise money for breast cancer research.
Dr. Sheri Phillips, the National Spokesperson Susan G Komen 3-Day, says more than a thousand participants are expected.
"We had 1,400 wonderful participants show up on Friday morning ready to walk an average of 20 miles a day for three consecutive days all to put an end to breast cancer," Phillips said.
Dr. Sheri Philips herself is a breast cancer survivor. She says the stories behind why people walk are inspirational.
Most of those stories are born from the writings and pictures left behind in the Remembrance Tent.
Helen Stripe is a medical crew captain and a three-time breast cancer survivor.
"I'm the product of research this is the Susan Komen 3-Day and all the money that we raised affects me, and what happens to me," Stripe said.
She has been cancer free for several years, and a part of the 3-Day for more than nine years. Stripe feels helping others is her way of paying back the people who are walking for her and others who battle against breast cancer.
"It's a service we offer that keeps our walkers walking. The main goal is to try to get everybody to finish the three day," she said.
Stripe feels every walker is here for her, as well as their loved ones. So she feels giving back is her way of staying in step with the hope of finding a cure.
The 3-Day will end Sunday at the State Capitol.
Last year the walkers raised more than $82 million nationwide.
