About the San Diego Susan G. Komen Walk for Breast Cancer
The Susan G. Komen Walk for Cancer, also known as the Breast Cancer Three-Day, is a charity walk 60 miles long to raise money for breast cancer research and breast cancer awareness. The walk is sometimes known as the Three-Day because the event takes place over a three-day weekend. The Breast Cancer Three-Day is held in several cities throughout the United States, including San Diego. The participants in San Diego form teams, with each individual on the team raising their own money and attending the walk.
History
The Susan G. Komen breast cancer walk was originally organized by Dan Pallotta in 1998, in conjunction with his company, Pallotta Teamworks. The event was sponsored by Avon. Susan Goodman Komen, who the walk was named after, was a woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 33 and died in 1980, three years later. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, which is now known as Susan G. Komen For the Cure, was organized by Komen's sister, Nancy Goodman Brinker, in 1982.
Significance
The San Diego Three-Day usually takes place latest in the year because the location will have the warmest weather of any of the other United States locations. The San Diego Three-Day takes place in November, occurring from November 21-23 in 2008. Other cities that participate in the Susan G. Komen walk include Boston, Cleveland, Seattle, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Philadelphia, Atlanta, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Dallas and Tampa Bay.
Geography
In 2008, the Susan G. Komen walk in San Diego began November 21 at Del Mar Fairgrounds, and continued through Kellogg Park, La Jolla Cove, Crown Point Shores, Sunset Cliffs, Mission Bay, and finally ended at Petco Park. Walkers logged a total of 60 miles in three days while viewing the historic sights of San Diego. The official sponsors for the 2008 event were New Balance, Pepperidge Farm and LaCroix.
Considerations
One large aspect of the Susan G. Komen walk is sleeping outside. The foundation provides food, tents, amenities and transportation in case you are unable to finish walking. The minimum age requirement for walkers is 16, but walkers who are 16 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Walkers must have proof of health insurance in order to participate, and anyone with a history of severe medical conditions is advised to talk to a doctor before participating in the walk.
Benefits
Walking in the Susan G. Komen Walk for Breast Cancer is an excellent way to raise money for breast cancer research and awareness. Many women who participate in the walk are breast cancer survivors, or family members of breast cancer survivors and victims. Even if you do not feel that you will be able to walk 60 miles, participate in the event and you may surprise yourself. With the beautiful backdrop of San Diego behind you as you walk, you may be able to accomplish something you never thought you could.
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