A pink ribbon is a widely recognized symbol signifying breast cancer awareness.
There are a few fundraising walks for breast cancer lasting three days, all referred to as a "three-day walk for breast cancer." The Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization sponsors the largest three-day walk, which takes place in several cities once a year. In 2009, this event took place in 15 cities. The Avon Foundation sponsors another walk. Walks for breast cancer are used as one of the primary fundraising events for organizations supporting breast cancer research. Net proceeds go directly to funding breast cancer research and supporting both breast cancer victims and their families.
Fundraising
In 2009, the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for a Cure walk secured $91 million in donations. Since 2005, the walk has raised $500 million for breast cancer research and complimentary programs. Susan G. Komen for the Cure dedicates 84 percent of all donations to its mission of research, education, screening and treatment for breast cancer. The Avon Foundation raised over $265 million between 2003 and 2008 with Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, a similar three-day walk.
Participants
Participants in these fundraising walks include not only the walkers themselves, but volunteers, crew members and administration from the foundations. Walkers and crew members are generally responsible for raising a minimum amount and/or contributing money themselves through fees. Crew member, volunteers and walkers must be 18 years old or accompanied by an adult for the duration of their time at the event.
The Walks
These three-day walks are no easy task for the unfit. Training is often required, and walkers are encouraged to gear up for the event by taking regular practice walks--either on their own or in groups of participants. The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for a Cure consists of three one-day walks of 15 to 22 miles, totaling 60 miles overall. The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is a similar but shorter walk, at 39 miles completed over a weekend.
Releases and Disabilities
Both the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for a Cure require liability and medical releases. Emergency medical care is provided on site if necessary, and those with disabilities are encouraged to participate in whatever capacity they are able. Certain accommodations, such as wheelchair-accessible routes, are provided. If participants are unable to complete a walk, transportation to the next check point, camp or otherwise appropriate location is provided.
Ways to Particpate
Those interested in contributing to three-day breast cancer walks can do so in a variety of ways. Walkers not only trek the entire route over three days, but must reach certain fundraising benchmarks to participate. Crew members generally walk with the participants, but perform specific jobs (such as providing water) to support the walkers. Volunteers provide any number of services throughout the course of the year to support the event. Volunteers generally hold the most flexible positions, in that they can contribute anywhere between a few hours to months of work.
Tags: breast cancer, Susan Komen, Walk Breast Cancer, 3-Day Cure, Avon Walk
