Pink sea of supporters greets Breast Cancer 3-Day walkers at finish line in Ann Arbor
It was a sea of pink this afternoon as walkers gathered at Washtenaw Community College to raise money for the fight against breast cancer.
Despite sweltering temperatures and sore feet, spirits were high as thousands of supporters cheered on the nearly 2,000 participants of the Michigan Breast Cancer 3-Day walk.
After a hiatus, Ann Arbor was once again part of the six-year Michigan tradition, where participants walk 60 miles across a part of the state to raise money for the cause.
“I thought (Ann Arbor) was fabulous,” said Jenne Fromm, spokeswoman for Breast Cancer 3-Day. “I found the route to be physically challenging, but emotionally, it was so encouraging because of the community’s support.”
Michigan’s support for 2009 included $4.7 million raised, most of which will go toward the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation to fight breast cancer.
Walkers started their journey early Friday morning at the Henry Ford in Dearborn, crossing Dearborn Heights, Livonia, Westland and Plymouth on their way to Ann Arbor.
“It’s a long walk, but you don’t want to stop,” Andrea McHugh of Swartz Creek said.
McHugh, along with three fellow participants of team “Support 2nd Base,” was walking for the benefit of her daughters, who she said she hopes will never have to face breast cancer.
“I just like being part of something that’s so much bigger than myself,” she said.
Trever McGhee could possibly be dubbed the walk's strongest supporter. Carrying a 12-foot pink and black flag, the Seattle resident is attempting to partake in each of the 15 breast cancer walks nationwide.
McGhee also said he was also walking on behalf of his daughter who, at age 3, couldn't understand why Daddy wasn't able to cure her godmother.
“If I go now and make enough noise, I can get enough people to join me,” he said. “Then we can really make a difference.”
Since starting in Boston in July, McGhee has raised about $8,000 and hopes to reach the $35,000 necessary that would enable him to finish in San Diego in November.
Though he is taking more than four months off work to reach his goal, McGhee said the end result is worth it.
“Saving people’s lives is above everything right now,” he said. “If I can help keep the momentum going, we’re going to achieve it.”
Photos and slideshow by Melanie Maxwell, AnnArbor.com.
Erica Hobbs is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com. Reach our news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.
Comments
CRa2
Mon, Aug 17, 2009 : 4:45 p.m.
Congratulations to everyone..it was wonderful seeing all the walkers, volunteers and Ann Arborites tooting horns. By any chance, did anyone happen to get a picture of one of those super volunteers on the corner of Liberty and Division? I watched as he had his motorcycle parked to protect those crossing the street and his enthusiastic words of encouragement. What I really enjoyed, and have been telling everyone, is he was a "biker" - and had these wonderful pink shoes on. I really regret I didn't have my camera - it was an amazing display of the magnitude and breadth of support!
lisap
Mon, Aug 17, 2009 : 9:10 a.m.
I participated in the first Michigan 3-Day, before Avon became the main sponsor. We also walked 60 miles to raise funds for breast cancer and contrary to the news article, Elbel Field in Ann Arbor was our starting point.
Barb
Mon, Aug 17, 2009 : 8:07 a.m.
It is indeed very cool - I only wish all cancer research got this kind of support.
Alan Caldwell
Mon, Aug 17, 2009 : 6:39 a.m.
Ann Arbor is also home to the top fund-raising team for the Michigan event, Kindred Spirits. This team raised over $109,000. The team captain was Mary Lou Greenfield, who was simply amazingly terrific!
Gina Valo
Mon, Aug 17, 2009 : 3 a.m.
Thank you to all of the walkers and volunteers.
DL
Sun, Aug 16, 2009 : 9:47 p.m.
Carillon Chocolates on Main Street was giving a portion of their sales to Komen in support of the walkers. Very cool. Were any other businesses doing the same?