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Almost 2,000 people have started walking a 60-mile journey from Dearborn to Ann Arbor to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research.
The Michigan Breast Cancer 3-Day walk began at the Henry Ford Museum this morning with a ceremony honoring those who have died and those who have survived the battle with breast cancer.
Friends and family of the walkers will meet the group at Washtenaw Community College for the closing ceremony Sunday.
WCC spokeswoman Janet Hawkins said event coordinators approached the college about holding the ceremony there.
“We’re very honored (to have them here),” she said. “It’s large enough to accommodate the amount of people they are expecting and it was on the route. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase the area.”
The Michigan Breast Cancer 3-Day is part of a series of 15 events throughout the country. Each participant in the 3-Day raises a minimum of $2,300 for the cause.
Since 2003, when the 3-Day started, more than $400 million has been raised for breast cancer research, education and community health programs.
About 85 percent of the net proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The other 15 percent goes to the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund, an endowment that supports breast cancer initiatives for education, research, treatment and prevention. Of the money that goes to Komen, 25 percent stays local.
Saline resident Matthew Pickus is participating in his 11th 3-Day event. He will also be walking in the San Diego event this year.
“I’m so amazed by the women and the people walking,” he said during his lunch break today. “It’s hot, but I’ve done 40-degree ones in the rain and I’ve done 100-degree ones.”
Pickus is president of 60-Mile Men, a nonprofit group dedicated to raising money for the Breast Cancer 3-Day. He founded the organization in 2006.
“Out of 2,000 walkers, you might have 100 men walking,” he said. “Men get breast cancer too.”
For Pickus, each event is special.
“I can tell you one or two stories from each walk,” he said.
Jessica Kerman is an intern for AnnArbor.com. Reach our news desk at news@annarbor.com or 734-623-2530.
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