In December of 2003, members
of the Cannon Falls High
School Student Council developed
the idea to have a Breast
Cancer Awareness Walk in memory
of long-time elementary
teacher, Sandra Finerty. Like
many others, Finerty was a victim
of breast cancer. Her impact
on young lives sparked an idea
for a walk in her honor.
The Student Council wanted
to recognize her for the teacher
and woman she was. Katie
Kusilek, then Junior at CFHS,
chaired the first Annual Pink Ribbon
Walk, and spent six months
working to make this walk a success.
The first walk even had a
few survivors that participated.
Due to the success of the firstwalk, another is planned. This
year the Student Council Members
are hoping for the same
enthusiasm received by the first
walk. Sponsors have donated
money, a new t-shirt design has
been created by Sophomore
Rose Card, and people are already
showing great interest.
This year the walk will be held
on May 8th, 2005. Registration
will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the
Cannon FallsCity Parking Lot.
The donation fee for the walk
is $10 before the day of or $15
on May 8th. Participants will all
receive a free t-shirt. The walk
will begin at 1:00 p.m. and end
at the Cannon Falls Area Elementary
School, following the
Cannon Valley Trail. Entertainment
includes Junior Whitney
Schoep playing the violin and
the Cannon Falls High SchoolJazz Band. Other entertainment
is also being checked into.
Current sponsors include
Write-On, Coca-Cola of Red
Wing, the Beacon, First National
Bank, First Farmers and
Merchants Bank, and the Student
Council. If anyone is interested
in making a donation
they should contact the student
council. People interested in
participating in the walk should
pick up a registration form in the
CFHS office and mail it in.
This activity is a unique way
to spend Mother’s Day: walking
for a cure and participating in
a great cause. The walk is also
in the memory of Sally Bowen,
Roz Rydeen, and other families
and friends who have suffered
from cancer. This walk will also
honor cancer survivors including
teacher Tracy Moran.