The Amherstonian

Walk for the cure

Tuesday, May 01, 2012 By Hannah Bonhotel

Susan G. Komen was a woman who fought to save her life from breast cancer. She fought for her life and thought of new ways to save others who are going through what she had. Her sister promised Susan that she would do anything in her power to end breast cancer once and for all after Susan died. Susan’s sister, Nancy G. Brinker, created the Susan G. Komen race for the cure; they have invested over $1.9 billion since 1982. The movement has helped to save lives and give hope to people who have cancer, and to their families. One of the most common things they do to raise money for the cure is the 3-day walk. People who signed up to do the walk on a certain date had to raise a certain amount of money before the race. Thousands of dollars are raised for the movement. We even have a few participants here at Steele High School. Our very own students have either done the walk before or are doing the walk this year. Hannah Watson, who walked last year, and Adam Riegler, who is new to the walk, and our very own science teacher Mrs. Wendi Lowe who will be joining Adam in the 3 day walk this year. Adam said that he first heard about the walk from talking with Hannah about it last year when Mrs. Lowe was diagnosed with breast cancer. He decided to do the walk this year after missing his chance last year. “I was suppose to do the walk last year with her but I did not think I had enough time to raise the money,” he said, but this year he made sure he got a head start at raising the money for the walk in August. Adam expects the walk to be a lot of fun and is looking forward to meeting new people while he is there. Mrs. Lowe is going with her two students to do the walk this year and possibly in the future depending on how well it goes. Getting ready for the walk takes a lot of preparation before the big day. Mrs. Lowe walks every day and works out every other day, in order to prepare. She says, “[I am] increasing my walking amount in the summer and do more intense workout sessions.” This will be a big accomplishment for her in the end. Mrs. Lowe never thought about doing the walk before this year. Now she will not only be doing the walk by herself but also alongside her students. The walk will be great chance to meet new people and experience being with others who want to help fight for the cure. Hannah Watson had done the walk last year and got Adam involved in wanting to walk. Hannah’s experience of the walk last year was life-changing. “It was very inspirational to finish the walk each day and see all of the other participants finish,” Hannah said. Unfortunately Hannah can not walk this year, however, the walk let her meet a lot of new people that she walked with each day of the 3-day walk. The Susan G. Komen 3 day walk is a great way to show support for those who have breast cancer. Donations can be made to Mrs. Lowe or Adam directly, or to the Susan G. Komen Foundation .