Fran Wilcox has trained since February to get in shape for a three-day, 60-mile walk at the Boston Breast Cancer 3-Day benefiting the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation. Yet, she said the thing that concerns her most is not the walk but the camping out. "We sleep in six-by-six pup tents. There is no electricity and no cots," she said with a laugh. "We were told to leave the hair dryers at home and bring a hat." The event is a serious one, though, and has deep meaning for Wilcox, who serves as the town clerk in Clarkson. She is a 20-year survivor. "I am celebrating 20 years of being cancer free. Back when I was diagnosed, if you were a five-year survivor you were considered fortunate. At 62, this is a true celebration of my life." Wilcox, her daughter, Michelle Sullivan, of Connecticut, and her daughter-in-law, Sheryl Wilcox, of Clarkson, will join thousands of other women and men on August 4 in Boston for a three day, 60 mile walk to raise awareness and money for critical research and community outreach programs. Sullivan's mother-in-law has battled breast cancer and is a survivor. Participants have an opportunity to celebrate breast cancer survivorship, honor those who lost their lives to the disease, and collectively, have an enormous impact on funding for breast cancer programs. "I wanted to do something bold to help fight the disease - and what better way than to set a goal to accomplish something as challenging as the 3-Day," Wilcox said. Fran, Sheryl and Michelle were able to train with a virtual trainer that was supplied through the 3-Day organizers. "We started training in February by doing three miles on a treadmill then cross training the next day. I would rather do eight miles outdoors than three on a treadmill," Fran said. "We train six days a week and this weekend we are walking to Spencerport (from Clarkson) and back for our training." In addition to celebrating women who have fought breast cancer and survived, the three women are also walking in honor of several friends and loved ones who have lost their lives to breast cancer. "Knowing that the Komen Foundation and the National Philanthropic Trust are involved in the Breast Cancer 3-Day assures me that the events will be well-managed and that the millions of dollars we raise will support the fight against breast cancer," Sheryl said. To participate, each walker commits to raising a minimum of $2,200 (many walkers will raise more than the minimum). To help prepare for the Breast Cancer 3-Day, each walker is supported by coaches who assist in all aspects of training and fundraising, while clinics, meetings, training sessions and mailings provide ongoing support. To help Fran, Sheryl or Michelle reach their goal, make a donation directly to the respective walker's donation page at www.The3Day.org. To learn how to participate or volunteer with the Breast Cancer 3-Day, visit www.The3Day.org or call (800) 996-3DAY. "It's amazing how much support we've received," Fran said. "I have had people coming up to me sharing their stories. So many people are touched by this disease." When asked what she would do once the walk was over, Fran said, she plans to keep up with some of the training she has been doing. "I'm feeling good and I feel like I am really ready for the walk," she said. "After it's all done I will probably continue to walk but probably not 18 miles a day." July 23, 2006 |
