Why I Walk the 3-Day

This November I'll be walking 60 miles in San Diego as part of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day. It will be my 25th walk since 2008, and in that time I've also served on crew 15 times. Every mile, every blister, every early morning - it's all to raise funds for research, treatment, and support for those facing breast cancer.

This year, I'm walking with a particular person in mind: our friend and fellow church member, Jennifer Arnott. Earlier this year I helped bring meals to Jennifer and her family while she was battling cancer. I saw the toll it took - the exhaustion, the pain, the uncertainty - and the way it affected everyone around her. On April 30, Jennifer passed away. I'm dedicating my walk this year to her memory.

The 3-Day is not symbolic. It's a grueling challenge - 60 miles in three days. The fundraising minimum isn't symbolic either: $2,300 by October 2. That money doesn't go into my travel or lodging; it goes directly to fight breast cancer.

Here?s how you can help:

• A gift of $50 helps fund early detection programs.

• A gift of $100 helps fund research and support services.

• Any amount helps push me closer to that $2,300 minimum - and gets me to the starting line in San Diego.

I walk because too many families - like Jennifer's - have to face this disease. I walk because I believe in a future where they don't.