Family & Friends:

In September 2005, I participated in my first Susan G Komen 3-Day Walk in memory of the 20-year anniversary of my mother, Helen, who passed away on June 26, 1985, at the young age of 46. I continue to walk in her memory every year.

I can honestly say that I never thought that 20 years later we wouldn’t have a cure, but we don’t, so I will continue to walk until there is one.  I will walk for all those who won their battle and, like myself, are lucky to be survivors.  I will walk for those who are still fighting their battle.  And sadly, I will walk for those angels who lost their battle.

In 2024, there were over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the USA.  I know that these walks do not prevent breast cancer but thanks to the monies raised more women and men are benefiting from the research and advanced treatments available.  

This year, along with my son JJ and one of my closest friends, Maureen, I will be participating in my 18th walk.  Hopefully the weather will start cooperating so we can get more training walks in!

On August 15th-17th, we will walk with hundreds of women and men in the amazing city of Boston with one goal…” to raise funds so that we can find a cure for this cancer beast “.  3 days…60+ miles…exchanging our stories and reasons we walk with complete strangers who will become forever friends…and making memories…because EVERYONE deserves a lifetime.

In December 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, I was diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer aka DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ).  In January 2021, I underwent I bilateral mastectomy, and in March 2021, I had my final reconstruction surgery. Being so proactive I had hoped that I would never hear those four words "You Have Breast Cancer" but when I did, I was ready both physically and more important mentally.  A few weeks after my surgery I was beyond grateful to hear the better four words "You Are Cancer Free".  I am happy, healthy, and so blessed...I will never take that for granted!

This year I will be walking in honor of my dear friend Trish Faidiga who was diagnosed on February 24, 2023, with Stage One Triple Negative Breast Carcinoma (CMS-HCC).  She had the opportunity to be part of a clinical trial for the breast cancer vaccine.  On April 4th, she had an infusion of Keytruda, which is a type of immunotherapy that treats various types of cancer, and on April 5th she underwent a two-hour radiation treatment in conjunction with the prior days’ infusion.  Between April 7th-17th she underwent the testing protocol needed, and on April 18th, had a successful lumpectomy. Trish’s doctors believe that they were able to remove all the cancer, however, because she was Triple Negative, they felt that there was a 20% chance it could return.  As per their recommendation, she chose to undergo the AC-T chemotherapy regimen, every other week from May 18th thru June 29th, and then from July 13th thru August 24th.  She then underwent radiation 5 days a week from September 18th thru October 6th.  Trish is beyond grateful that she can put the surgery and treatments behind and is so thankful for the exceptional job by her team of doctors at Penn.  She told me that she lives life to the fullest, enjoys every day that is gifted to her and that she believes there will be a vaccine available in the future.  I met Trish thru my mom’s foundation, Helen's Angels, where we are both Patient Experience Managers.  Our job is to answer any questions and or concerns that both individuals and families may have during their breast cancer journey since we have both walked in those shoes.

I participate in this amazing event year after year because of all your love and support and am hoping I can count on you once again. 

Your donation is tax deductible and remember to check with your employer regarding a matching gift.  After you make your donation, mail your matching gift form along with a copy of your Komen 3-Day donation receipt to:  Susan G Komen 3-Day, PO Box 660843, Dallas, TX  75266-0843.  For online matching gift instructions, please visit " The3day.org/Matching.  You can reference my name, Lynn Ford, Participant ID 1161433, Event ID 2322

Look out Boston...here we come.  As always, we look forward to calls, texts, emails, and Facebook posts to help push us thru the weekend.

Lynny xxoo