Last summer Lisa Priebe’s grandmother died of lung cancer. When Priebe recently discovered her friend’s mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, she felt like she needed to help.
“My grandma was the first person close to me to die of cancer,” the communication senior said. “I’m honoring her and my best friend’s mom.”
Priebe, along with 3,000 other men and women, will participate in the Avon Cancer 3-Day walk, a 60-mile walk that helps raise money for detection and survivors of breast cancer.
The walk, which begins May 31, is sponsored by Avon and Pallotta Teamworks, an event planning company. It begins in Ann Arbor, passes through Dearborn and finishes in Detroit.
“It’s such an inspiration to see young people and older women all working for the same cause,” Priebe said. “The women are so strong and determined to fight and beat it and that’s so admirable.
“Hopefully this walk will raise awareness and show women there are options available and support groups to help them deal with it.”
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women, the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations reported. More than 180,000 new breast cancer cases are diagnosed each year in the United States. There are more than 2 million breast cancer survivors in the country.
The walk, which takes place in 13 cities this year, is adding Michigan to its roster for the first time. Other cities hosting the walk include Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Dallas, Miami, Seattle and Atlanta. Avon officials estimate about 40,000 people will participate this year nationwide.
Because participants have to raise a minimum of $1,900 to participate in the walk, Priebe is doing a variety of fund-raisers to achieve her goal.
“I’m mailing letters to family and friends, selling cookies and sending around envelopes in my classes,” she said. “I’m also making ribbons for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In all, I’ve raised about $650 in the last three weeks.”
Avon spokesman Scott Linn said participants are raising awareness about cancer while helping to find a cure.
Linn said the walkers hope to earn $4-5 million.
“People are actively taking part in making a difference,” he said. “Raising the money is one thing, but walking 60 miles makes a statement and sends a message.”
Jodie Bielenbert, field event coordinator for Pallotta Teamworks, said the walk allows participants to do things they never thought they could do.
“We have women walking who are survivors and others who are receiving treatment right now,” she said. “It’s important for other women to see what they’re overcoming.
“It also provides a greater awareness for the disease and how it’s impacting our country.”
Earth science senior Jenna Adamek and her roommate, supply chain management senior Stephanie Gentile, also are participating in the walk.
“My aunt recently found out she had breast cancer,” Adamek said. “She found out she had it at an early stage and has already been through two surgeries. It seems like something that would never happen to us. But this really hits closer to home now.”
Gentile said she thinks the walk will cause women to take more precautions against the disease.
“A lot of women are scared to go to the doctor and get mammograms,” she said. “If this walk convinces one person to go to the doctor and get checked out, then it’s worth it.”
