I'm Walking For Breast Cancer Research

I don't know anyone who has not been touched by breast cancer in some way.

My best friend is a breast cancer survivor. I lost one of my dearest friends to breast cancer. My grandmother was diagnosed and had a mastectomy in her 80s.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and there are so many great organizations in Connecticut that are holding great events to both raise awareness and money. I want to tell you about the event in which I am participating, the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation's Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut.

In their own words, here is the background on this group:

In 2005, two friends, Norma Logan (1958-2006) and Sandy Maniscalco started the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation (TBBCF). The desire to establish a non-profit organization was from frustration at seeing successful fundraising efforts being diverted from research to cover organizational overhead. For example, between 2004 and 2005 Norma and Sandy led a small group of individuals in raising $200,000 for an internationally renowned breast cancer foundation's sponsorship of a 3-Day Walk. Upon investigating the financials of the 3-Day event, it was determined that 40% of all money raised went to overhead. Of the $200,000 raised by Norma's and Sandy's group, $80,000 never made it to critical programs or research. Determined to address this issue and ensure money was directed at finding a cure, these women established a unique non-profit organization, which through sponsorship and volunteerism, is able to direct 100 percent of total gross fundraising efforts to breast cancer research.

TBBCF offers three options for walkers:

2012 Walk Across Southeastern CT Options

• A quarter marathon (6.55 miles) with each participant raising a minimum of $200 each. 
• A half marathon (13.1 miles) with each participant raising a minimum of $250 each. 
• A marathon (26.2 miles) with each participant raising a minimum of $500 each.

Also,

• Youth between the ages of 12 and 18 can register with a fundraising commitment of $100. 
• Teams can register and track their individual and team fundraising

This year, a few Patchers have gotten together and are walking as a team. We are walking the quarter-marathon and our goal is to raise $1,000. To support us, go to the main fundraising page and search on one of our names: Elissa Bass, Bree Shirvell, Nicole Ball, Jessie King, Dirk Langeveld.