‘Clarkston for a Cure? is set for the three-day Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk Sept. 28-30. The team was originally known as ‘Sisters in Stride,? founded by Melissa Traver.
In 2005, Traver registered for the walk with a coworker because she thought it would be fun, good exercise, and achieve some personal goals. But she never thought about the meaning behind the walk.
A few months later, it took on a new meaning when Traver found out her sister, Kim Beardsley, had been diagnosed with breast cancer. That was when Traver and her younger sister Julie started ‘Sisters in Stride.?
The team originally included the three sisters, Melissa, Julie, and Kim, and their mother, Ginny Beardsley. They changed their name to ‘Clarkston for a Cure? because of the group’s increasing size.
‘We are really proud to be in the Clarkston community,? said team member Gina Daniels. ‘We really enjoy training here, we never get tired of our walks in town, and everyone in the community is very supportive.?
This year, the team includes six walkers and two crew members, who set up meals and cheer.
Walkers include Melissa Traver, Julie Alexander, Gina Daniels, Kristi Feyers, Christa Covey and Sally Janecek.
Traver’s mother Ginny and her sister Kim, (who is cancer free and in remission) are the crew members.
‘What happens in those three days is truly amazing,? Daniels said.
Over the course of three days, teams walk 60 miles, 20 miles a day, and sleep in tents.
‘It’s such a great support system, it’s so well organized,? she said. ‘It’s a community that comes from all over and it just touches your life. It’s amazing.?
Seeing cancer survivors and having people pass you when you get tired is very inspirational to Daniels.
‘You feel like you don’t have it in you anymore and you just keep going because you know you can help somebody else,? said Daniels. ‘If you know you can help one person, it’s worth it because it touches so many lives, family and friends. We’ve all lived in this community so many years and we all know someone it’s touched.?
To make a donation, visit www.the3day.org or call 800-996-3DAY.