The San Francisco Bay Area is the fourth of 14 cities nationwide hosting the Breast Cancer 3-day walk event. There was a phenomenal turnout of 2,000 walkers and 400 volunteer supporting crew members. The stories of faith and persistence are plentiful. The mission is absolutely focused on fighting the disease.
Since the Breast Cancer 3-Day started in 2003, more than $300 million has been raised through donations, contributions and sponsorships. The money raised goes toward breast cancer research, education and community health programs.
Participants will be walking a total of 60-miles, averaging about 20-miles a day.
"Every walker out here has raised at least $2,200 dollars for the privilege of walking 60-miles, and you know it's incredible what people will do. As you know, breast cancer unfortunately touches all of us; just about everyone knows someone who has been diagnosed," said Jenne Fromm, national spokesperson Breast Cancer 3-Day.
"We're walking for friends, we're walking for family, we're walking for our daughters, so that they never have to be here, and walking for the future," said Penny Powers, volunteer.
Eighty-five-percent of the net proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Fund, and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund receives the remaining 15-percent. Last year's nationwide events raised $86-million dollars.
After Friday morning's opening ceremony at the Cow Palace, the walk passes through Golden Gate Park, and near the San Francisco Zoo. Along the way each day, there will be many cheering stations for people to show their support.
The Breast Cancer 3-Day wraps up Sunday with a closing ceremony at 4:30 pm at San Francisco's Marina Green.
