I'm Walking For Breast Cancer Research

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

My aunt is a breast cancer survivor. I lost my cousin's wife to breast cancer at the young age of 36. My childhood friend's mother underwent a mastecomy – I'll never forget seeing how much that changed her life. 

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 (you can sponsor me here, just search "Nicole Ball").

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: Nicole Ball, Elissa Bass, Bree Shirvell, Jessie King, Dirk Langeveld.