This weekend, more than 2,000 men and women walked for 60 miles around Washington and Montgomery County to raise awareness about breast cancer. And as was evident by the bright pink tents lining the fields at Avenel Local Park, for three days, many called Potomac their home.
On Friday, participants in the Breast Cancer 3-Day — which benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund — were cheered on as they wrapped up a day of walking 20 miles around historic monuments in Washington. For the walkers, many of whom donned pink gear and accessories, a day that kicked off with an opening ceremony at the Washington Nationals Stadium ended with an evening in the "virtual metropolis" that sprouted up at Avenel. There, a spaghetti dinner was served in a large covered tent that seated 2,000. Mobile showers, massage stations, entertainment like bingo and karaoke, and even an area to pick up care packages sent by family and friends were on-hand. Then, many of the walkers retired to the tents for lights-out at 9 p.m. sharp in preparation for the next two days of their journey.
For those who participate, the welcoming camp site is only one way that a sense of community is evident. "It's kind of cool to be in a group of people that all have something in common," said Olney resident Maggie Silliman, 16. Silliman walked with her mother, Tammy Nestuk, 48, who lost a best friend to breast cancer five years ago. Like Nestuk, many of the walkers have lost friends or family to the disease that, according to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, affects one in eight women in the country. "I've never been in a group of people this big that all have something that ties them together," Silliman said.
The Breast Cancer 3-Day draws thousands of participants yearly to cities across the country to walk about 20 miles a day for three days. It coincides with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. This year was the third time the event has brought breast cancer awareness advocates to the Washington region, but it's the first time the walkers have stayed at Avenel. This year's route brought participants through parts of the downcounty including Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac and Cabin John. In the county, "cheering stations" where the public could lend their support were set up at the Bethesda Metro station and the American Podiatric Medical Association on Old Georgetown Road in Bethesda.
Walkers hailed from across the county and the country to take part in the Washington event. They were required to raise a minimum of $2,300, though in last weekend's event, one walker raised $24,314. Last year, Washington's 3-day raised $7.3 million dollars, and the walks across the country together raised more than $110 million. Since the event's launch in 2003, more than $400 million has been tallied up in donations, contributions and sponsorships.
"Breast cancer seems so big and so scary, and you feel so impotent against it," said Jenné Fromm, national spokeswoman for the Breast Cancer 3-day. "This gives you a chance to reclaim some of that power."
The walk, Fromm said, fosters a community of support for those who have struggled with the debilitating disease. Walkers, she said, often form bonds that last a lifetime.
Potomac resident Larry Rosenfeld, who has been involved in the walk since 2002, agreed. "A lot of the first-time walkers don't know what to expect — they think it's going to be a physical challenge but they are surprised by the emotional aspect," he said.
His mother-in-law was stricken with breast cancer, so his wife and daughters are at risk, he said. He's been involved in 23 3-day events, walking two and "crewing" 21, in cities including Boston, New York, Washington and Philadelphia. This year, he was in charge of overseeing "pit stops" that provided lunch and a quick respite for the walkers before they continued on their journey.
Rosenfeld was one of the 300 crew members that helped out at the event. "A lot of us here have lost loved ones — we've been to funerals, we've been to visit people in the hospital," Rosenfeld said.
Breast cancer survivors, he said, often have a unique perspective on the event. "Walking in mud and rain, sleeping out in the dirt — it's all easier than chemo."
To participate in Washington's 2010 3-day, which will take place Oct. 8-10 next year, visit www.the3day.org
