Finding a cure one step at a time

By Steve Moyer

Nevada Herald

A Moundville woman will walk in Kansas City this summer to help raise money to fight breast cancer. Mary Perala will walk 60 miles in three days to help fund the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund during the Kansas City Breast Cancer 3-Day walk in June.

"I decided to participate in the Breast Cancer 3-Day four years ago when my aunt was first diagnosed with breast cancer," Perala said. "I wanted to do something bold to help fight the disease -- and what better way than to set a goal to accomplish something as challenging as the 3-Day. I look forward to marching through the streets of Kansas City with thousands of others as we raise awareness and funds to fight breast cancer."

In order to participate each walker must commit to raising $2,100. Each walker is supported by coaches who assist in all aspects of training and fund-raising. Clinics, meetings, training sessions and mailings help provide ongoing support for the walkers.

Perala has a way to go to get to her personal goal. "I'm just getting started," Perala said. "They ask that you raise $2,100 but I'm going to try for $3,100"

The 3-Day walk will begin on the morning of Friday, June 17, and closing ceremonies will be Sunday, June 19. The walkers will travel approximately 20 miles a day at their own pace and will be supported by volunteers. The volunteers will provide meals, water, snacks, will transport walkers gear and extra clothing, portable toilets, help ensure safety on the streets and give comprehensive medical services. "We sleep in tents," Perala said.

Perala isn't sure where in Kansas City the walk will be. "They're still getting the route worked out," Perala said. "They have to make sure the safety is all worked out."

Perala says she has walked in three of the last four events. "I took one year off because we moved here," Perala said. "I moved here from North Carolina and my first walk was in Atlanta. I walked in the Twin Cities in 2004, I like to go different places each year."

Each year breast cancer affects more than 200,000 people in the United States and 40,000 people will die from the disease. Every three minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and every 13 minutes the disease claims another life. Breast cancer is not just a disease that affects women, although it is not nearly as frequent in men, occurring in only 1 percent of the cases.