For a local team of walkers, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk is a family affair.
“I did my first one with my mom and kept doing it,” said Ashley Gresock of Independence Township, preparing for her third walk. “It’s something you have to experience, put on your ‘bucket list.’ It’s a very moving experience.”
This year’s, Ashley’s daughter Sara Gresock will also participate.
“I’m really excited,” Sara said. “I look at my mom’s pictures and listen to her describe the experience, so I thought I would experience it.”
The team also includes Allyssa Cole, Kim Morrison, and Kimi Stover and her daughter, Autumn Stover.
“I’m a little nervous,” Cole said. “I’m excited about the experience.”
“It’s a good cause,? said Kimi, who participates in Relay for Life events.
“It’s a way to make a difference, and raise money for breast cancer research,” Autumn said.
“There are a lot of research projects, many into early detection,” Ashley said.
Their team’s name is Hope For Hooters.
“We wanted something funny,” Ashley said. “We were sitting around, having dinner with Kimi and friends, and it just came to us.”
“It motivated our husbands to help design the shirt (filled with nicknames for women’s breasts),” Morrison said. “We sold a lot, though the kids couldn’t wear them in school.”
The objective of the fund raiser is deadly serious, though, Morrison said.
“My friend’s sister died last year ? it was shocking,” Morrison said. “Instead of just contributing, I wanted to get up and do something.”
“It’s really scary. Everyone knows someone,” Morrison said. “Family history doesn’t matter, it just pops up.”
“It’s scary to me,” Kimi said. “It’s not acceptable.”
The group is raising $2,300 each and training for the Detroit 3-Day walk, Aug. 13-15. Fund raisers so far included a Change Drive, June 27, with Clarkston youth collecting cans and change from neighbors, and Blast For Boobs sporting clays shoot, July 10, at Huron Pointe Sportsmen’s Association.
The 3 Day walk is 60 miles long.
“There’ll be rest stops every three miles,” Morrison said. “It’s not overwhelming, as long as the blisters stay away.”
For more information, go to www.3day.org.