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3-Day Brandon Walk Benefits Breast Cancer Research

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 13, 2008

BRANDON - For the third year, St. Stephen Catholic Church parishioners are inviting other members of the community to don their athletic shoes and join them on Natures Way Boulevard for a three-day walk to help find a cure for breast cancer.

In cooperation with the Lightning Foundation, the church is sponsoring Project Cure this Friday through Sunday in hopes of raising $50,000 for the Don and Erika Wallace Comprehensive Breast Program at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute in Tampa.

The walk will start at 6 a.m. each day at Bloomingdale East Park, where Nature's Way Boulevard meets Greenhollow Lane.

Anyone can participate. There is no minimum dollar figure for pledges or required distance.

"Some people walk one lap. Others walk 60 miles," said Lisa Huetteman, one of the event organizers. "This is an invitation to the community to join us. Everyone can participate."

Project Cure was created after several young mothers in the St. Stephen parish died from breast cancer. After learning that Moffitt researchers were conducting groundbreaking research to find a cure for breast cancer, a group of women decided to raise money to help fund the research.

Since then, Project Cure has raised more than $57,000.

"It's not just about raising money," said Jean Weber, a Project Cure founder. "There's a great sense of camaraderie during the three-day event. Friends and neighbors cheer us on at the park or along the route. Some neighbors put out water, oranges and other snacks for the walkers. Businesses donate lunch. It takes on a real party atmosphere."

For another founder, Amy Meany, one of the most poignant parts of the event is being asked to pray for those affected by cancer.

As they train and throughout the three days, the Project Cure team solicits names and prays for those who have died from the disease; those who still suffer from it; those who have survived; and the families, friends and caretakers affected by the often-fatal illness. They also pray for doctors and nurses who treat breast cancer patients and researchers struggling to find a cure.

"This is why we're walking," Meany said. "For all the brave women who have had to fight breast cancer and for their families."

To register to participate in Project Cure or to donate, go to www.ststephencatholic.org, and click on the "Project Cure" box or call Huetteman at (813) 685-6185.

Businesses interested in donating food or water or people who would like to volunteer to help can contact Weber at (813) 655-9787.

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