Project Cure to Host 6th Walk in Bloomingdale East

An event started by a group of moms six years ago has now more than $100,000 for breast cancer research.

And organizers are hoping to add to the total this year.

This year's Project Cure breast cancer awareness walk will take place from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30 at the Bloomingdale East Park on Natures Way. 

However, this year's event will be a little different, said chairwoman Mary Owens. Instead of a three-day, 60-mile event, this year's walk will take place on a single day to make it more convenient for supporters who can't walk all three days.

The route will be the same as previous years. Walkers and runners (pets are welcome as well) will circle the neighborhood along Natures Way and Culbreath Road, raising funds and awareness for breast cancer along the way.

All funds raised through donations and pledges will go to the Don and Erika Wallace Breast Cancer Treatment Program at the Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa to be used in research to help find a cure for breast cancer.

The fundraiser was initiated following the deaths of two young mothers at St. Stephen Catholic School due to breast cancer. Rosanna Bryant and Cheryl Nance were in their 30s when they died of breast cancer, both leaving behind two children.

Determined to do something to stop the scourge of breast cancer, the group of St. Stephen mothers decided to raise funds for cutting-edge research taking place at the Moffitt Research Institute under the direction of Dr. Bradford Carter.

"Why is Project Cure a family event? Because most of our kids know a family that lost the battle to breast cancer. Just ask them," said Owens, mother of two. "My kids have seen eight moms in their circle of friends that have faced the battle. Four will not see their children graduate from high school. When my kids get out and walk — it is very personal. They are walking for those moms and their friends. They can’t change what happened but they have great pride their work will make a difference."

This year's event will begin with a sunrise Catholic Mass at the park. Supporters, even if they don't plan to walk, are invited to bring a chair and breakfast item and share in the Mass.

From 8-11 a.m., the St. Stephen Catholic School National Junior Honor Society will serve breakfast to the walkers.

Everyone in the community is invited to walk, whether they make a donation or not, said Owens.

However, walkers are urged to form a team and collect pledges. Sponsor sheets and participation forms are available at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 5049 Bell Shoals Rd., Valrico. Or residents can sign up on the day of the event.

In addition to walking, participants will pray for those affected by breast cancer. Anyone who would like to be included can contact Owens at mary@the-black-diamond.com.

"Finding a cure is important and we can make a difference," said Owens. "Moffitt is doing amazing work that will some day bring a cure. And every year treatments get better."