Residents Invited to Walk for a Cure

News Report

For the seventh year, St. Stephen Catholic Church parishioners are inviting other members of the community to don their athletic shoes and join them on Natures Way in Valrico to help find a cure for breast cancer.

The church once again is sponsoring Project Cure in an effort to raise $50,000 for the Don and Erika Wallace Comprehensive Breast Program at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute. The three-day walk will take place Oct. 26-38 beginning at 6 a.m. each day at the Bloomingdale East Park on Natures Way.

Anyone can participate. There is no minimum amount of pledges needed to register or a required distance to walk.

“Some people walk one lap. Others walk 60 miles,” said Mary Owens, one of the organizers. “This is an invitation to the community to join us. Everyone can participate.”

Project Cure was created in 2006 after several young mothers in the parish died from breast cancer. After learning Susan G. Komen provides funding to Planned Parenthood, a group of women decided to create their own walk as an alternative. One hundred percent of the money donated goes to Moffitt, which is conducting ground-breaking research to find a cure for breast cancer. None of the money raised goes to cover costs of the event or fundraising. Since 2006, Project Cure has raised almost $100,000.

“It’s not just about raising money,” said Jean Weber, another 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 being involved in Project Cure is being asked to pray for all those affected by cancer. As they train and throughout the three-day walk, the Project Cure team solicits names and prays for those who have died, those who are sick, those who have survived, the families, the friends, the caretakers, the doctors, the nurses and the researchers struggling to find a cure.

“This is why we’re walking,” she 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 money, food or water or to volunteer, visit http://ststephencatholic.org/ministries/projectcure or email Project_Cure@StStephenCatholic.org.