NOVI, Mich. (WXYZ) — A three-day fundraiser in metro Detroit kicked off Friday morning. The goal: to raise millions of dollars to find a cure for breast cancer.
The Susan G. Women 3-Day is a weekend-long walk that spans 60 miles throughout Novi, Northville, Plymouth and Dearborn. The kickoff took place at the Novi Sheraton, and walkers will make there way throughout the area in honor of survivors and those who lost their battle to cancer.
7 Action News caught up with Beth Northman of Mount Clemens. She began walking in 2002 as a personal challenge. At the time, she didn’t even know others who were battling cancer — now she’s met lifelong friends and her drive to help has only grown.
Her team, the BC Babes, have raised more than $1 million dating back to 2005 — this year she’ll walk in seven cities across America for the cause. While she said Friday is exciting, her favorite moment is the final miles.
“We meet at the last stop on Sunday and gather as a team so we can walk together,” said Northman as she began to choke up thinking about her friends, and the survivors. “It’s just an amazing experience. The accomplishment, and knowing you’ve made a difference.”
Melissa Melson walked her first event eight years ago on a whim.
“And as soon as I came back, I found out my mother had breast cancer and have added more people to that list every year.”
Including her step mom. Thankfully both women have now been cancer free.
But many don’t have the same happy ending. Charmaine Smith and her friend Tonya Perry have been walking several years together - usually taking time to coordinate their outfits.
“Honor my cousin. She passed away several years ago to breast cancer she was really young," Smith said.
This year Tonya is wearing this lanyard with the names of friends and family who are battling breast cancer.
“And since I had this made, I have lost two of them," Tonya added.
This year’s registration has already passed, but volunteers are still needed to simply cheer on the runners.
You can find more information about the run at the Susan G. Komen website.
We’ve listed the cheering stations that are open to the public for those interested in supporting this year’s walkers at the Michigan event.
• Cheering Station 1
Novi Ten Shopping Center
41400 West 13 Mile Road, Novi MI
Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• Cheering Station 2
Novi Road between 10 Mile Road and Algonquin Drive, Novi MI
Friday: 11:00 a.m. –4:00 p.m.
• Cheering Station 3
Kellogg Park - downtown Plymouth
Ann Arbor Trail & Main Street, Plymouth MI 48170
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Cheering Station 4
Oaks Pointe Shopping Plaza
22240 Novi Road, Novi MI
Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
• Cheering Station 5
Between Monroe & South Brady Streets, Dearborn MI
Sunday: 10:15 a.m. – 2:40 p.m.
