by Amy Pjura
On July 24-26, Tonya Rivers, will step out in Boston and walk for “The Cure” as part of the 60-mile Breast Cancer 3-Day walk. Boston kicks-off the 15 walks that will take place all over the country this summer and fall. It’s not just a walk to raise money for breast cancer, it’s an experience. Tonya, and other walkers participating, will walk each day, relax and mingle in the 3-Day Café and spend the nights in two-person tents.
Although Tonya is blessed and not personally affected by breast cancer, she is excited to take part in this experience and be able to share the weekend with survivors, daughters, moms, wives and friends. Tonya became interested in the three-day walk when she saw a commercial for it on the TV. Tonya walks regularly, and, with the help of Weight Watchers, she lost 106 pounds over the past year. She thought that if she could walk to lose all that weight, she could walk to raise money for such an important cause.
The minimum amount of money that one has to raise in order to participate in the 3-Day Walk is $2,300. Tonya said that she doesn’t want to do just the minimum and made a personal goal to raise $2,500. The proceeds from the walk are given to two funds: 85-percent of net proceeds go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure (www.komen.org) and 15-percent of the net funds go to the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund (www.nptrust.org). These funds will help with cancer research, education and community health programs. In 2008 alone, the Breast Cancer 3-Day walk raised more than $110 million through contributions, donations and sponsorships.
Tonya lives and works in New London with her supportive husband William. She spends her time working with animals; the past seven years as a New London Animal Control Officer and previously at the CT Humane Society for 10 years.
If you would like more information about the Breast Cancer 3-Day or would like to help Tonya raise money, please visit www.the3day.org and click “Donate.”
