By MICHAEL BOYLAN
Staff Writer

Chances are you know somebody that has been affected by breast cancer. It is the second leading cause of death in women between 40 and 55 and more than 35 percent of the lives lost to the disease could have been prevented through early detection.

That is why Linda Bryan of Fayetteville and nearly 2,000 other individuals in Georgia will participate in the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day. The 3-Day consists of a 60-mile walk from lake Lanier to Atlanta. The event is intended to raise funds that will help promote breast cancer education and early detection services.

“I know survivors and I know people who are still involved in the battle,” said Bryan. “This form of cancer can be eradicated with early detection and awareness.” The Avon 3-Day can certainly bring awareness to this disease. Last year, more than 2,300 walkers in southern California raised $5 million in the inaugural event.

In order to participate in the event, each walker must raise $1,700. Bryan hopes to raise $4,000. Each walker is assigned a walker-coach who helps in all aspects of training and fundraising. Net proceeds will be awarded in grants by the Avon Breast Cancer Awareness Crusade. The crusade has raised nearly $32 million since 1993.

“Training for the walk over the past few months has been a great opportunity,” Bryan said. “I've met interesting people and walked parts of the Atlanta area I've never seen before.”

The walkers will receive catered hot meals, water and snack stops, hot showers and comprehensive medical services. Each evening, walkers will enjoy camaraderie, entertainment, and sleep in supplied tents in the 3-Day's “Mobile City.”

If you would like to help Linda Bryan reach her goal of $4,000, phone 770-461-2742. For more information on registering to walk in the 3-Day, or to volunteer or pledge support, phone toll free at 877-257-5553.

Information also is available on the Internet at www.Avoncrusade.

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