May 25, 2007
Cancer survivor set
to walk 60 miles
Michelle Rubio, of York, Pa, will celebrate five years of being cancer-free by walking 60 miles during the Breast Cancer 3-Day event in Philadelphia, Oct. 5, 6, and 7.
Rubio was diagnosed in Dec. 2002 at the age of 30. Her son, Austin, was just 20 months old at the time.
“The lump
was very sizeable,” said Rubio, a multisystemic
therapist with
The 60-mile Breast Cancer 3-Day is a walk for women and men who want to help raise funds for breast cancer research. Felicia Rohrbaugh, Rubio’s midwife with the Women’s Healthcare Group in York, participated in the Breast Cancer 3-Day event several years ago in her honor.
“She told me it is a very emotional event and I’m very excited about it,” Rubio said.
Participants walk an average of 20 miles per day raising awareness of breast cancer programs and breast health. Meals, beverages, mobile showers, tents, safety guidelines, and 24-hour medical support are all provided to the walkers. Other 3-Day events will take place this year in Chicago, Boston, Cleveland, Seattle, Atlanta, and other cities across the U.S.
Rubio wants to raise $2,200 during her walk. Eighty-five percent of the net proceeds raised in the 3-Day events will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Fifteen percent of the monies will go to the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund, a special field-of-interest fund that provides support for breast cancer initiatives including research, treatment, prevention and education.
“Research will help in obtaining better treatment in the fight against breast cancer,” said Rubio, who has started training for the event. She now walks 4 to 5 miles a day three days a week.
To donate to Rubio’s efforts in raising funds during the 3-Day event, go to her Web site at: https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=202298&supid=161928078.