Published: October 02, 2008 09:11 am      

Cancer research becomes a sister act

Carman Williams

cwilliams@weatherford democrat.com

The Susan G. Komen three-day walk, scheduled for Nov. 7-9, inspires breast cancer awareness and research across the country every year. This year, a group of Weatherford women are asking the community to help them make the 60-mile foot trek.

Sisters Walking for Sisters consists of founder Shawna Durrett, Beth Mittelstedt, cancer survivor Debbie Atwood and her daughter, Jamie Harrell, and fellow survivors Pam Hutcheson and Cathy Ymer.

Through what Durrett calls “persistence and yard sales,” the women have raised $10,000 toward their three-day dues.

They hope to raise the rest of their funds Sunday in a benefit at Willow Lake Gardens.

The event will open at 3 p.m. and will feature a silent auction and music by the groups Two Gathered and Pull My Finger.

Karaoke and a barbecue dinner are also on the agenda.

Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door.

Once the group meets their financial goal, they plan to donate to other teams.

Durrett is raising money for her second walk with no intention of quitting.

“I know I’m going to walk again next year,” she said. “I’m going to do it until I don’t have to or can’t.”

Durrett explained 85 percent of Komen’s proceeds goes toward breast cancer research and funding, and the organization has made strides toward early cancer detection.

While Durrett has never faced that diagnosis herself, she remains an advocate for those who have.

“We walk for those who fought and lost, and we walk for those who fought and won,” she said. “[Teammember] Debbie has five granddaughters. She has five very good reasons to walk ... Everyone has a mom, a sister, a daughter, a favorite girlfriend to support by coming out and helping us walk.”

More information about the Komen team is available through their e-mail, sisterswalkingforsisters@yahoo.com.