By Randi Johnson/reporter
One in 33 women have a chance of dying from breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Kim Kerby-Dickman, a health and physical education instructor on the NE Campus, is doing her part to eliminate the chance of breast cancer taking the lives of women all over.
On Oct. 26, Kerby-Dickman will report to Southfork, Texas, to begin a three-day, 60-mile walk in support of breast cancer awareness. Kerby-Dickman, her sister Kit and her two nieces are participants in the 2007 Breast Cancer 3-Day walk.
The Breast Cancer 3-Day is a 60-mile life-changing experience that benefits the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Participants walk approximately 20 miles each day to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
In 2006, the Breast Cancer 3-Day had more than 27,000 walkers and raised more than $6.1 million. The Dallas-Fort Worth walk had more than 2,300 walkers last year.
Each walker pays a $90 entry fee and signs up to raise at least $2,200 for the foundation.
Kerby-Dickman said she lives a very healthy lifestyle and promotes that lifestyle to her family, students and friends. She asked her son to promise her one thing as he went to college.
“ Promise me you will exercise every day.”
Kerby-Dickman said she also donates to causes such as polio and the American Heart Association.
But breast cancer awareness takes a special place within Kerby-Dickman’s heart. Her sister Kit reached her five-year breast cancer survivor anniversary in May. Kerby-Dickman said dealing with her sister’s breast cancer has been life altering.
“ Breast cancer defines you,” she said. “Breast cancer attacks the rest of your life, the rest of the family and the rest of your relationships.”
Kerby-Dickman has always been a supporter, but the fight continues to become more personal. In July, Kerby-Dickman said her support grew even more personal when she lost a childhood friend to breast cancer.
“ The walk is extremely emotional, an almost overwhelming experience,” she said.
She described the Breast Cancer 3-Day walk as an unreal opportunity.
“ There is a lot of crying, but eventually there has to be laughter too.”
Kerby-Dickman described the customized T-shirts worn by everyone. Some are printed “in memory of” someone, “walking for” someone or “survivor,” but one girl was wearing a shirt that said, “In memory of my left boob.”
“ How hysterical is that?” she said.
The community comes together and becomes a support team, Kerby-Dickman said.
“ One group that was a huge support to the participants last year was a group of bikers wearing coconuts and T-shirts, saying ‘Save the TaTas,’” she said.
The Breast Cancer 3-Day welcomes volunteers to cheer the walkers on and help by handing out water, snacks and candy to the walkers.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and Kerby-Dickman has contributed to Breast Cancer Awareness month for the past five years.
When her sister was first diagnosed with breast cancer, Kerby-Dickman participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure for the first three years.
She then began the Breast Cancer 3-Day walk last year alongside her sister.
People can find many ways to participate in the fight against breast cancer. Stores throughout the world sell merchandise benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Donations can be made through the Web site: www.komen.org.
To help TCC’s Kerby-Dickman, log on to www.The3Day.org and donate under the team name Kerby Kids. All the money goes to the foundation and is tax deductible.
