Cindy Fearing, 46, of Chantilly was diagnosed two years ago with breast cancer. After radical surgery and chemotherapy — which included hair loss — Fearing's cancer went into remission just over one year ago.
On Friday, Aug. 13, Fearing will join 1,675 others in the Three-Day Walk against breast cancer starting at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly.
After raising $2,000, Fearing, a first-time participant, will walk 20 miles a day for three days, ending up in Washington, D.C.
"It's a celebration that I am here two years after the fact. I feel very fortunate. I want to give to those who weren't so lucky ... to all the mothers, sisters, and daughters who weren't so lucky," says Fearing.
At the end of each day, the participants will stay over night in tents. The walkers will pass through University Mall at Braddock and Ox roads, King's Park Shopping Center at Burke Lake and Rolling roads, as well as Falls Church and Annandale, where cheering stations will be set up for spectators.
The event will end with the "final victory walk" on Aug. 15 on Pennsylvania Avenue at 3rd and Constitution in Washington, D.C., followed by closing ceremonies.
"The walk is taxing on the body, but it's nothing to the disease," says Fearing who has practiced for the race. "It's a challenge but it so invigorating for a mother."
On Thursday, Aug. 12, known as "Day 0," volunteers stationed at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly will assist with registration and checking in of the walkers, help prepare food and camp sites, load gear, direct traffic and pick up trash.
Fearing's four children — Valerie, 22, Kevin, 20, Erik, 15 and Tyler, 11, will be setting up videos on breast cancer awareness. Also volunteering is Cindy's husband Rick, 52, and Cindy's sister Sherry from Chicago.
"We are raising $20 million for breast cancer and that in itself is amazing, but we take the time to teach preventative techniques and promotion of awareness," says Melissa Roberts, the volunteer coordinator.
The 3 Day Walk is a series of events — 13 walks total across the nation in a 12-month span that are designed to fight breast cancer.
This year, the 3 Day Walk is sponsored by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the National Philanthropic Trust Project (NPT). For information about donations to the 3 Day Walk and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer foundation, visit its Web site: www.the3day.org.