Local Resident Raises Awareness and Money for Cancer Research

When Paulette Donaldson's cousin, Christine Taylor, was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer three years ago, she decided to do something instead of sitting on the sidelines.  She signed up for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer walk to raise awareness about disease and to show support for her cousin.

"She's always been the rock of the family and has looked out for everyone over the years," Donaldson said. "The walk was my way of showing and raising support for her."

She felt like she had to do some fundraising for her cousin, who's a mother of two daughters.  When Taylor ended up taking some time off from work for her treatment and with a family to take care of and bills to pay, Donaldson helped out financially whenever she could.  During this time, she realized that there were other women and families who were in the same situation as Taylor; making Donaldson research breast cancer organizations to support.

"After seeing my cousin going through what she went though, I wanted to help contribute to research for a cure for breast cancer," she said. "It's about helping everyone, about finding a cure and when you think about people battling cancer, there's also a need for financial help."

After reading about the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization and the annual 3-Day for the Cure walk, Donaldson signed up. 

This year will be her third time participating in the walk and unlike the last two, where she walked by herself in Washington, DC; this year she will be walking in Philadelphia with friends that she met during last year's race.

The walk occurs in 14 cities nationwide during September and October and each donor is requested to raise $2,300 as a minimum contribution.  Walkers can either pair up with other walkers to form a group or walk individually for the 60 mile – three day walk.

Paulette decided this year to try a change of scenery and will walk with roughly five other people, including a man who is a breast cancer survivor himself, as part of Team Second Base Soldiers.  The name came about from one of the women who served in the U.S. military and team members will be wearing pink camoflauge during walk.

In addition to raising the money for the walk, there is physical training that needs to be done as well.

"Since all of us are spread out in this region, with several in living in Hagerstown and one in Pennsylvania, we will be linking up before the event to do some training," said Donaldson.  "We'll aim for a day where we can link up for an eight to ten mile walk.  Making the time for the walk and getting the training done is tough."

To date, Paulette has raised 25 percent of her goal at $900.00 and has pointed out that despite the poor economy, people have been donating more and more as the deadline approaches.

While her cousin  won't be walking with her, she will be sending supportive messages and will be in constant contact with Donaldson during the walk.

"During the walk in the previous years, Christine texted me, encouraged me and sent emails to her friends and family, updating them on my progress during the walk," she said.

Although Taylor's cancer is in remission, she hasn't been able to participate in the walk herself due to her health.  However, her daughters have been motivated by Donaldson's actions and hope to join her in a walk later on in the future.

In addition to electronic fundraising and the fliers that have been posted in parts of Riverdale, she hopes to set up a booth during Riverdale Park Day on Oct 2 in order to raise more funds.  There will be a white shirt for donors to sign for Paulette to wear.  Donors can either sign the front of the shirt which is slated for in support of breast cancer survivors or the back, which is slated for those who passed away from breast cancer.  Donors can donate any amount as they wish.

Participants will gather for Philadelphia's walk from Oct. 15 to Oct. 17, when they will walk all over the city in hopes to raise awareness for breast cancer.

"I'm doing this more for the fact that breast cancer will effect everyone in one way or another.  Even men have been diagnosed with breast cancer and I've walked with girls as young as 12 or 13 who are breast cancer survivors," she said.  "Seeing and hearing everyone's story during the three day event – I don't think that there is a more emotional as well as positive experience that you can have during this time."


For more information on how to donate to Donaldson's walk , visit:  http://www.the3day.org and click on DONATE - Search for a Participant - look for PAULETTE DONALDSON