RHS Alumnus Finds a Cause
Worth Walking Three Days For
By Martha Slater

Back when she was a student at Rochester High School (Class of 1999) Rachel Stringer’s teachers described her as enthusiastic and a hard worker. Now out of college and just beginning the fourth year of her own teaching career, Stringer (the daughter of Kay and Bill), is applying those character traits to a cause she believes in—helping to eradicate breast cancer.

"Most people don’t know that every two and a half minutes a woman in diagnosed with breast cancer, and only 5-10% of breast cancers are due to heredity, since most have no family history," Stringer notes. "Every 13 minutes, a woman will die of breast cancer in the U.S. and although 410,000 women will lose the fight against breast cancer globally each year, there are over two million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. today!"

Last year, Stringer participated in the 3-Day Walk. There are 12 cities across the US that hold walks throughout the year, and Stringer’s goal is to walk in each city. The walk includes women and men, families, and anyone who wants to support the research and continued development of a cure for breast cancer and the continuous fund raising efforts to support the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

"Last year I traveled to Philadelphia to walk in Sept. with a college friend from Burlington," she explains, "and this year I am going to San Diego, Calif. to walk November 10-12. The motto for the 3-Day is: ‘We walk because we believe.’ I’ve adopted that motto and will walk every year for as long as I can. I’ve recruited three friends to walk with me this year, and hopefully we’ll gain even more participants as the years go by and can make a team."

Stringer notes that, "Participating in last year’s walk was a most memorable and emotional journey. It changed my life. We walk 60 miles in three days, and no running is allowed! Thousands of people start at opening ceremonies where everyone is dressed the same, proudly wearing the 3-Day shirts and pink bracelets. I met so many amazing people last year."

Among those Stringer met were a woman who did not personally know anybody affected by breast cancer, "but she had five daughters and she didn’t want them to face breast cancer in the future. We also met a nurse on Day 2 who was walking and when she saw the long lines at the medical tents for blister care, she turned in her walking shoes to help out. She certainly saved our feet and we remembered and loved her for it!"

After she completes the San Diego walk, Stringer notes that, "I will have conquered the walk closest to and farthest away from home. The friendships I make will only grow stronger as we meet each year to walk in a different city. Not everyone is blessed with the wonderful community family like I was growing up in Rochester, so for them this annual gathering is a family that understands and supports them."

Fundraising efforts are the pre-requisite for the walk. In 2005, Stringer raised $2,200 to walk in Philadelphia, and this year she must meet the goal of raising $2,500 to participate in San Diego.

"The American Cancer Society asks for this minimum donation in order to fund the walk, the over 300 crew members, tents, and overnight accommodations," Stringer explains. "We camp on the beach, shower in trucks set up for the event, eat large spaghetti dinners with strangers at thousands of picnic tables set up under circus tents."

Stringer notes that "85% of the net monies raised from the 3-Day will benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, a global leader in the fight against breast cancer, for research and community outreach programs. Fifteen percent of the net monies raised will benefit the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund, a special field of interest fund that will provide support for breast cancer initiatives including research, treatment, prevention and education."

Anyone who would like to make a donation or contact Stringer is urged to contact her at 9208 Overhill Drive, Pomona, N.Y. 10970; or make an online donation at www.the3day.org under the heading "DONATE," (select San Diego and type in the name Rachel Stringer).

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