Two Local Women Lacing Up For Boston Breast Cancer Walk

Two local women are lacing up for a good cause—breast cancer awareness, screenings and research—and raising thousands of dollars while doing it.

Chelsea’s Genesee "Genny" Dodge, 26, and Randolph’s Jane Harrness, 49, will participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18 in Boston. The Boston walk is one of nine occurring at cities around the nation from April to October. The walks draw thousands of participants and raise money for the Avon Foundation, a nonprofit that works to provide women nationwide access to care and find a cure for breast cancer.

For each of the last seven years, Gifford Medical Center in Randolph has received a grant from the Avon Foundation to promote the importance of annual mammograms in our rural region. Dodge and Harrness, both Gifford employees, are working to give back to this foundation.

"This is a cause that I have worked directly with for seven years," explained Harrness, Gifford’s breast care coordinator and a mammography technologist.

Dodge is newer to Gifford and was inspired by Harrness’ enthusiasm.

"When I came here our breast health program is something that I worked closely with Jane on," said Dodge. "Jane is so passionate about what she does, that I thought there’s got to be something that I can do to help."

Both women have also been touched by the disease. Harrness’ grandmother died of breast cancer, and a cousin and a friend of Dodge’s are both survivors.

"The ultimate goal is we eventually find a cure," says Dodge, who was also looking for motivation to exercise. "I needed a goal and a reason to start exercising this spring."

And she’s certainly found one.

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is 39.3 miles. Participants walk the length of a marathon on May 17 and then a half-marathon the following day. They start at 6 a.m., tent overnight, begin again at 6 the next morning and must keep pace or be picked up by a bus for stragglers.

To prepare, Harrness and Dodge are currently walking about four to six miles a day after work and on weekends, but the distance is still daunting. "I’m just nervous about the distance," said Harrness. "I think I can physically do it, but it seems like a long way."

Completing the walk is not required, but it is certainly Dodge’s and Harrness’ goal.

The two women can’t even get to the starting line, however, without some serious help. To participate, each woman must raise a minimum of $1,800. A Spaghetti Dinner is planned for this Sunday, April 20 at the Royalton Academy on Route 14 to help the women raise money. Seatings are at 5 and 6 p.m., and children under age three can eat for free. Door prizes and raffle prizes donated by area businesses will be given away, and Harrness will entertain with fiddle music.

To learn more or to give to Dodge and Harrness directly, call Dodge at 728-2339 or Harrness at 728-2317.

A final way to show your support?

"Honk if you see us walking," Harrness suggested.

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