The Manchester Enterprise
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
MHS alumni compete in Chicago relay
Two-day event aims to raise funds for cancer research, education
By Daniel Lai, Editor
PUBLISHED: May 8, 2008
On May 31, Manchester High School alumni Briana Clark and Elizabeth Okey will participate in a 40-mile Avon Breast Cancer Awareness Walk in Chicago, Ill.
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Participants in the two-day walk are raising money to help fund cancer research throughout the country.
"We've never done something like this before and we thought it would be a great opportunity," Okey said.
Okey, a 2003 graduate of MHS, said she is participating in honor of her aunt, Lee Ann King, and grandmother, Wanda King, who both fought and overcame their battle with breast cancer. Clark will honor her mother, who died following her battle with cancer. They will be joined by friend and Dexter resident Casey Jordan.
In preparation for the event, Okey said she and her team have been walking in downtown Chicago a lot while raising money.
"It's been quite a project for the last six months," she said. "We have to raise a minimum of $1,800 a person so we've been holding as many fundraisers as we can."
Okey said the team has raised nearly $2,700 through letter campaigns, family and friend donations, "Happy Hour" fundraisers at local bars and other events.
"We're into the final push now, so hopefully we will be able to get more people to donate," she said.
Okey's mother, JoAnn, said she is proud of her daughter's effort.
"Our family has been affected by breast cancer so we know it can be a very scary thing," she said. "Elizabeth and her team have really shown their potential to help others by participating in the walk."
The Avon Breast Cancer Walk has occurred at different cities across the country every year since 2003 and has drawn the interest of several Hollywood celebrities, elected officials and local residents.
The event offers women and men a choice of walking a marathon or a marathon-and-a-half over a weekend. The nine non-competitive events are structured for all fitness levels and have attracted people ages 17 to over 70.
After completing the first part of the 40-mile walk, participants camp out overnight at the "Wellness Village," that provides hot meals, entertainment, volunteer massage therapy and medical services.
After walkers complete another half marathon, the event concludes with an inspiring closing ceremony attended by family and friends, during which initial local grants are awarded.
Since the launch of the Avon Walk, nearly $200 million has been raised through the dedication of 75,000 participating women and men. Funds raised at Avon Walks are distributed through the Avon Foundation to both local and national organizations, with most of the funds awarded in the region of the Walk.
To contribute to the "Women of Washtenaw" team, visit the Web site, www.walk.avonfoundation.org and click on the Chicago location. On the Chicago homepage, click on the "teams" option and search for "Women of Washtenaw."
Donations can also be given by calling 1-888-309-WALK.
"I think this is an issue that anyone can become inspired and motivated to do something about," Okey said. "I'm a firm believer in participating in events that can help someone and it's a healthy way to stay active."
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