Adrienne Chadwick, Heather Fox Balliew and Kim Holbert recently made a bold strike in the fight against breast cancer. They raised money, awareness and hope by participating in the Susan G. Komen 3 Day event in Atlanta.

“No other breast cancer event in the country asks you to walk as far or raise as much money as the 3Day,” said Adrienne Chadwick. “Individually participants have to raise $2,300 and walk 60 miles. The 60 mile walk is broken down over three days ending with an amazing closing ceremony at Turner field.”

Chadwick, Holbert and Balliew walked along side others for three days beginning at Stone Mountain and finishing at Turner Field.

“We left Stone Mountain Friday morning and walked to the World Congress Center where we spent the night in pink tents after walking 20 miles,” said Heather Baillew.

The second day was also 20 miles taking them past the Governor’s mansion in Peachtree and back to the World Congress Center.

Day three took them from the World Congress Center to Turner Field for a total of 60 miles and the closing ceremonies.

“Each day there were pit stops every so many miles for snacks, drinks, medical tents and port-a-potties, then lunch was served mid day. Great entertainment back at camp each afternoon as well as hot showers and a great meal. Everyone from staff, medical to the cheering stations were so encouraging and supportive,”said Balliew.

“I set out on this journey the day my aunt had a mastectomy. She is one of the strongest women I know and I felt helpless during this time and thought I want to make a difference - it’s time to end this,” said Balliew.

“I have watched it affect my family way too much over the past 12 years; my Aunt Gloria Brown survivor of 12 years, my precious Grannie Cleo Ray survivor of six years, my Mother-in-law Barbara Balliew survivor of four years and my Aunt Gina West who finished chemo in July.”

“This experience was nothing short of amazing! (I was) so glad to be a part with Adrienne and Kim. We kept each other motivated. Just when you felt the journey was long and you were so tired, you look over to a woman with no hair on this journey during chemo and you think, ‘what do I have to complain about?’” said Balliew. “We met some inspiring people! Many lives and families have been affected by this beast and I pray we see an end to breast cancer in the near future! We were blessed to stay healthy and in great shape to finish what we started. I could not have done this without everyone who donated, my family who stayed behind me 100% of the time and came down to cheer us on everyday and my clients! Atlanta raised 4.2 million this year I will forever feel part of the 3 Day family.”

“In 1999 my mother Barbara Clark was diagnosed with breast cancer. It is a day that will be etched in my mind forever. Having lost her mother to breast cancer at age 18, my mom was devastated. I was 20 and my sister was 17 and for the fist time the word cancer had new meaning for me,” said Chadwick. “Although nervous about the future and all of the unknowns my mother marched forward never looking back, never giving up and determined to experience everything that the future had in store for our family... I am so proud to say that my mom is a survivor...With all of that being said my mom is the reason that I chose to walk. She has been an inspiration for me. I don’t want anyone to go through what my mom went through and because of that I want to do all that I can in as many ways that I can to make a difference for all daughters, mothers, sisters, aunts, and grandmothers,” she said.

“For me the 3Day was a life-changing journey. As we all walked together we were supported not only by each other but by countless community and family members along the way. Although the cause is very emotional to me personally completing the final stretch and being greeted by cheering spectators, courageous survivors, and the shared commitment of our fellow walkers was very empowering. It was truly amazing to witness what can happen when individuals boldly conquer 60 miles together to change the course of breast cancer forever. ‘Because everyone deserves a lifetime,’” said Chadwick.

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