Community Corner
Komen 3-Day Walkers Move Through Farmington Area Today
Local team members raising funds to aid in the fight against breast cancer have very personal reasons for participating.
Farmington Hills resident Tiphany Vietor will be walking in today's Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure because she's grateful.
"I am walking because my last mammogram showed a questionable spot," she said. "Thankfully, it looks like nothing. But it makes us all stop and be thankful for life. Everyone deserves that lifetime."
Vietor is a member of "Team Hope Walks" and will be among thousands participating in the fundraising event, which comes through Farmington and Farmington Hills today. The team ranks 9th in Michigan for fundraising with $26,785. According to komen.org, funds support breast cancer research, education and awareness programs.
Find out what's happening in Farmington-Farmington Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
A first-timer, Vietor said she is also walking in honor of many people who have lost their battles and those who have won them. "I have heard it will be tiring, invigorating and emotional. I can't wait."
Neither can team member Stacey Fraser, who was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in January of 2011 and finished treatment in May of this year. Now cancer free, she said she will be carrying the survivor "courage" flag at both opening and closing ceremonies this year.
Find out what's happening in Farmington-Farmington Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Marci Bean, who is one of three team captains, said she started walking after her friend Suzette Herskovitz died of cancer at age 28. Marti Kirby, who had also lost a dear friend, found Bean while looking for a training team. Kaitlin Carden rounds out the leadership group.
Other team members are Theresa Ogonek, Erin Abrams, Deborah Hurren, Sarah Carden and Kelly Fitzpatrick.
"We have a terrific team," Bean said. "We have some first-time walkers, and that is always fun. We are very excited for Friday. Sixty miles for breast cancer is just a walk in the park!"
Walkers, who are covering about 20 miles a day, are expected to be in the community from 9 a.m. through about 3 p.m. The closing ceremony will be held Sunday at Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.