Susan G. Komen 3-Day celebrates 150th Walk

NOVI, Mich. (WJBK) - Even before the sun rose, hundreds of walkers and volunteers rose to the occassion. Donning every shade of pink imaginable, they dressed to impress at this year's Susan G. Komen 3 Day.

"Hearing the words, "You have cancer,' is the scariest words you could hear or face," says volunteer Deborah Dye.

Six hundred people are participating in the 60-mile trek that took off from Novi Friday morning. It will end at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday. They will walk 20 miles a day. Each stride is one step closer to finding a cure for breast cancer.

"We are the wild women walking. We got infected with the bug in 1998 before it was Susan G. Komen. We now have hundreds of walks to our credit," says Peggy Paul. She traveled from California for this particular walk.

Walkers include breast cancer survivors, those who have seen their loved ones fight for their lives and lose and others who simply wanted to show support during this stage of the journey.

In the past 13 years, the event has raised more than $810 million for research and outreach programs.

"My best friend Ann is a 10-year survivor," says Susan Adkins from Redford. "Part of her treatment changed because of research that was funded through Komen."

This year alone, 240,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer along with some 2,600 men. While many may be walking as individuals, it's been said they are moving forward together.

This Michigan 3-day is proof.

"The three day is for individuals who want to make a difference in the fight aganst to end breast cancer," says survivor Dr. Sheri Prentise.

"It's incredible. It's life changing. It's what keeps me coming back every year," says breast cancer survivor Ann Salter.

This marks the 150th 3 Day. The Michigan walk is among seven happening all over the county in the coming weeks. Some of the other cities include Seattle, Atlanta and Philadephia.