Hundreds of passionate breast cancer walkers crossed the finish line at Soldier Field Sunday celebrating the end of a three-day, 60-mile walk through Chicago to raise money for breast cancer research and awareness programs.
The Susan G. Komen Chicago 3-Day began Friday at Northbrook Court Shopping Center and participants walked 20 miles each day to complete the event, according to a release from event organizers.
The more than 800 walkers at this year’s event bunked up in tents each night and the sea of pink supporters rallied at a closing ceremony at Soldier Field to celebrate.
“Every time I do it it feels even better than the last time, like maybe I’m making a difference,” said walker Celeste Warren.
Since the Chicago 3-Day began in the city in 2004, the walk has raised $47.5 million.
This year’s walk was presented by Bank of America raised more than $2.2 million.
Seventy-five percent of the proceeds raised will go to supporting Susan G. Komen’s research and training program, and to large public health outreach programs for men and woman facing breast cancer. The remaining 25 percent supports local community and affiliate outreach programs, the release said.
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“The 3-day is a wonderful community,” said Dr. Sheri Phillips, Susan G. Komen 3-Day national spokesperson. “You come on the 3-day expecting to walk in honor or in memory of a loved one and you walk away with an entire family. Every step and every dollar raised in Chicago has truly made a difference in the fight to end breast cancer.”
This year is the final year the event will be held in Chicago, but supporters say they will continue to march.
“It feels sad that it’s over in Chicago but we’re not stopping, we’ll go somewhere else,” said walker Laura Paul.
