Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk Makes Way Through Des Plaines

Last weekend people from all over the country laced up their walking shoes and trekked 60 miles over the course of three days throughout the suburbs of Chicago for one reason – a cure for cancer.

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More than 1,900 participants came through Des Plaines on Saturday, the second day of the “Susan G. Komen 3-day for the Cure” walk in Chicago. Pink-clothed locals, city officials, police and firefighters cheered, waved and gave emotional support to the walkers during their 20 mile journey from Arlington Heights to base camp at Oakton Community College.  

As walkers approached the last leg of the trip, fire fighters and volunteers provided them with refreshments, photo-ops and high-fives near the corner of River and Central Roads.

“We’ve got water, a misting tent to cool them off, ice packs, candy, ice cream,” said Des Plaines firefighter Matthew Matzl. “And we’re giving them moral support too, to get them back to the camp with this last half mile here that they have to go.”

Even Mickey and Minnie Mouse were on hand to put smiles on the faces of the surely sore-footed walkers. But above all else, the walk provided inspiring moments, for participants and spectators.

 “We saw one of the first walkers come in who was a survivor and she had the survivor tattoo on her, so that was great to see,” Matzl said. “That’s why we’re out here.”

Every year nearly 1.4 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer around the world. To help combat that number, Susan G. Komen holds the walk for the cure every summer in 14 cities. Each participant in the event raises a minimum of $2,300 and last year the event collectively raised more than $87 million to put towards breast cancer research, education and programs.

“The camaraderie is amazing and the stories are incredible,” said Susan G. Komen media coordinator Chase Wagner. “You have breast cancer survivors and their friends and family walking along with them. It’s amazing.”

On Saturday night participants camped at Oakton Community College among thousands of pink tents dotting the campus, which were provided by the Susan G. Komen foundation. From the looks of it, the campus resembled a small town complete with a medical center and foot massage lounge for the walkers.

Some walkers were survivors, while others walked in tribute of survivors or those who have died battling cancer.

“We lost a friend to breast cancer a couple of years ago,” said walker Aimee Herbert of Chicago. “My friend organized this walk in her honor, so we’re doing it for her.”

Hebert had just come across the finish line, catching her breath with a big smile across her face and one more day of walking to go, culminating at a ceremony at Soldier Field.

“I feel awesome, it’s super fun,” she said.

Although Hebert has participated in marathons before, the Susan G. Komen walk was a bit more challenging because of the sheer length of the event – 60 miles in three days.

“I was dreading it a little because I’ve done marathons in the past and it’s tough and you think you know the mileage and it’s almost like; do one marathon, go to sleep, do another,” Hebert said. “But it’s really fun and it’s been a blast.”

She added that the surrounding communities were very supportive during the walk and because of that she was able to push through, along with the fact that she knew she was walking for a cause.

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