By Ariel Arch, Intern

The goal of the 3-Day Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk is to get one step closer to a cure for the disease, and to help the thousands of men and women who are diagnosed every year.
To fund scientific advancement to end a disease that ravages victims, friends, family, and communities, impassioned people come together and raise money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.
In 14 different states, supporters make a commitment to end breast cancer by walking 60 miles over the course of three days.
Bert Karasek of International Falls set off for Chicago on Aug. 8 for the 3-Day Susan G. Komen walk. She knows all too well the affects breast cancer has on a loved family member.
“My sister, Patti Engstrom, is a breast cancer survivor,” says Karasek, “That is why I chose to do the 3-Day walk.”
Karasek and her sister completed the three-day course — 22 miles the first two days and 16 on the third. They slept in tents for three nights among approximately 2,500 other cure supporters.
Food, water and Gatorade were provided for the walkers every two or three miles along the walking path. Hot meals, showers and entertainment were provided everyday at the campsite, where hundreds of bright pink tents were furnished as well. Medical staff and a 380-volunteer crew took care of the walkers throughout the event.
“It’s amazing how many women are affected in our community,” said Karasek. “We had so many great volunteers walking beside us. Even just walking along the way, I met a women who thanked us for walking because she was going through chemotherapy. It was an emotional experience.”
Karasek and her sister raised $9,280.
The Chicago event alone raised $6.2 million.
“I’m really passionate about this. It was an extremely well-run walk,” Karasek said. “We can’t thank our donors enough.”