October is National Breast Health Awareness Month, and in preparation we bring you this guest post by Maria Davis. What actions will you take to help end breast cancer?


Photo by Courtney Robinson

Would you walk 60 miles to cure breast cancer? Millions of people do just that every year as part of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day For The Cure. The walk covers approximately 60 miles over a period of three days, and is held in numerous cities across the United States, and in many countries around the world. In 2010, the 3-Day was held in 15 U.S. cities, and raised over $87 million.

The 3-Day walk is being held in 14 cities across the United States in 2011. Events began in July, and are running through mid-November, so you still have several opportunities to join in. Participating is easy if a 3-Day is held in or near your city. But how can you get there if the city where you want to walk is far away? If you need to travel to get there, here's how you can save some money while you're raising it for a good cause.

Recruit a Sponsor

It can sometimes be difficult to ask people for money, and you must meet a minimum fundraising amount of $2,300 in order to participate in the 3-Day walk. But rather than asking friends, family, and coworkers to contribute extra to get you there, try to find a sponsor. Talk to local businesses you frequent, and ask if they're willing to donate money toward your travel expenses. Offer them something in return, such as wearing a T-shirt with their business name on it at the event. You can also talk to local radio and TV stations about interviewing you, and mention your sponsor business on the air.

Look For Travel Deals

Most of the online travel sites usually offer deals on airfare for holidays and other events throughout the year. But if the 3-Day walk you want to participate in is taking place outside those time frames, it can be difficult to find affordable fares. The best solution in this case is to find an online discount code. For example, a Travelocity promo code or Orbitz promo codes can save you specific dollar amounts or percentages off your airfare to the walk location. Be sure to do a little searching before you give up on attending because of budget constraints.


Photo by Leah Jones

Save Up

Walking 60 miles over three days is quite a challenge for anyone, even those in the best of shape. You need time to train before taking on the 3-Day, so if you're not quite ready either financially or physically, start planning for 2012 now.

Next year, the walk will again be held in 14 U.S. cities starting in July, from Boston to San Francisco, Chicago to Dallas/Fort Worth. Choose the city where you want to participate now, and start saving money to cover your travel expenses. This will also give you plenty of time to work up to being able to walk 20 miles a day, not to mention more time to raise money for the event, and get well beyond the minimum required. Saving and waiting can be challenging themselves, but you'll gain a much greater sense of satisfaction if you're able to finish the event without injury, and if you're able to raise more money for such an important cause.

Everyone's lives are touched by cancer at some point. It may be a family member, a close friend, a coworker, or a friend of a friend. It may even be you. Consider doing something to support finding a cure, whether it's the 3-Day walk, or any local event near you.