Some Can't Afford To 'Walk For The Cure'

wishiwere

Some Can't Afford To 'Walk For The Cure' http://www.kirotv.com/news/17457524/detail.html

Is this normal for walks for the cure agendas?  Are people turned down from walking if they don't raise $2200 before they walk?  Oh my!  I can't believe that! IS that PER Person who walks, or per group? Interesting...But seems wrong to me!

Calif-Sherry

You're right.  I wanted to walk but couldn't.  My cousin is walking (she raised the money).  One of her friends can't because she didn't raise the minimum.  It seems wrong to me, too. 

Dejaboo

Yep- Its to bad.  My dd & her friends wanted to walk- they planned on doing that even before I was DX.  then when they heard the amount each had to raise... So much for walking.

(This is the 3 day.org)

Pam

Anonymous

There is the Race for the Cure, no minimun amount to be raised for that one.

cmb35

Hey Wish,

It depends on the event. For example, the Pan Mass Challenge (bike ride from central Ma to the Cape) also has a hefty required fundraising amount (approx $2500-$3000 I think), but the ACS Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks have no minimum fundraising amount and no registration fee - you can just show up and walk if you like.

I'm not sure why some require a minimum amount, but when I think about it, I wonder if it's because they have to pay for lodging, food, etc. for people? The Pan Mass is a 2 day event, and you do have to bring your own tent, but the camp site, food, first aid, etc. is all provided. I think Relay for Life also has a minimum, but it's $200 or something if I remember correctly.

It certainly does seem weird to tell someone who has raised a significant amount of money (I consider $1500 a lot of money!) that they can't walk, I agree! (And yes, I think it is per person!)

Missjaq

I walk in the Avon 2 day walk. The minimum requirement is $1800.  My first year I had friends who wanted to join me for a few miles of the walk. This is not allowed although I suppose some could sneak in and walk along. All cancer sufferers and survivors would appreciate the thoughts and care. As a matter of fact, I bet a lot more people would walk and show they care at these events. Unfortunately, this would do little to raise the millions raised by these events. These are fund raisers. They pay a staff to organize each event all year, advertise, set up websites, set up and work with the cities, buy insurance for the participants, volunteers, staff.  The expenses go on and on. The cities close down streets for hours to allow for the walks. Police, medical and fire services are provided. I was amazed at all that goes into these fundraisers, and thrilled at the money they indeed raise.  I am also impressed with the huge checks they give at the closing of the events to local clinics, health departments, researchers, etc. 

I was disappointed why my friends could not come along and walk part of the way with me, but 3 years later they still decline to walk with me as I train all year.

Please tell your daughters not to loose the desire to walk.  The money is less difficult to raise than you might think.  I wrote personal letters to friends,(Not computer generated letters, the old- timey hand written letters) to people from work, church, business, and anyone on my Christmas card list. I told them what I was doing, and the amount I needed to raise. I specifically asked for $25 or more.  I followed all these up with a postcard every 2-3 weeks letting them know how my training was coming along. I painted on my T-shirts what I was training for, and gave out notes to people I passed. I raised the money quickly and easily..(except for the training and mailing part, LOL) 

The amount is intimidating, but like all things a plan and tenacity often prevails. Any extra money I raised I gave to others who needed to raise more. Because these events do not let you accrue anything over the $1800 for future walks, I quit asking for donations once I reached my goal.  That in itself is a shame.

Anyway, I just wanted to respond because I too thought it ridiculous that my friends couldn't walk with me, until I realized the enormity of it all. Truth is, we can all get out and walk for free.  It is a great moral and emotional statement of support but it does very little to aid in the financial burdens of the disease. 

easyquilts

I've never heard of such a  thingaround here.  Doesn't sound right to me.

wishiwere

MissJac, you make a good point about the need to feed and house, but geepers.  I couldn't afford ot put that much for anything right now with my medical bills, and I suppose a lot of people are in the same situation even with insurance.  So it is high in my own humble opinion.  Why not do a ONE day walk with less money to earn and maybe draw larger crowds and more wide spread knowledge b/c more would be involved.  Just my own thoughts...Too bad some raised over a $1000 and couldn't walk.  Just sad is my own opinion.

Calico

The above mentioned walk is not the regular one day event but an event of several days and accomodations/food will be provided.

The regular Race day walk is still possible without much "investment", donate what you can.

The three day event is something else, a minimum is required. Good for thosw who are able to raise such an amount. I am thankful. Thankful to all, one day or three day, 10 bucks or 1000's....

LUVmy2girlZ

I am doing the Susan G. Kohmen Race for the Cure and minimum amount is $ 30.00 to join this is only to register...anything after that amount paid is up to the individuals discretion. 

I would think they could at least participate in a one day walk...just think of HOW many people they turn away because of that $2,200 minumum...but perhaps financially it doesn't make sense and they put forth that minumum because of up front costs?

ehall

Hi there--raising the money can be frustrating but its very doable.  Last January I registered and started sending out emails to everyone I know....drycleaners, nail salon, parents of kids who play soccer with my daughter, colleagues, and beyond.  No one was off limits.  I emphasized that the money is not going to me but to continue to find a cure for this dreadful disease.  Donations came from all over...$20s and even a $500 from a very unexpected source.  Today--unfortunately, almost everyone has been touched by BC. Like us many people are frustated by our inability to find a cure but equally enlightened by the advances we've made.  S.B. Komen is one of the leaders.  Don't be discouraged....there are lots fo ways to raise the min.  Take care--