Each time Randy Taylor thought he might not finish the 20-mile-a-day, three-day walk to help raise money for cancer research, he came across a group to cheer him on and remind him why he was walking.
“The cheering stations are gigantic,” Taylor said. “It gives you a sense of determination, and you suck it up and keep going.”
Taylor walked the Susan G. Komen 3-day for the Cure over the weekend in memory of his late mother, Rose Taylor. She died in 2007 less than three months after her diagnosis of breast cancer.
The 500 participants in the walk raised $1.5 million toward cancer research.
Gloria Cordova, a cancer survivor, experienced the cheering stations when she walked last year in the San Diego event. Support meant so much to her that this year she flew to Denver just to set up her own cheering station.
“The way they supported me made such a difference,” Cordova said. “I wanted to give back.”
Cordova flew to Denver with seven relatives from California and met with two daughters who live in Denver. Their cheering station was made up of three generations.
After her encounter with breast cancer, Cordova said she didn’t mind spending the money for the plane tickets to Denver, because it was for a good cause and gave her an excuse to unite her family.
“Family is the main thing these days,” Cordova said.
At Cordova’s cheering station, walkers got sprayed with water for relief from the heat. They were greeted by applause and girls in pink cat costumes handing out stickers, stamps and handmade necklaces.
“In California, it was like this but 100 times more,” said Cordova’s daughter Anissa Hussey. “You wouldn’t walk half a mile without someone showing you support. More people should be out here.”
After working to raise the necessary minimum of $2,300 to participate in the walk, Bobbi Hankins, a four-year cancer survivor, likes not only the motivation but the appreciation.
“The cheering stations are a necessity,” she said. “It shows that it’s appreciated.”
Yesenia Robles: yrobles@denverpost.com
