Komen walkers buoyed by cheering crowds

I was a walker in the Susan G. Komen breast cancer 3-day a couple of weeks ago. I'm sure you could tell we were in town by the traffic jams at several of your busiest intersections.

I would like to thank you on behalf of my team, myself and the thousands of walkers who participated. There has never been a response to our presence like there was in Mount Prospect.

The walk is a difficult feat. While each stride is a stride closer to the eradication of breast cancer it's a tough and painful journey. There are several who do not make it and for those who do the contemplating of quitting is a lingering thought. I think you should know there are hundreds of people that walked that weekend, who finished because of you. Your generosity, applause, support and love was moving and one of the most touching things I have ever encountered.

I understand what it's like to have breast cancer hit home. The desire and necessity to do this walk needs no explanation. There are no words to explain how deeply your town, the police officers and you residents have impacted us. In the minutes you spent cheering, you gave us the strength to push on home. Seeing you and hearing the support which echoed through the streets and subdivisions was more powerful than you could understand. It made us proud to be walking and for just a few seconds the pain was silenced in your enthusiasm.

I am sorry for those of you coping with this disease now. I applaud those who have overcome it. I pray for those of you who have remain untouched. We walk (all 2,000+) for everyone.

You all have reminded me that there is still good in people. Our only hope is to see you next year (as we are signing our lives away once again). Breast cancer touches too many people. We are all doing our part to eradicate a disease that steals too much time from too many people. Thanks you for reminding us our footsteps were not in vain.

Andrea Kouretas

Bartlett