The Student News Site of Appalachian State University

The Appalachian
The Student News Site of Appalachian State University

The Appalachian
The Student News Site of Appalachian State University

The Appalachian
Categories:

First annual 5K walk/run for breast cancer

Georgia Walker
October 19, 2017
The High Country Breast Cancer Foundation set up a table at the Seby Jones cancer survivors’ day at Chetola.

On Oct. 28 at 9 a.m., community members will get together to participate in the first annual High Country Walk/Run for Breast Cancer. This event starts and finishes at the American Legion in Blowing Rock and includes a 5K run event, with options for a 1K, 2K and 3K walk.

The High Country Breast Cancer Foundation supports breast cancer patients, survivors and their families in the High Country of North Carolina. They provide emotional and financial support to men and women who are fighting breast cancer.

Members of the High Country Breast Cancer Foundation set up a sign-up booth for the Breast Cancer Run/Walk, taking place on Oct. 28.

The foundation’s president and founder is Irene Sawyer. She created the organization in 2017 in hopes of getting the community involved in the efforts to help those who need it during and after breast cancer.

“We have several goals; our initial goal is to bring an event together that honors breast cancer survivors but more importantly provide money and support to breast cancer survivors or those who have a need,” Sawyer said.

One hundred percent of all the funds raised from this event will go to local breast cancer survivors. This money made by the community will stay in the community, so by going to this event, participants truly are supporting each other.

Over 150 walkers are signed up and ready to go, 50 away from the goal of 200 walkers. Sign-ups for adults cost $20, children (ages 5-17) cost $10 and ages 5 and under are free. Signing up with a group of 10 decreases prices to $18 a person, and a group of 15 is $15 a person.

Participants are encouraged to dress up for the walk/run in a costume, since the town’s Halloween festival follows the event.

The High Country Walk/Run has a financial goal of $20,000, and is close to reaching it. The workers of the foundation work on a voluntary base and no one gets a salary. This ensures that all the money raised will directly go back into the community.

“It is important when you are fighting cancer to have the support of your community,” Sawyer said. “It will spotlight people and businesses in the High Country.”

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article stated that the High Country Walk/Run had a financial goal of $200,000. Its financial goal was $20,000. This change was made on Nov. 3. 

Story By: Georgia Walker, A&E Reporter

Courtesy photos

Print this Story
Donate to The Appalachian
$6135
$10000
Contributed
Our Goal

We hope you appreciate this article! Before you move on, our student staff wanted to ask if you would consider supporting The Appalachian's award-winning journalism. We are celebrating our 90th anniversary of The Appalachian in October 2024!

We receive funding from the university, which helps us to compensate our students for the work they do for The Appalachian. However, the bulk of our operational expenses — from printing and website hosting to training and entering our work into competitions — is dependent upon advertising revenue and donations. We cannot exist without the financial and educational support of our fellow departments on campus, our local and regional businesses, and donations of money and time from alumni, parents, subscribers and friends.

Our journalism is produced to serve the public interest, both on campus and within the community. From anywhere in the world, readers can access our paywall-free journalism, through our website, through our email newsletter, and through our social media channels. Our supporters help to keep us editorially independent, user-friendly, and accessible to everyone.

If you can, please consider supporting us with a financial gift from $10. We appreciate your consideration and support of student journalism at Appalachian State University. If you prefer to make a tax-deductible donation, or if you would prefer to make a recurring monthly gift, please give to The Appalachian Student News Fund through the university here: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1727/cg20/form.aspx?sid=1727&gid=2&pgid=392&cid=1011&dids=418.15&bledit=1&sort=1.

Donate to The Appalachian
$6135
$10000
Contributed
Our Goal