(from www.fosters.com)

Walking for a cause

By ERIN DOLAN

Democrat Staff Writer

DURHAM — Beth Santos is determined to do everything she can to help find a cure for breast cancer.

A couple of weeks ago, the recent Oyster River graduate went to the Honda Barn in Stratham in search of a new car. While arguing the price of the purple car she had her eye on, she also managed to get the car salesman to agree to donate as one of her sponsors for what is called the Boston Breast Cancer 3-Day.

"I think almost everyone I know has also given what they could. If not, I just harass them until they do," she said with a smile.

Santos and two of her friends, Erica Laue and Victoria Mayne, will take part in the 60-mile, 3-day walk from July 30 to August 1.

Santos found out about the event by doing a search online, then encouraged her friends to get involved.

The walk is an opportunity to celebrate breast cancer survivors, honor those who have lost their lives to the disease, and to have a large, collective impact on funding for breast cancer research and outreach programs.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation will receive 85 percent of the net proceeds from this walk and nine others happening across the country throughout the summer and fall.

National Philanthropic Trust, a nonprofit organization, is the event manager. They will direct about 15 percent of the proceeds to establishing the NPT Breast Cancer Fund.

The teenagers must each raise $2,000 to be eligible to walk, in addition to an $85 entry fee — but they’re determined to raise a total of at least $8,000 through their fund-raising efforts.

In addition to soliciting donations from friends, family and local businesses, the teenagers are planning a benefit concert and a car wash.

The benefit concert will be held on July 24 at 7 p.m. at the Durham Community Church. Donations will be requested for admission to the concert, and local musicians will be performing.

Santos and Mayne will sing, and Laue will play the flute.

Plans for the car wash are still being formulated.

Santos and Laue plan to make a short announcement about their fund-raising efforts after mass on Sunday at their church, St. Thomas More. They are also looking into placing an ad in the church bulletin asking people to make donations.

Santos works at Newick’s Restaurant, and she hopes to find a way to advertise and solicit donations there as well.

Together, the three have raised about $1,700 so far.

"I’m amazing how many people (breast cancer) has affected," Laue said. "When you hand them the donation sheet, they’re like, ‘Oh, I know someone who has or has had this.’"

The teenagers have also been training for the walk. Laue takes long walks in the mornings with her mom, and Santos has been working harder at crew to be in optimum shape.

Santos’s mother’s friend was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. For Santos, the pain and suffering of a woman who played a big part in her childhood has been a driving force in keeping her dedicated to this cause.

"It’s such a prominent thing," she said. "I might as well do what I can. You have a responsibility to help other people. If there’s people suffering like that, you have to help them."

The teenagers hope to get as many people to support their cause as possible.

"It would be really nice if people just gave what they could," Laue said. "Even if they can’t contribute monetarily, just sending us letters of encouragement — knowing people are supporting us monetarily or otherwise means a lot."

"A little goes a long way," added Mayne.

You can find more information about the 3-Day and make a donation online at www.The3Day.org.