Community Corner

Woodbury Woman Walks For Mom, Breast Cancer Victims

Jenny Cook is once again embarking on a 60-mile journey with the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure.

Woodbury resident Jenny Cook will take part in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure next month.

If all goes according to plan, she’ll be nearly bald afterward.

The fundraiser for breast-cancer research requires participants to raise a minimum of $2,300 and walk an average of 20 miles a day for three consecutive days. If she hits her personal fundraising goal this year, Cook will have raised $20,000 for the cause since 2004.

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And she promised to shave her head if she hits that number.

Patch recently caught up with Cook as she gears up for the Twin Cities event, set for Aug. 19-21. (Cook, along with Amy Schall of Cottage Grove, will hold a fundraiser from 5-7 p.m. on Aug. 8 at Culver’s at 7998 Hardwood Ave. S. in Cottage Grove.)

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Woodbury Patch: Why are you participating in the event?

Jenny Cook: I've been participating in the 3-Day for the Cure since it started in the Twin Cities in 2004. I initially got involved because, at the time, my mom was a seven-year breast cancer survivor. She is now a 14-year survivor, so I continue to walk in celebration of her. But I have also made so many amazing friends along the way, and have heard powerful stories from my donors about how breast cancer has impacted their lives. I now walk to honor all of those individuals, and carry their names on a pink ribbon tutu that I wear during the event.

Patch: What kind of training have you done for it?

Cook: Training for the 3-Day involves both walking (and lots of it!) and cross-training. Since the Minnesota weather has been so extreme this year, many of my miles have been done indoors along with water fitness, yoga and pilates. But when the weather cooperates, I love hitting the trails in Woodbury!

Patch: Are you nervous about walking for three days or excited?

Cook: It's definitely a combination of both. This is my ninth event, so I definitely know what to expect. But this year I've been working full-time and going to grad school full-time, so I haven't been able to train as much as I would like. Fortunately, there is great support along the route, so even though it will be challenging, I know it will also be incredibly fun!

Patch: How much money have you raised and how did you do it?

Cook: So far I have raised just over $1,300, so I'm about $1,000 from the minimum, and $4,200 from my personal goal. I've been reaching out to family and friends with emails, letters, and via Facebook. They can easily make donations by visiting my personal fundraising webpage at www.the3day.org/goto/jennycook. If I reach my $5,550 goal, I will have raised a total of over $20,000 for this cause since 2004 and have promised my donors that I will shave my head if we reach that milestone this year! I always think it's a good idea to pair both fundraising letters with events—it's a great way to spread awareness and reach potential donors! I was so excited when my fellow participant, Amy Schall (of Cottage Grove), suggested a Culver's fundraiser!

Patch: Have you or anyone in your family been affected by breast cancer?

Cook: My mom was diagnosed with stage IIIB breast cancer just days after turning 41. At the time, she had no known family history, but over the years we've learned that nearly every woman on her side of the family died from breast cancer. This spring, my mom found another mass in her breast and decided to undergo a double mastectomy. Even though she was declared cancer-free, her battle continues. It's been 10 weeks since her surgery, and she is still unable to return to work and her normal activities; her recovery has been slowed by a series of complications. We plan to explore testing in the coming months to learn if her breast cancer has a genetic component, and what my risk might be.

 

For more information about the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877-GO-KOMEN.


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