Walk for breast cancer research

OLD SAYBROOK — The Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation is registering walkers for its 13th annual Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut, Oct. 6. The fundraiser includes a full marathon, a half marathon and a quarter marathon.

Walkers are required to raise a specific amount of money to participate — $200 for the 6.55-mile quarter marathon, $250 for the 13.1-mile half marathon, and $500 for the full 26.2 mile walk. Students age 12-22 and cancer survivors must raise $100. The foundation provides a platform that is easily shared on social media for walkers to solicit donations. Participants are also encouraged to form teams and train and raise money together.

The full marathon starts at 7 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at Saybrook Point in Old Saybrook. Walkers are escorted along the way and there are pit stops for hydration, snacks and bathroom breaks. Medical personnel also patrol the route. The half marathon starts at 10:30 a.m. at 8 Capitol Drive, East Lyme, and the quarter marathon begins at 1:30 p.m. at Niantic Baptist Church on Main Street, Niantic. The walk concludes at Camp Harkness in Waterford where there will be snacks and beverages and a brief closing ceremony.

During the past 12 years, hundreds of walkers have participated in the annual event, which is held on the first Saturday of October, raising more than $4 million. One hundred percent of those funds have gone directly to research for breast cancer.

The organization was founded in memory of Terri Brodeur of Old Saybrook who died from breast cancer in 2005, leaving behind three young children. Norma Logan and Sandy Maniscalco established the nonprofit in 2006 as a way to honor their friend and raise money to go directly to research. Walkers raise research dollars. Administrative costs are sponsor-supported or provided by volunteers. Logan died of breast cancer in 2006. Maniscalco carries on the legacy of both women.

For more information to volunteer or to sign up for the walk go to www.tbbcf.org, call 860-4371400, or email info@tbbcf.org