CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
About 1,200 women and men started the Susan G. Komen three-day walk for breast cancer research and awareness in Northbrook Friday morning.
The 60 mile journey started at 7 a.m. at Northbrook Court, and the trip will wind around the suburbs before ending Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field.
The walkers wore pink and stretched out before the kickoff. The rain poured on everyone a couple of times, and it was chilly. But organizers said there's always imperfect weather to deal with.
Each walker raises a minimum of $2,300. They are provided meals, water, snacks, tents and shower facilities along the way.
About 325 volunteers set up stages and pitch tents for the walkers, who include breast cancer survivors and their families.
Dr. Sheri Phillips, the national director of Susan G. Komen said most walkers prepare for the physical challenge but are often surprised by the emotional element of the experience.
Phillips joined Good Day Chicago to talk about the organization's dedication to helping women battle cancer and build inner strength through events like these.
She acknowledged that the past controversy over pulling, then re-instating funding for breast cancer screenings through Planned Parenthood, hurt their fundraising efforts.
There were more participants last year.
But she said Susan G. Komen remains the agency for funding research and local programs that benefit breast cancer patients. Since 2003, the walk has raised $700 million for the cause.
Just days before the 60-mile walk, big changes were announced for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
The organization announced the resignation of its president, and created a new position for its founder.
The big personnel changes come as the group seeks to fill other senior positions in the wake of its face-off with Planned Parenthood earlier this year.
Additionally, two Komen board members are also leaving.
