By Melissa Johnson

The Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation’s 17th annual Walk for a Cure is approaching quickly. Saturday, Oct. 1, will be the date of this year’s largest TBBCF fundraising event. Whether this will be your first walk or your 17th, take these steps to ensure you’re ready.

Step 1: Sign up! Visit tbbcf.redpodium.com/tbbcf17th-annual-walk-for-a-cure to register and confirm your marathon distance, corresponding fundraising commitment, and whether you’re participating in person on walk day or virtually at a place and time of your choice. You can also join or create a walk team, but this is not required. If you’d rather serve as a much-needed volunteer, you can sign up at tbbcf.org/volunteer.

Step 2: Create your fundraising page. Below your registration, you’ll see an option to get your own personalized fundraising web page. Most of it is already filled out for you, but you can add a personal message to your friends, family, co-workers, and anyone else you ask for support. Asking for money can feel uncomfortable, but remember—every donation helps fund research for a cure! Remind potential donors of TBBCF’s promise that every cent given goes toward ending breast cancer.

Step 3: Practice, practice, practice! Most people walk daily, but a marathon is a different story. The foundation hosts training walks where you can meet fellow walkers and build endurance. Check this newsletter for a list of upcoming training events. TBBCF also shares fitness tips on its social media pages for those working out on their own, as well as a Walker Guide on tbbcf.org that includes lots of helpful information.

Walk Chair Stacy Tattar said, “We’re encouraging folks to sign up through the TBBCF website for the walk and volunteer slots. Doing so lets us prepare for walk day support and supplies, track emergency contact information, reach out to walkers to convey necessary notices, and monitor fundraising.”

Operations Director Kate Davis said, “We have our first 100 walkers registered! This is so exciting! We are really hoping to surpass 400 walkers again this year. We hope they sign up early to maximize their overall experience. There are four upcoming training walks that are an opportunity to meet new folks, share fundraising ideas, find new friends and new places to walk, figure out what socks and sneakers work best, and simply to have fun!”

For more information, visit tbbcf.org and select TBBCF Walk in the menu at the top of the website.