Four Decorah Women Take Steps to Ensure a World Without Breast Cancer

Four Decorah women will walk 60 miles over three days to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research and community-based breast health and education programs.

Gabi Masek, Jenna Sicuranza, Kimberly Sims and Maria Smith have signed up for the Susan G. Komen Twin Cities Walk for the Cure August 19th through 21st.

After months of individual training and fundraising, the four discovered they were all training for the walk.  Said Smith, "We each started talking about it to friends and they would say 'Hey, I know someone who is training for that, too.  You should meet her.' And here we are!"

Masek said, "I am walking to support several amazing women in my life and community who have fought breast cancer, continue to do so, and are such strong, inspiring people," said Masek.

Sicuranza is walking in memory of her Aunt Edie and her father, Leo Sicuranza, who both died from cancer.

Sims is walking with her best friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 42 from a routine mammogram:  "Living three hours away, there wasn't much I felt I could do to help with her three little boys when she went through a double mastectomy and chemo. Her strong will and positive 'Let's Do This' attitude through all of it is an inspiration. Today, one year after her diagnosis, she is cancer free."

Smith was four years old when her grandmother died of breast cancer in 1978.  "Her battle with breast cancer is one my earliest memories," said Smith.  "I know we have made many strides since then, but there is still much work to be done.  Breast cancer has had an impact, in one way or another, on everyone I know.  This is one way I can help."

PHOTO: Kimberly Sims, Maria Smith, Gabi Masek and Jenna Sicuranza have raised over $8,000 for the 2011 Susan G. Komen Twin Cities 3-Day for the Cure walk for breast cancer.