HERMITAGE — The journey of a breast cancer patient is long and difficult. The 60-mile walk two local survivors will take Oct. 9 through 11 to raise funds and awareness for the cause is symbolic of their own stories and the struggles of millions of women and men across the globe.

“We’re passionate about getting rid of breast cancer so our kids don’t have to deal with it,” said Cindy Mastrian. “Research costs money.”

Mrs. Mastrian, 52, and Sue Cameron Brown, 45, both of Hermitage, were each diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago. Both work for Sharon Regional Health System.

Mrs. Mastrian is the breast nurse navigator for the hospital and Mrs. Brown is clinical manager for the home health agency, working with patients that include those who’ve had mastectomies.

Because of their experiences with the disease, the pair decided to take action themselves to help work toward a cure.

They began training months ago for the Breast Cancer 3-Day and have raised a total of about $6,500 for the cause.

Mrs. Mastrian said she had been worried about asking for donations in this economy, but “it’s been easy.”

The pair raffled off a set of Pittsburgh Steelers game tickets donated by Sam Kudelko and sold Daffin’s candy bars.

Mrs. Brown said they’ve received a lot of support from family, friends and co-workers in their endeavor.

Mrs. Brown’s husband Philip made her a pink walking stick she takes on her walks, though it isn’t allowed at the event.

Gearing up to walk 60 miles over three days has been time consuming. If you walk fast you can do 4 miles in an hour, Mrs. Mastrian said.

“It’s like another job,” Mrs. Brown said.

They both walked to work sometimes and trekked to parks and other scenic places in the area to walk as much as 18 miles in a day.

“You walk no matter what – rain, snow, monsoons,” Mrs. Mastrian said, adding that she’s walked in the rain. People stopped and offered to take her home, but she turned them down.

Once, her son Adam, 22, was coming home from work and saw her in the rain. Aware of her commitment, he just reached in the back of his car and handed her an umbrella, Mrs. Mastrian said.

“Our families have sacrificed a lot,” said Mrs. Brown, who feels bad she’ll miss her children’s homecoming festivities for the walk in Washington.

Mrs. Brown said her daughter Anna, 15, wanted to participate this year but she’s too young. She hopes that next year they can walk together.

The walking starts at 6:30 a.m. and the participants have to sleep two to a 6-by-6-foot tent and use portable toilets and showers along the route, which hasn’t been disclosed.

Use of things like cell phones and iPods is limited and they can only take along a backpack or fanny pack. There are places to stop and sit along the way, too.

“Why would you want to rest? You’d never get back up!” Mrs. Brown said.

They’re passionate about the cause, but “I’m not sure how sane we are,” Mrs. Brown said with a laugh.

“It’s definitely a once in a lifetime” opportunity, Mrs. Mastrian said.

They both said they are doing it for the next generation.

Mrs. Brown was lying in bed watching cartoons with her 11-year-old daughter when an advertisement for the walk came on television and a little boy said “My mom is a breast cancer survivor,” she said.

“Maggie said ‘my mom is a breast cancer survivor,’ ” Mrs. Brown said. “I decided I was going to do it just because I needed to.”

Mrs. Mastrian said she talked about doing the walk last year, but didn’t have anyone to do it with.

Both women are excited to see supporters come out en masse for the cause.

Mrs. Brown said she did a 5K walk in June and the people were a “sea of pink and white.”

“You were arm to arm. You couldn’t help but bump people,” she said. “But because I had the pink survivor shirt on I could do no wrong.”

The Breast Cancer 3-Day is held in 15 cities across the country from July to November. The 60-mile walks that raise funds for breast cancer research and awareness about the disease, also help create a sense of community among survivors and others affected by breast cancer.

In 2008, the event raised about $80 million for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a foundation Mrs. Mastrian said has provided grants to the local hospital, and for the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. Since 2003, the project has raised more than $400 million.



For more information about the walk or to donate funds toward Mrs. Mastrian and Mrs. Brown’s efforts, which can be done until Nov. 11, or to the cause, visit www.The3Day.org or call 800-996-3DAY.