Sarc’s Sassy Sisters Plan Their Come Back at 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer

A mammogram in February 1998 was all it took for Molly Maher to discover that she had Stage 1 breast cancer. In April 1998, Molly underwent a lumpectomy while receiving treatment at the Atlanta Breast Center. She considers herself lucky because she did not have to go through any follow-up radiation.

The first non-family member that Molly told about her diagnosis was her close friend and 2-Day volunteer, Trudy Gray. They became exercise buddies after Molly’s treatment and it was Trudy who introduced Molly to the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer. They decided to give it a shot and walked for the first time in 2009. Now, cancer free for 14 years, Molly is more ready than ever to celebrate and walk in the 2012 Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer for her second year of walking.

Individuals or teams can participate, October 6 & 7, in the Atlanta 2-Day Walk, which covers 30 miles over two days, with each walker responsible for raising $1,000.

Molly’s walking team, Sarc’s Sassy Sisters, was originally comprised of Molly and her friend Lorna Kraft. The team was formed in the 2011 when their close friend of 16 years, Beth Sarc, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Molly and Beth talked a lot while Beth was receiving treatment and Molly decided to get a group together to walk on Beth’s behalf. Molly says that “Sarc’s Sassy Sisters was one tiny way for me to pay her back for being there for me through my cancer and to show her how much I have treasured her friendship.”

When Molly asked Beth if they could walk in her honor, Beth said that she wanted to walk as well. The team then grew to include Molly, Lorna, Beth, Beth’s sister, Kristy, and Beth’s niece. “The first time Beth went out in public without her wig on was to register for the 2-Day Walk,” says Molly. “Beth is a very private person, so this was a big deal. She said she felt so comfortable and so at home. I was so proud of her when she came to the registration in March without her wig. I just could not believe it and was happy that day to share it with Lorna, Beth and Trudy who is our honorary Sassy Sister.”

Molly describes the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer, which will be celebrating its tenth anniversary this October, as a “phenomenal experience” that really does make a difference in the community. The Atlanta 2-Day Walk has generated more than $8 million for 169 grants to breast health programs throughout Georgia that provide screening and diagnosis, treatment education, and support services.  The endurance walk is produced by It’s The Journey, a local organization which is proud to state that all of the money raised here, stays here in Georgia.

For more information about sponsorship, becoming a walker or making a donation to the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer, visit www.2daywalk.org, email info@2daywalk.org, or call (404) 531-4111.