Jenet Cattar of Cattar Realty, Inc. recently completed the Breast Cancer 3-Days — a three day, 60-mile walk in St. Petersburg — to raise money to support the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
The walk was Oct 13-15 in Sand Key Park. There were 1,897 walkers who collectively raised more than $4.5 million for the prevention of breast cancer.
“I got involved in the walk because my friend, Traci Sincock (from Michigan) lost her mom to breast cancer about five years ago,” said Cattar. “Traci has participated as a walker and as a crew member for the past four years in the Michigan three-day walk.”
Sincock asked Cattar if she would participate in the walk and Cattar said she would, but only if it was held in Florida, as it was this year.
“The time commitment for training was a lot more difficult than the actual walk and sleeping in the tents had a charm all its own!” said Cattar. “In addition, each person walking must raise $2,200 dollars. I accomplished this with generous pledges from Realtors including Phyllis Staines of ReMax Coastal, Sandy Holdren of Realty Executives and Patricia Davis of Killebrew & Associates and many family, friends and neighbors.”
In addition, Cattar held a bake and garage sale that brought in $824. She said many Realtors contributed to the bake and garage sale.
“I also had baked tons of goodies including my secret recipe for George Washington Chocolate Fudge Cherry Cupcakes,” said Cattar. “It was a huge success.”
She raised more than $4,000 with help from her friends and business associates.
Walkers are provided with tents to rest in during the nights of the walk and Cattar chose a royalty theme to decorate her tent.
“As you can see from the pictures, we had a wonderful time of it,” said Cattar. “When you arrived at camp, you get your tent, your gear and a place all set for you in this tent city. Then you dip your toes in a kiddy pool of ice and water, eat, relax, go to the foot massage tent, sign the tents in the ‘memory’ area and chat with fellow walkers. At night, there is a video of Susan G. Komen’s sister and then other fun entertainment. Lights are out at 9 p.m., which is welcome.”
Jenet describes the experience as a life changing experience. It is her hope that in the lifetime of her nieces (who are in their 20’s) that there will be a complete cure for breast cancer.
“We all walked for someone we love and care about, maybe even you,” she said. “When the walk started each day we were handed cards to put in our bar-coded lanyards (they tracked us for security) We knew exactly how far to go to cheering stations and ‘Grab and Go stations’. The cheering sections included local supportive residents and crew and the Boy and Girl Scouts (who gave out popsicles and other treats.) The ‘Grab and Go stations’ included potty breaks, Gatorade, water and food. The camp doctor insisted we eat, drink and go the bathroom at every stop!”
Cattar said many survivors, some still in treatment, walked as well so it was important for everyone to take care of themselves during the walk.
“The end of the walk is wonderful,” said Cattar. “The crowds were cheering while walkers entered the park. Next, the crew and staff entered and then the survivors. The closing ceremonies are very moving. Each person makes a huge difference. I don’t think I will ever be the same again.”
When the walk was over, she enjoyed a long soak in the tub.
Cattar has been a licensed Realtor since 1978. She and her husband Fred have owned Cattar Realty for over 11 years.
“I wanted to send a special thank you to all who gave to generously of their time, talents and commitment to the garage sale fund raiser,” she said. Cattar said you can still contribute until February by visiting www.the3day.org/tampabay06/jcattar.
The Komen Foundation was founded in 1982 on a promise made between two sisters – Nancy Goodman Brinker and her dying sister, Susan Goodman Komen. Nearly 25 years later, the Komen Foundation is an international organization that fulfills its mission through a network of more than 75,000 volunteers working through more than 100 affiliates in more than 15,000 communities to fund innovative breast cancer research and vital community outreach programs.