Preparing for a journey

October 8
Preparing for a journey

Kelly McDonough Abington Journal Correspondent

CLARKS SUMMIT - Abington Heights Clarks Summit Elementary second grade school teacher, Melba Fialko, her three teammates, Linda Frangos who is captain and also from Clarks Summit and her two daughters, Kate and Sarah from Texas and Philadelphia, are participating for the first time in the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. And she’s more than up for the challenge. “I have walked hundreds of miles to train for this race because you need to build endurance…this is a bigger version of the Walk for the Cure Race. It’s a bigger fundraiser,” said Fialko.

Linda Frangos, team captain, left and Melba Fialko right, walking on south State Street during their training for the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk.

Abington Journal/Don McGlynn

The walk takes place October 17 to 19, starting from the Willow Grove Mall in Philadelphia and ending up at Villanova. “If you looked at it from the sky, the walk will be done in a shape of a ribbon,” said Fialko. The criss-crossed pink ribbon is the symbol for breast cancer awareness. “It’s 60 miles, approximately 20 miles per day. Each member of the team is responsible for raising $2,200 in order to participate.” When asked how she raised funds, Fialko is quick to credit the community. “People have been incredible donating. First of all, I did two yard sales and had some money donated by friends and family and raised $4,200. People who came to the yard sales told me stories….I can handle the walking. It’s listening to the other stories that’s so emotional.”

Fialko has her own stories and mentioned how her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994 and died in 1996. In 2002, her sister had a double mastectomy and is a survivor. “I’m fortunate I’m in such good health because I can walk to honor them.” She also noted that she knows of at least a dozen people who have had breast cancer. Her hope is that people donate because cancer is such a hard word and she longs to live in a world where the disease has been eliminated.

When asked whether she talked about what she’s doing with her students, she’s quick to respond. “Yeah, I did the first day of school. I did an all about me bag. It was a way to get to know each other better. I had a picture of a piece of jewelry that was the pink ribbon. A whole bunch of little girls knew it was for breast cancer.” She paused before adding, “One little boy brought in a candy bar and said ‘Here… you need it for your walk.’” So, Fialko’s students understand and are encouraging.

“I’m walking in memory of my mother, Betty Masters, and in honor of my sister, Marge Solsman, and other close friends whose lives have been affected by breast cancer. These people have touched my life and are truly my heroes.” This is something Fialko stressed in her fundraising letters.

Thousands of men and women will come together to walk to help fight breast cancer in 15 cities across the nation during 2008-2009. Eighty-five percent of the net proceeds of this event will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Every advancement in breast cancer research, treatment, education and prevention in the last 25 years has been touched by a Komen for the Cure grant.

The remaining 15 percent of net funds benefit the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund to provide a permanent endowment for ongoing support of breast cancer initiatives.

For more information on the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk or information on donating to the cause, visit www.the3day.org.