Daughters of local woman walk to fight breast cancer

Two daughters of a Pittston native and current resident are training vigorously and seeking sponsors for their participation in a three-day walk in Tampa, Florida, to benefit breast cancer research.

Sheila Geer, 56, and Eileen Erway, 50, daughters of Teresa DeFrancesco DiLorenzo, of Pittston, wife of Joe DiLorenzo, will participate in the 60-mile walk October 30 through Nov. 1. Simply called “The 3 Day”, this is a Susan Komen event during which participants, mostly women, walk 20 miles a day. The Tampa event is one of 15 staged in major cities of the U.S., beginning in Boston last July. There is one in Philadelphia Oct. 16-18.

A third daughter of Teresa, Molly O’Reilly McCoy, 57, wished to participate but cannot due to an injury. She is supporting her sisters financially and spiritually.

In order to participate, individual walkers must secure donations of at least $2300. As of Saturday, Sheila had surpassed that goal. Eileen is at only $1415. Her mom is hoping her friends and other generous people of Pittston rally to her aid in the coming weeks before the walk.

Donations are accepted on line by logging onto www.the threeday.org and following directions. It is easy to find Eileen’s name and make a donation.

On the site, Sheila writes: “Please support me as I take an amazing journey in the fight against breast cancer! Many of you know that I participated in a 3 day walk 7 years ago, walking with friends from Boca Raton to Miami. This year I’m excited because I am walking in the Tampa 3-Day Breast Cancer walk with my sister Eileen (who is traveling down from upstate NY), and my friend Linda. We would be thrilled if you or someone you know would like to join us. We are walking under the team name Little Feet, Big Feat.

“Originally my sister Molly was going to walk with us, but she recently had foot surgery and will be unable to walk. She will, however, come to St. Pete to cheer us on! My daughter Alicia had also intended to walk, but in May was involved in a serious car accident in which she broke some vertebrae in her back. Although she is recovering well, she has not been able to train for this walk.”

Eileen writes: “I have been training really hard all summer. I’ve walked 496.5 miles, lost 25 very stubborn pounds and dropped 6 pant sizes. I told my husband Skip in May that this would be a summer of sacrifice. It has been in many ways but the gains have also been many. I’ve gained new friends that I’ve met on my walks. I’ve gained a new appreciation for what it takes to be fit. Best of all, I’ve gained confidence in what I am capable of. I didn’t believe five months ago that I could walk 60 in 3 days but I believe it now. What seemed overwhelming then is now within my reach.

“I couldn’t have done it without help though. Skip most of all. He’s helped me every step of the way and never complained about forgoing our usual summer activities. My sisters and mom have been a constant source of encouragement. The folks I work with who have been exposed to my new passion daily and remain supportive. Thanks to you all!

“Still, all the training would be for me alone if not for the generosity of those who have donated. I have been blessed to experience the love and support of family and friends. I have been awed by the kindness of strangers. Thank you so much!”