In Focus

By Janna Perrien '01

The 2000 Avon Breast Cancer 3 Day walk on October 27-29, 2000, brought together 3,000 women who raised more than $6 million to fight breast cancer. Kelly Shearer, resident director of Engstrom Hall, was one of those who walked 60 miles - 120,000 individual steps - to do her part in the struggle against this deadly disease.

"It was simply an amazing thing to be a part of-physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually," said Shearer.

Shearer began preparing for the 60 mile-walk last March, by running and walking four to five days a week. Along with her physical workouts, Shearer, like all participants, had to raise a minimum of $1,800 in support in order to take part in the walk. "I sent out letters to everyone I knew," Shearer said. "My parents even asked all their friends. It was wonderful to see my parents help me in this cause. They raised a third of my support!" Proceeds benefit non-profit breast health programs

Shearer rests after the first 20 miles.

After months of training, Shearer was ready for the three-day sojourn. Looking back, she realized her expectations and motives for the event were much different when she began the walk from Santa Barbara to Malibu than when she finished. "I think I went into training believing that I was doing something great by winning contributions for the breast cancer fund, but it wasn't like that at all," reflected Shearer.

Shearer, along with her training partner and best friend, Heather Dean Penny ('92), arrived at Chase Palm Park, Santa Barbara to begin the registration process. Unfortunately, the warm California sunshine was no where to be found, as black clouds covered the sky, and heavy drops of rain pelted Shearer. "It poured-not rained," described Shearer. "We weren't prepared for the weather, so I ran all over town gathering gloves, ponchos, and other raingear."

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