As published in My Suburban Life

Published on July 3, 2009
By Mary Beth Versaci

Extraordinary efforts come in many different shapes and sizes, and in some cases, miles.

For John Watkins, making an extraordinary effort means walking 600 miles for breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment. Watkins, a Carol Stream native, will be participating in Chicagoland's Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day, which totals 60 miles, but before that, he will be walking 540 miles all on his own.

"It was just making the decision to challenge myself," Watkins said. "And I've always loved walking."

The 540-mile walk, beginning July 6, will follow a route from Carlton County, Minn., to Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, ending between July 23 and 30. The hospital is where Watkins' mother died from breast cancer a few years ago.

When Watkins originally mapped out his walk, he said he thought it would be 440 miles. He then drove along the mainly rural route and discovered it would be about 100 miles more than that.

"I wanted to avoid major roadways," he said. "Rural areas are much safer, and it's rural areas where attention and education need to be paid."

Despite the fact that he has many friends along the course of his route, Watkins will be carrying a 50-pound backpack, which includes a tent to sleep in every night. He plans to walk an average of 27 miles per day.

Watkins' training for both his walks has included stepping out every week, and he already has surpassed his goal of logging 1,000 total training miles, with 1,044 miles to date. So far, his highest mileage for one week has been 110 miles. The 540-mile walk, which requires a majority of the training, is helping him to raise the $2,300 he needs to participate in the Breast Cancer 3-Day in August.

Because of the current economic climate, Watkins said the businesses he approached were unable to make contributions to his cause. However, he has received many personal sponsors, whose donations go to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

"(The foundation_ is a grassroots organization, so it's fitting that the donations would come from personal sponsors," Watkins said. "It's nice that individuals are being so supportive."

Watkins added that he has received discounts on walking shoes, socks and shirts from local athletics stores in Kentucky, where he now lives and works as a professor of gerontology at the University of Kentucky.

He was invited to participate in the Breast Cancer 3-Day this past winter by a couple of his Chicago friends, who had walked for the cause last year. Watkins decided to join their team, which includes nine members total. Kathy Favata of Wheaton, one of the members, will be walking in her fourth 3-Day this year.

Favata has known many people who have been affected by this disease, which moved her to walk for a cure, she said. She is especially amazed at how Watkins decided to raise the money he needs for the 3-Day.

"We may not be able to change the world, but we can do something to change our little corner of it," Favata said.

Favata and Watkins' other team members are planning a welcome-home party to meet him when he arrives at Central DuPage Hospital. Watkins will be setting up a blog or sending out e-mails to update everyone as to his whereabouts and expected date of arrival, Favata said.

In the coming days before he leaves, Watkins said he is looking forward to participating in both his walks and helping to educate others about breast cancer.

"Breast cancer is something very common, too common," he said. "It affects both women and men, and it's very curable. People need to know about it and detect it early."