Sue Willard - Walker

About Me:

 I’m Sue Willard; I’m 61. I’ve been a runner for 30-plus years, but started walking with a wonderful two-week trek on the UK’s Coast-to-Coast Trail in 1999, and the 2007 Breast Cancer 3-Day near my home in Pinellas County, FL.

 
Born in Indiana, I joined the Air Force and was stationed at Hickam AFB, Hawaii for 3 years.  There, I met my husband, Bill, who also was in the Air Force and stationed at Hickam AFB.   We married in 1969 and Bill graduated from the University of Hawaii two years later.  We returned to Indiana, where I attended the University of Indiana.  We have one Son, Bill, Jr., a prior-enlisted Captain in the Marines.  An Iraq War vet who has traveled the World, our Bill is now stationed in Hawaii, completing the circle his Dad and I started over 40 years ago.

 
We relocated to Florida in 1985, and I have worked for Federated Mutual Insurance Company in Tampa for 23 years.  Currently, the Claims Team Supervisor, I am looking forward to retiring in 2009, but plan working three days each week, either at Federated or somewhere else.  I enjoy the outdoors, love animals and also hope to find a post-retirement position, paid or volunteer, at an animal shelter.

Why I Wak and Joined This Team:

My friend, Pat, survived breast cancer; my friend June, did not.  She battled her disease for several years and thought she had beaten it; but it came back and took her life.  She died leaving a husband and young daughter.

 
My first Breast Cancer 3-Day was October, 2007.  With 1,950 other walkers that weekend we raised over $5 million dollars.  Months earlier, as I started training and began asking for support, it seemed everyone I spoke with had a friend or family member who had been affected by this dreadful disease.

 
Last year, I started training alone, but noticed others walking the same route.  I asked one of the gals if she was training for the Breast Cancer 3-Day.  She said she was, and invited me to join: “Thanks for the Mammories.”  I did, and found the experience of being involved in this cause and part of a team to be very emotional and fulfilling.

I’m registered for the next Breast Cancer 3-Day, October 31st through November 2, 2008, and recommend participating as Walkers or Crew Members to as many people as I can.  I’m confident with our commitment and everyone’s support there will be a cure for this disease.

My donation link:

Please support me as I take an amazing journey in the fight against breast cancer!
Please click this link to go there now!