Whitehouse alumni participating in Dallas breast cancer walk

Benita Goines Tomlinson of Arlington will join thousands of other dedicated women and men at the Dallas/Fort Worth Breast Cancer 3-Day benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. After months of training and fundraising, participants will walk 60 miles during three days to raise awareness and funds for critical research and community outreach programs.

Benita is a 1999 graduate of Whitehouse High School. She is the daughter of Bobbie Goines and Barry and Susanne Goines, and granddaughter of Norman and Shirley Long and Murl and Terry Goines, all of Whitehouse.

"Breast cancer is very personal to several people on our team. Some of us are walking for moms, grandmothers, aunts, nieces, friends and other family members. This year I will be walking in celebration of three fellow teachers and surviving heroes: Nancy Oakley, Michelle Shelton and Lynn Buck as well as in memory of Beatrice Long, my great grandmother who lost the fight," Tomlinson said. " I walk for all the women who will be diagnosed this year and their families."

This year 15 of Benita's close friends have joined her for this journey and their team goal is to raise over $35,000. Benita's husband Zach is also a part of their team by ser ving as a 3-Day crewmember. "This is a perfect way for him to help us in this fight," and in line with her team's motto, "I truly believe that 'Together We Can Make a Difference' in this awful disease and a cure can be found for breast cancer in my lifetime," Tomlinson said.

The Dallas/Fort Worth Breast Cancer 3-Day will start on Friday morning, Oct. 26 and end with a closing ceremony on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 28. The walkers will cover about 20 miles a day, traveling at their own pace.

The walkers will be supported by hundreds of volunteer crew members who will provide meals, liquid and snack stops, gear transport, hot showers, portable restrooms, safety on the streets and 24- hour medical services.

The actual journey starts months in advance when walkers start training and raising the $2,200 required fund-raising minimum. To help prepare for the Breast Cancer 3-Day, each walker is supported by coaches and online assistance that aid in all aspects of training and fundraising, while clinics, meetings, and training walks provide ongoing support.

To help Benita reach her goal, make a donation directly to her online donation page at www.the3day.org/dallas07/ Benita. To learn how to participate or volunteer with the Breast Cancer 3-Day, visit www.The3Day.org or call (800) 996- 3DAY.

"Although reaching my fund-raising goal is important, I also request prayer for myself and all the walkers in this event, and thank you in advance for your monetary and spiritual support."