Statistics from the American Cancer Society claim that in a four-year period, there have been 115 cases of invasive breast cancer per 100,000 women in the state of Texas. It may not sound like much, but it truly adds up.  For every million women, there have been 115,000 cases of the disease.

What are people doing to fight this? How can women make a difference in other women’s futures?

Jaimie Howard, junior animal science major from Argyle and Joanna Shaffer, junior youth and family ministry major from Murphysboro, Ill. Participated in a very well known event intended to fight breast cancer – the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. They walked 60 miles in three days in honor of their loved ones that suffered from the disease.

Schaffer’s aunt has been diagnosed with breast cancer twice in her life and was recently diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Because of this, Schaffer and her mother decided to “support women and raise money for research.”

Although physically tiring, Schaffer said it was worth it.

“It was uplifting and empowering,” said Schaffer. “So many people were there, sharing the same goal.”

Howard’s reason for participating was also in honor of a family member. Her grandmother died from the disease when Howard was in kindergarten.

Because of their close relationship, Howard was around when her grandmother passed. Now, her family is more involved in raising awareness. She believes it’s a “family thing now,” because her chances of getting it have increased.

Schaffer and Howard both said the walk went very well and both would do it again.

“I just wanted to keep going and finish it,” said Howard. “There was a lot of support and encouragement [from spectators] throughout the whole thing.”

Shaffer believes there are several reasons the 3-Day for the Cure is a great thing to do, one being that the Walk fundraises to support breast cancer research.

“This year, they raised about seven million dollars,” said Shaffer.

Shaffer also believes the Walk gives hope to women and can serve as part of the healing process for those dealing with loss.

Howard said the Walk makes a huge impact because breast cancer affects people from every background.

“People I don’t even know will be affected by this disease,” Howard said. “It was a humbling experience.”