Sisters Walk Their Way to Adventure, Accomplishment and Support for Breast Cancer Research

Sisters Maureen Griffith, Verizon HSI executive director, and Cathy Wozniak, Senior Consultant Verizon Performance Management, participate in a walk to support breast cancer research.

Sisters Maureen Griffith, Verizon HSI executive director, and Cathy Wozniak, Senior Consultant Verizon Performance Management, walked through tired muscles, time constraints and freezing rain to raise money for breast cancer research.

For several years, Maureen considered participating in the three-day, 60-mile walk for a breast cancer cure. But this was the year she made up her mind to participate. She recruited Cathy, and together they worked on a grueling training routine. A typical week consisted of two days of moderate four-to-five mile walks, two days of one-hour cross training, long weekend walks of 10-to-15 miles and one day of rest.

When the day of the event came, they were toned and ready. However, Mother Nature did not cooperate, bringing cold temperatures and freezing rain. The first two days of the walk were officially cancelled - but not for the sisters. They logged 40 miles in the first two days of raw conditions and finished up their 60 miles on the third day in brilliant sunshine. They celebrated with more than 2,000 participants in Philadelphia.

The event raised $8 million for breast cancer research, and with matching gift donations from the Verizon Foundation, Maureen and Cathy raised nearly $20,000.

"Once I enlisted the support of my family and friends, I knew this was possible. Planning and committing to an hour of time to make yourself healthier and committing to an important cause is easy, once you work it into a routine," said Maureen. "The best thing I did was to have a partner and support group to talk to and challenge how many miles I did each day."