Phoebe employees prepare for 10th Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk

September 9, 2024

Matthew Crumley, Brian Roche,

ALBANY, Ga. – Two Phoebe employees are preparing to go the distance as they get set to walk to promote breast cancer awareness.

Meet Carol Pressley and Anna Wade: a pair of Phoebe employees who are preparing for their 10th breast cancer walk at the end of September…

Something they started doing in 2007.

“So… it’s the Susan G. Komen three day. It’s a 60 mile walk. We walk 20 miles over three days. Typically, we camp in pink tents along the way,” said Anna Wade, Sr. Financial Analyst, Phoebe.

Carol and Anna have raised over $76,000 thousand dollars over the last 17 years for breast cancer research.

The two friends have their reasons for walking to raise awareness as both have had their lives affected by cancer.

“So in 2006, personally, we had two people that were close to me, pass away. My husband’s aunt. And, then his close friend’s mother. So, it was something that it kind of left an impression on me. It was a sad thing to have to happen,” said Carol Pressley, Medical records keeper, Phoebe.

“In 1993, my mom was diagnosed with cancer and I just prayed and asked god to heal her. And… I told him that he would hear her. When I was able, I would give back. And… this is my way of giving back,” said Wade.

But it hasn’t just been for their family members either…

As Anna showed us the skirts the two of them wear on the last day of these walks and why it’s important to the two of them.

“When people make donations or just reach out to us and say they have a loved one that has cancer of any kind, not just breast cancer, we make them a ribbon. And, on the third day of our walk, we wear these ribbons, skirts with their names so that when we cross the finish line, they’re passing it with us,” said Wade.

“Personally, I want people to know that they’re not alone, that people care. People are walking. And, I realize that walking does not cure cancer. Walking raises awareness. Walking draws attention. We want to draw attention to the fact that there are many people out there who have cancer. We need to find a cure,” said Pressley.

As Carol and Anna get set to walk those 60 miles, they want to help encourage a message of hope with every step they take.

If you want to donate to Carol and Anna’s cause, you can visit their links through our website:

http://www.the3day.org/goto/annawade

https://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2024/DenverEvent2024?px=1298971&pg=personal&fr_id=2282

Brian Roche reporting.