In just a few months, Melanie Adams of Orangeville will join thousands of dedicated women and men in Toronto, September 8-10, to walk 60 kilometres over two days. She is offering fresh hope to cancer victims by participating in The Weekend to End Breast Cancer benefiting the Princess Margaret Hospital.

Melanie will raise considerable money and awareness by pounding the pavement and participating in this weekendlong event for the Toronto hospital.

With one in nine Canadian women diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, participants in The Weekend to End Breast Cancer have the opportunity to personally make a difference in the fight against breast cancer, and collectively, participants have an enormous impact on breast cancer research funding in the province.

Melanie joins The Weekend to End Breast Cancer, because since the beginning of this year she has lost a close family friend to cancer, her mother has been through a breast cancer scare and

her sister has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer.

"I want to do anything I can to prevent other people suffering from such a tragic disease. It is my chance to make a difference and contribute to a future where our mothers, sisters, friends can be saved and our children and grandchildren won't have the burden of this disease." Melanie has joined

together with a group of 13 other women in forming the team The Pink Pearl in memory of Pearl Rudyk, a friend who recently lost her fight with cancer.

For greater impact, Melanie, participant number 503015-2 has set a personal fundraising goal of $3,200 and the Pink Pearl combined has team goal of $32,200. Each participant has to raise $2,000 to be able to walk in the two-day event.

To help Melanie and the Pink Pearl team members reach their goal, visit www.endcancer.ca to make a donation online or call (416) 815-WALK (9255).

Melanie is also selling pink breast cancer bracelets at Harmony Whole Foods Market, 163 First Street, Orangeville. They are $5 each and all monies raised will go toward the cause.

This is the fourth annual Weekend to End Breast Cancer walk in Toronto, a multi-day event for those who are looking to be bold in the fight against breast cancer. The Weekend to End Breast Cancer in Toronto launches with Opening Ceremonies on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 9, and finishes with hope-filled closing ceremonies on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 10. Thousands of walkers will cover approximately 30 kilometres a day, traveling at their own pace. Walkers will be supported by some 500 volunteers and crew members who will provide meals, water and snack stops, gear transport, portable restrooms, safety on the streets, comprehensive medical services and an overnight campsite complete with tents and hot showers.

For more information on the event please go to www.endcancer.ca or call (416) 815-WALK (9255).