The request of Sharon Cummings for the hosting of a Susan G. Komen Walk for Breast Cancer for Saturday, October 26, 2024, was approved by the Ludowici City Council at their meeting of Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

She explained that she had moved to Long County three years ago and liked to be involved in the community, and this walk will help raise funds for breast cancer research as well as provide awareness of this terrible disease and the need for annual mammograms for women, especially beginning at age 40.  It is projected that 300,000 women and 2800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the next year.

More than four million women and their families have been impacted by breast cancer. Several factors contribute to the risk of having breast cancer and the rate of survival. Early detection is one of the most important factors in the fight for survival.

"The purpose of this event in Ludowici is to raise money to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation's mission to drive research, provide care, unify communities, and take action to end breast cancer," said Ms. Cummings, who has lost a mother to breast cancer.

The proposed timeline for the October 26 event is 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to allow time for setup and cleanup. Times are tentative at present, but include the actual walk from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., with vendor presentations and refreshments from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.  The proposed route totals approximately 4500 to 4800 feet starting at McQueen Street, proceeding to Factory Street, and then turning on to Academy Road. The route would follow Main Street, ending on McQueen Street.  Checkpoints at the UGA Extension/School Board and Calvary Baptist Church would be ideal to provide water and/or first aid if needed. Additional details are pending route approval and coordination with the aforementioned facilities.