Walking to find a cure for breast cancer

Supporters give high fives as Susan G. Komen 3-Day walkers pass through Dupont Circle. (WTOP/Jamie Forzato)
Sisters Lois and Emily Tolvinski are supporting their friend who is walking for her grandmother, a survivor of more than 25 years. Their mom passed away from cancer a few years ago, and they are passing out candy to walkers as they go by. (WTOP/Jamie Forzato)
Kendall Rose-Gregg is supporting her mom by wearing a hot pink tutu, bra, vest and scarf. (WTOP/Jamie Forzato)
Kendall Rose-Gregg and Stacey Staniak are supporting Kendall's mom, who is a cancer survivor and has been training for the 3-Day event for weeks. (WTOP/Jamie Forzato)
Tanya Pershin is supporting her friend Rachael Easterday. Hasterday's mom battled cancer, and is now in remission.(WTOP/Jamie Forzsto)
Supporters give high fives as 3-Day walkers pass through Dupont Circle. (WTOP/Jamie Forzato)
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Jamie Forzato, wtop.com

Saturday is day two of The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure, a 60-mile walk to raise money for breast cancer research.

Friends and family turned out in droves to encourage the participants as they near the halfway point.

Kendall Rose-Gregg wore a hot pink tutu, bra, vest, and scarf to support her mom, who is a breast cancer survivor. She carried a sign that reads: “Lavonne is my warrior.”

“She’s prepared all year and she’s awesome. She’s the strongest woman I know,” Rose-Gregg said.

The sea of pink shirts, hats, and signs at the Dupont Circle cheering station is an emotional sight for sisters Emily and Lois Tolvinski, who came to root for their friend Kristin.

“This really means a lot to us and our family. Our mom unfortunately passed away last year to cancer,” Emily Tolvinski said.

“We’re passing out candy, I have some signs and lots of glitter. We’re excited to cheer on the walkers,” Lois Tolvinski said.

Before the walkers were even in sight, Tanya Pershin started to cry. Her friend Rachael Easterday is walking for her mother whose cancer is in remission.

“She’s just a really determined, strong-willed person. I’m just very proud of her and I love her dearly. They’re happy tears!” Pershin said. “Everybody has a story, you just have to take the time to ask them.”

The last leg of the walk will start tomorrow with closing ceremonies scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at the Washington Monument.

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