An Oxford business is offering a Shelby Township man financial, physical and moral support as joins the fight against breast cancer.
Byron McDonald, 66, plans to walk in the Michigan Breast Cancer 3-Day September 28-30.
‘My wife (Mary) was diagnosed in August with breast cancer,? he said. ‘I’m happy to report she’s doing very well. The prognosis is good for the future.?
McDonald decided to participate in the 60-mile walk as way to honor his wife and share in her fight.
‘I figured this is something I can do to try to raise some funds and get in shape,? he said.
In order to participate in the event, walkers must agree to pay a $90 registration fee and raise a minimum of $2,200, which benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.
To help McDonald meet this financial requirement, Dan Garr, owner of HealthQuest Physical Therapy and Wellness Center in downtown Oxford, donated $100.
‘I’ve known Byron for a lot of years,? Garr said. ‘He’s passionate about it and when he asked if I would be willing to sponsor him, I gladly said yes.?
McDonald’s preparing for the big walk by working out at HealthQuest five days a week in addition to walking outdoors.
‘He’s worked harder than most of our performance clients,? Garr noted. ‘He’ll be ready. He might be leading the pack in that walk.?
Walking 20 miles per day for three straight days won’t be easy, McDonald admitted, but there are other things in life that much more difficult.
‘It will be a challenge,? he said, ‘but nowhere near the challenge someone who’s diagnosed with breast cancer goes through as far as the emotional and physical strain.?