We are raising money for a cure, not a vacation

In response to a recent "Dear Abby" column on 4 March, I would like to address the concerns of those who may be worried about participating in any of the fundraising activities being advertised by "Team Piggy" for the 3Day. We understand those concerns and as good stewards of your donation, we can guarantee that the monies you donate go directly to the Susan G. Koman 3Day for the Cure. We each must raise $2300.00 to walk 60 miles. We also must pay our own expenses to do so. Those expenses include airfare to San Diego, our hotel, and meals outside the meals we pay for in our registration fee of $90.00 that we eat during the walk. As we must arrive the day before, we must get a hotel and pay for our own meals. During the walk, we sleep in a tent on the ground.


As a team, we also participate in the local Race for the Cure in SLC in May and we donate to that race as well out of personal funds not your donations for the 3Day.

It was suggested in the article that some participants say "might as well get something out of it." We do. We get the satisfaction of knowing that our participation raises millions of dollars to finding a cure. Dear Abby's response was that it was "fraud" to go on these walks using your donations for "our vacation" and she is right, but that is not what our team is all about.

Unfortunately, we cannot speak for others who participate, but rest assured that Team Piggy, does not keep one penny of your donation for personal expenses. We do not consider this a "group vacation." Our journey is in memory of my sister-in-law who lost her battle and three of our team members who are currently battling breast cancer at this time. The walk is hard and it is great personal sacrifice that accompanies participation, but, we are committed to doing our part to finding a cure for all of us. This team is NOT walking away with your donations!

If you have concerns, do not give us a check nor cash, donate directly to the Susan G. Koman 3Day for the Cure in our name. You will receive a receipt for your donation in any case. We invite you to participate in our upcoming fundraising activities.

Judy Lemmons
Team Piggy