Photo by Graham Cullen Burkittsville Mayor Debby Burgoyne will be participating in the D.C. Breast Cancer 3-Day event, sponsored by the Susan G. Komen Foundation this weekend.

Today through Sunday, the team will join thousands of people participating in the D.C. Breast Cancer 3-Day, sponsored by the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

The Breast Cancer 3-Day is a 60-mile walk over the course of three days. The route covers approximately 15 to 22 miles each day for three days in a row. Several cities have similar events throughout the year.

Walkers and other supporters raise funds for research. Some participate because they have cancer or someone they know has breast cancer.

Some, like Team Hope member Debby Burgoyne of Burkittsville , get involved to change the future.

She said she became determined to help find a cure when she considered the odds that one in five of her Girl Scouts in Troop 81478 would get the disease.

"That's totally unacceptable," Burgoyne said. Since she decided to participate in the 3-Day, the matter took on more urgency.

"In the last three months alone I have had three people that I care for very much stricken with breast cancer," she said.

Of her original $2,300 fundraising goal, she has raised $967.There is still time for her to raise money, even after the Washington event. Donations can be made at her webpage or by calling 800-996-3DAY.

Net proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure and National Philanthropic Trust, funding breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment, according to the 3-Day website. The remaining 15 percent of net funds goes to the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund to provide a permanent endowment for ongoing support of breast cancer initiatives.

"I am walking in honor of all the wonderful women in my life who have fought or are fighting breast cancer," Burgoyne wrote. "For my daughter and her generation, in hopes that they will not have to fight the pink fight."