Mandy Nigretto and Kristin Mierau are embarking on a journey together as soul sisters.
“She could ask me to fly to the moon tomorrow and I would do it,” said Mierau about her long-time best friend.
The two are participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk through Seattle starting on Sept. 19. They will cover 60 miles with thousands of others who are walking to raise money for breast cancer research. Their team is called “Binka’s Babes” in honor of Nigretto’s mother who passed away suddenly in December of last year.
“I needed something challenging to focus my energy on,” Nigretto said. “Something horrible had happened, and I needed a positive activity. I told Kristin: ‘I just did something crazy. I signed up for the three-day walk, and I am all by myself. Will you join me?’ She said, ‘Hell yes.’”
Her mom Binka survived breast cancer three years ago and underwent a single mastectomy. Nigretto first participated in the 60-mile walk shortly after Binka’s battle with the disease.
“My mom was super emotional about it,” she said. “At the closing ceremony we hugged and cried and kissed.”
Nigretto describes the event as “crazy, wild and intense.” Every mile is filled with stories, laughter and colorful costumes. There are pit stops to refuel with food and drinks and crew members are always nearby to help. Mutual friend Laura Leicht will be staying with them in their hotel each night to rub their feet and bring dinner.
“When I did it before, one woman walked on stage without a shirt after the walk to show her double mastectomy,” Nigretto said. “There are people with bald heads, husbands walking for their wives who died from breast cancer. People come out of their homes with food and hand-made gifts.”
Both Nigretto and Mierau own hair salons and have shaved heads for those undergoing treatment.
“Being in an industry where you touch so many lives, I have friends, relatives and clients who are affected by breast cancer,” Mierau said. “It’s more than just a touch, it’s an emotional connection.”
Her partner Adam has Multiple Sclerosis, so she is particularly passionate about raising money for medical research.
“He has an incurable disease so to help fund money for a possibly curable disease is something I want to do,” Mierau said.
To participate, each walker needs to raise $2,300. Between online donations and gifts from their clients, Binka’s Babes has met its goal. Any additional donations are icing on the cake. To contribute, visit http://goo.gl/IJZOFd.
Orcas Islanders Dottie Cornelius and Paul and Virginia Carrick are also participating. To donate to their teams, visit www.the3day.org, click on “donate” and type in their names.
Seventy-five percent of the net proceeds raised by the Komen 3-Day help support its research and training grant program and large public health outreach programs for women and men facing breast cancer. The remaining 25 percent helps fund local community and affiliate support and outreach programs.
The women started walking in March. Their favorite route is around Mountain Lake, which they briskly trek around at 5:45 a.m. twice a week – with their dogs in tow. They also golf on Sundays.
“We feel very ready,” Nigretto said. “We could do it tomorrow.”
Added Mierau: “During the walk, we’ll get so much mileage out of the emotions of the day.”
