Luanne Clifford of Boothbay Harbor will join thousands of other dedicated women and men at the Phoenix, Arizona Breast Cancer 3-Day benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. After months of training and fund-raising, participants will walk 60 miles during three days to raise awareness and funds for critical research and community outreach programs.

Luanne feels especially connected with the cause, having had two family members die of breast cancer. Her friend and children's caregiver, Terry Smigielski, has battled the disease twice in her life. She was introduced to the 3-Day events by Debbie and Dave Profit, members of the Boothbay Harbor Wine Club at Luanne's restaurant, 93 TOWNSEND. Debbie has lost three members to breast cancer, including her mother, sister and cousin. The Profits have asked Luanne to join them on their team, "Breast in Class."

"As a Breast Cancer 3-Day participant, I have an opportunity to celebrate survivorship, honor those who lost their lives to the disease, and ultimately, have an enormous impact on awareness and funding for breast cancer research and community outreach programs," said Clifford. "The Breast Cancer 3-Day is challenging, and fun, and the memory of my personal accomplishment will last a lifetime."

The Phoenix Breast Cancer 3-Day walkers will cover about 20 miles per day, traveling at their own pace. The walkers will be supported by hundreds of volunteer crew members who will provide meals, liquid and snack stops, gear transport, hot showers, portable restrooms, safety on the streets and 24-hour medical services.

The actual journey starts now, months in advance, when walkers start training and raising the $2,200 required fund-raising minimum. To help prepare for the event, each walker is supported by coaches and online assistance that aid in all aspects of training and fund-raising, while clinics, meetings and training walks provide ongoing support. To help Clifford reach her goal, she and her husband Bill are having a holiday fund-raising party at 93 TOWNSEND on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 4 p.m. There will be live music, free food, a cash bar, lots of great door prizes (including several gift certificates), and a grand auction item - a week's stay at a beautiful six bedroom, four bath home in Orlando, Florida. Net proceeds from the evening will go directly to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.

If you can't make it to the party, you can make a donation directly to Clifford's online donation page by going to

www.the3day.org

and click on "make a donation" under 2008 events. Enter Luanne Clifford from Maine and you will be directed to her personal fund-raising page. You can also call 800-9963DAY.