Just think, the simple act of walking can help find a cure for breast cancer.

Day for the Cure on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 12, 13 and 14.

“The more attention we get for breast cancer, the more we get for research. We’re getting so close to a cure,” Harper said.

Harper walks six miles with her three dogs every day, and has set her goal for 20 miles a day over the three days. Walking with her will be her son-in-law, Greg Ayers. He is the one who challenged Harper to do the walk.

“My daughter Cassie and Greg live in Phoenix. I’ll be staying with them,” Harper said. “We’ll be bused to different locations to walk: Gilbert, Scottsdale and, of course, one day in Phoenix so more people can participate.”

The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure is a 60-mile walk for women and men who want to make a personal difference in the fight to end breast cancer. Participants collect a minimum of $2,300, raising both funds and awareness through their efforts.

Komen’s sister, Nancy G. Brinker, promised Komen she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, Brinker launched the global breast cancer movement. It is the largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, and has become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer, according to the Susan G. Komen foundation.

The 2010 walk is Harper’s first, and she said there will be thousands of people there. When she signed up, one question was whether Harper wanted to stay in a tent on one of the cots. Participants only walk during daytime hours.

“I don’t do tents. Besides, I wanted to stay with my grandchildren Regan, 4, and Kane, 2,” she said. “We’re taking them with us. They’re excited to do something with grandma. They probably won’t last too long and will go home with mom.”

When Harper found a lump in her breast, she immediately went to have a mammogram performed. The lump did not show up. Six months later, Harper noticed the lump was bigger. She went for another mammogram, and again the lump evaded detection.

“We found that every time they compressed the breast the lump moved back and out of the viewing field for the mammogram. So they gave me an ultrasound and the lump showed up,” Harper said.

Harper’s grandmother and sister also had breast cancer. A family history of the disease is one of the risk factors. Her sister is alive and well after six years, so Harper is hopeful. She called the process of surgery and therapy a journey.

“I was bald for almost eight months. My hair came back dark and curly,” Harper said. “Like my sister and many others, I want to have a lot more success stories about breast cancer — me one of them.”

Harper’s husband, Anthony Harper, said he is amazed at the number of women he knows who would rather not know if they have breast cancer.

“But it’s getting better with all cancers. You hear the success stories,” he said. Harper is a five-year cancer survivor. He had lymphoma.

“It’s important to detect early and keep checking,” he said.

Christy Harper is collecting pledges for her walk and would appreciate any donation. Her goal is $5,000.

Donations can be made by clicking here. To donate over the telephone, call (800) 996-3329.

According to statistics, without a cure one person will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes in the United States. More than 1.3 million women will be diagnosed with breast cancer globally this year, and every year after.

“That’s why I’m walking so far — to do something bold about breast cancer. I hope everyone will share this incredible adventure with me,” Harper said. “I know these are tough times, but even pennies add up.”