Ranchos woman will walk 60 miles to help fight breast cancer

Fifty-nine-year-old Gardnerville Ranchos resident Pam Sturlin has overcome physical challenges most of her life - has been called "athletic" in spite of it all - and now is charging into a new venture.

Sturlin, who has overcome childhood polio, scoliosis, thyroid disease and hip and knee injuries, is preparing for a three-day walk of 20 miles per day, during the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race For the Cure on Nov. 11-13.

"It's for people that have been in wheelchairs, have MD, MS, have been in an accident and don't think they can pick themselves up that one more time," said Sturlin, who was at Lampe Park, training for the walk, which will take place in San Diego.

Sturlin's son Sean Beavers, 38, recently battled cancer of the throat. He is waiting for test results on whether the cancer is completely gone.

Sturlin's mother found out she had breast cancer at age 72, and lived 10 more years.

Sturlin's friend Shelli Hodges died of breast cancer in May. During that time, Sturlin and her daughter Shanin Zmija, who lives in San Diego, decided to participate as a team in the walk for cancer.

Sturlin's strength developed from the time she had polio in her legs. She built her strength on a trapeze and swing set, as well as dancing. At 14, she was diagnosed with scoliosis and had to wear a body cast for a year.

As an adult, Sturlin contracted Hashimoto's disease, a virus that causes inflammation of the thyroid gland, often leading to an under-active thyroid.

Her daughter also has the disease, which is sometimes thought to be genetic.

The biggest hurdle remaining for Sturlin and her daughter is raising the funds to participate.

"Shanin and I have to raise $2,200 each," said Sturlin. "Her husband, who is in the Navy, left for overseas in a dangerous area, and they have three kids so fundraising is not on top of her list. She doesn't have a whole lot of time."

Sturlin has raised $915, and has to have the rest of the money by Nov. 1.

She thought of an idea to print the names of contributors on the six shirts they will wear during the three days of walking.

Contributions can be made by mailing a check payable to "The 3-Day Walk," to Pam Sturlin, 1329 Highway 395, No. 10-325, Gardnerville, NV 89410; or go to www.the3day.org/SanDiego06/pamsturlin. If Sturlin's goal is reached, she will apply the additional funds to her daughter's goal, or visit www.the3day.org/SanDiego06/shanin to contribute to Zmija's account.

"Training for 60 miles in the midst of all the other daily things that must get done is a great task," said Zmija in an e-mail. "Most people in life never get involved in anything that is larger than they are, something that requires them to push themselves and go beyond who they are."

You can help

Contributions can be made by mailing a check payable to "The 3-Day Walk," to Pam Sturlin, 1329 Highway 395, No. 10-325, Gardnerville, NV 89410; or go to www.the3day.org/SanDiego06/

pamsturlin.

For Shanin Amija, go to Zywww.the3day.org/SanDiego06/

shanin.