ONE STEP AT A TIME

Clarissa McMaster wants your money.

A senior Spanish and nursing major from Minnetonka, Minn., McMaster is raising money, along with her mother and grandmother, to participate in the Susan G. Komen Twin Cities 3-Day for the Cure event August 19-21.

The event consists of participants walking 60 miles over the course of three days. Camp sites will be set up along the way, where walkers will stay overnight before waking up to continue the journey—rain or shine. And before they can take off from the starting line, all individuals must raise a minimum of $2,300 to participate in 3-Day for the Cure, with proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Koman for the Cure breast cancer foundation.

McMaster's three-generation team hopes to surpass the minimum requirement and raise $5,000 individually.

After losing her step-grandmother to breast cancer, McMaster decided to get active in finding a cure.

"Having to see her suffer and have a horrible battle was so hard," McMaster said. "No one should have to go through that. I decided I wanted to do something about it and my mom and her mom jumped on board."

McMaster participated in a walk to benefit research for multiple sclerosis with her mother when she was a child, but has never participated in a fund-raising event of this caliber before.

After registering for the event at the beginning of February, McMaster started her efforts by sending emails to her friends and family and writing a Facebook note that included links for people to make online donations toward her goal.

On March 11, she hosted an event called "Beads 4 Boobs" at Club David, where she sold Mardi Gras beads for $2 and Hawaiian leis for $3 at the door. The event put McMaster $300 closer to her goal.

"The event went really well because I was friends with the guy who was DJ-ing that night, so I didn't have to pay Club David any money to set up my table," McMaster said. "People were really receptive. I think it was good to do something small like that, where people aren't forced into committing a lot of money. And every dollar really does add up."

McMaster plans to do a second, similar event at Club David within the coming month.

In addition to donating money online or through cash or check, McMaster is also accepting pledges to go toward her goal.

"When I tell people how much I have to raise in order to walk in the event, I think it kind of scares some people off from donating because they think they have to donate a large amount," McMaster said. "But really, every $5 or $10 is helpful. I know what it's like to live on a student budget; I'm not expecting any of my friends to donate hundreds of dollars."

As of now, McMaster has raised $500, and she is in the midst of planning an on-campus art auction fundraiser.

"One out of every eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer," McMaster said. "And, statistics show that if there isn't a cure, five million Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer over the next 25 years. This disease affects everyone, whether it be directly or indirectly. I feel it's my part to try to change that reality."

If you would like to donate to Clarissa McMaster's fund, you can go to: www.the3day.org, click "Donate" and search for "Clarissa McMaster."