Breast Cancer Walk Inspires Love, Support and Weddings

It was the perfect wedding.

Surrounded by hundreds of people filled with love, hope and faith, Heather McDonnell of Highland secretly planned her wedding to take place at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer event last summer. 

As her unknowing fiancé arrived at the location to find his family there and his bride wearing a white dress, McDonnell says that she is still proud of herself for being able to pull off such an event without the groom knowing. 

“It all came off without a hitch,” McDonnell said. “Everybody who was in camp that day fled to the tent as word started to spread there was going to be a wedding.”

Standing on stage, surrounded by survivors and supporters of breast cancer, McDonnell’s aunt and her reason for being at the 3-Day, Nannette Walker, stood by her side as her maid of honor.

McDonnell has walked in the Breast Cancer 3-Day fundraising event for six years in support of Walker who, seven year ago was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer.

Together with two other teammates, the aunt and niece formed the team, "Angels in Pink" helping to raise money and awareness to the disease.

Walker continues her battle against breast cancer, which has progressed to a stage four, with faith, dignity and love and McDonnell says it’s events like the 3-Day that continue to inspire the family and give them hope.

“It’s something that we look forward to,” McDonnell said. “She can be with other survivors and intermingle with people who really care about what’s going on with breast cancer.”

Describing her aunt as a “character,” McDonnell says Walker is an inspiration to her and many others with her "awesome attitude" and desire to live.

Calling it a “big circle of support” Walker says the loving atmosphere of the 3-Day event has not only helped Walker through her fight, but her team as well.

To help support the teams 3-Day fundraising efforts this year, the “Angels in the Pink” are hosting a breast cancer fundraising event from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., March 30, at Java House Cafe in South Lyon with music, dancing, raffles and jewelry sales.