The journey of a breast cancer patient is long and difficult. The 60-mile walk two local survivors will take Oct. 9 through 11 to raise funds and awareness for the cause is symbolic of their own stories and the struggles of millions of women and men across the globe.

“We’re passionate about getting rid of breast cancer so our kids don’t have to deal with it,” said Cindy Mastrian. “Research costs money.”

Mrs. Mastrian, 52, and Sue Cameron Brown, 45, both of Hermitage, were each diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago. Both work for Sharon Regional Health System.

Mrs. Mastrian is the breast nurse navigator for the hospital and Mrs. Brown is clinical manager for the home health agency, working with patients that include those who’ve had mastectomies.

Because of their experiences with the disease, the pair decided to take action themselves to help work toward a cure.

They began training months ago for the Breast Cancer 3-Day and have raised a total of about $6,500 for the cause.

Mrs. Mastrian said she had been worried about asking for donations in this economy, but “it’s been easy.”

The pair raffled off a set of Pittsburgh Steelers game tickets donated by Sam Kudelko and sold Daffin’s candy bars.

Mrs. Brown said they’ve received a lot of support from family, friends and co-workers in their endeavor.

Mrs. Brown’s husband Philip made her a pink walking stick she takes on her walks, though it isn’t allowed at the event.

Gearing up to walk 60 miles over three days has been time consuming. If you walk fast you can do 4 miles in an hour, Mrs. Mastrian said.

“It’s like another job,” Mrs. Brown said.

They both walked to work sometimes and trekked to parks and other scenic places in the area to walk as much as 18 miles in a day.

“You walk no matter what – rain, snow, monsoons,” Mrs. Mastrian said, adding that she’s walked in the rain. People stopped and offered to take her home, but she turned them down.

Once, her son Adam, 22, was coming home from work and saw her in the rain. Aware of her commitment, he just reached in the back of his car and handed her an umbrella, Mrs. Mastrian said.