Gigi Ekstrom made news following Hurricane Katrina, when she rallied scores of neighbors to advocate for survivors living in Dallas. But she didn’t do it for the recognition, friends say. She’s just drawn to altruism, and when Ekstrom commits to a cause, she goes all the way. Take her dedication to breast cancer awareness — six years ago, Ekstrom participated in the three-day, 60-mile Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3 Day. Since then, she has made it an annual tradition to take on the challenge. But she also convinced many of her friends to join her. And more participants mean more money for a cure. Over the years, Ekstrom and her growing team of trekkers have raised $25,000 to $30,000 through sponsorships. Now, the group is kicking off intensive training for the walk in November. How intensive? “By the end of training we are walking around White Rock Lake two times, which takes about five hours. Sometimes we do that Saturday and Sunday,” Ekstrom says. When it all started, she just walked because she believed in the cause. But over the years, Ekstrom says, she has met wonderful people and seen a friend affected by cancer. Today it’s more than just a good cause, Eckstrom says — it’s personal.
For more about the Breast Cancer 3 Day, visit the3day.org or call 800.996.3DAY
