Jenna Bordelon
BURBANK -- An extended trip abroad after college changed Sherilyn
Canady's outlook on life forever.
"My two years in Europe far surpassed my college education in terms of
survival skills," the Burbank resident said. "What I realized is that I
was very lucky."
"What was really important to me was my health and my support system,"
she said.
In her position as coordinator of the City of Hope Walk For Life
Against Breast Cancer, Canady uses anything but luck to push for money to
fund needed research.
Although she doesn't have breast cancer herself, many of her friends
and co-workers are battling the disease. Eventually, one in 10 women
will, she said.
Canady's best friend was diagnosed in 1991.
"She was there for me completely," said Linda Sanserino, a former
Burbank resident. "She was always looking for new information and new
resources for me, and she still does that."
Sanserino is now cancer-free following a lumpectomy at Providence St.
Joseph Medical Center in 1991. She said she feels fortunate for the help
she received and she urged other women to question their doctors and get
checked often.
"The most important thing is that it's not a death sentence," she
said.
So far, more than 1,000 people have signed up for the walk on Sunday.
Canady said she hopes the event will raise about $500,000 for women with
breast cancer.
"They're struggling -- they're fighting for their lives," she said.
"The more I do this work, the more I see how important it is to raise
money for this issue."
THE SHERILYNN CANADY FILE
JOB: Development director for City of Hope National Medical Center for
past nine years.
AGE: 57
SCHOOLING: Graduate of Westchester High School. Received a bachelor's
degree in criminology from Cal State Long Beach.
HOBBIES: Gardening, reading and entering her Rottweilers in American
Kennel Club obedience competitions.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: City of Hope National Medical Center's Walk For Hope Against
Breast Cancer with 10K, 5K and Leisure walks, as well as a 5K run.
WHEN: Sunday. Registration begins at 7 a.m. The walk starts at 9 a.m.
A festival will follow from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: City of Hope Campus, 1500 E. Duarte Road in Duarte.
WHY: The walks and run will raise money for breast cancer research.
HOW: Participants ask family and friends to sponsor their walk or run.
Those interested can join the day of the event for $30. Arrive early.
INFO: (800) 266-7920.
