Carwash set to raise money for breast cancer walk

A clean car may help save lives.

Carson High School teacher Julie Koop is planning a car wash Saturday to raise money for the 3-Day Avon Breast Cancer Walk, a 60-mile trek from Denver to Boulder, Colo.

Koop, who also sells Avon products, decided this year to participate in the walk which donates funds to people who need access to care and to finding a cure.

"The walk is a real successful way to bring in a lot of money for the cause," she said. "So many people are affected by it -- all of the families of the victims and survivors."

Although Koop has not been touched personally by the disease, she has found her conviction through others.

"I'm walking in honor of many of our teachers and support staff from the school district," she said. "Thankfully, most of them have been survivors."

She has also received inspiration through letters from her sponsors.

"A lot of people have been writing and telling me their sisters or someone they love has the cancer," she said. "It's so emotional."

Koop and her sister, Holly, plan to cover the 60-mile walk Aug. 2-4 together -- bringing along three pairs of tennis shoes each.

In the meantime, they are preparing physically.

"I've been walking and running. I just got back from a four-mile walk," Koop said. "I think I'll be O.K. but I'm going to start training more seriously."

To participate in the race, walkers must raise at least $1,900. Koop has about $1,100.

She and other Carson High School teachers and students plan to host a car wash from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Autozone on Highway 50 to raise the difference.

IF YOU GO

What: Car wash for the cure

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

Where: Autozone on Highway 50 East

YOU CAN HELP

To help wash cars for the Carwash for the Cure, call Julie Koop at 283-1805. To donate to the 3-Day Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, send money to Julie Koop at Carson High School, 1111 Saliman Rd. Carson City, NV 89701.