OSAGE - Three childhood friends will walk 60 miles next month to raise awareness and money for those battling breast cancer.

Stacy Hanson and Chasity Huber, both of Osage, and Judy Puettmann-Anderson of Rochester, Minn., are training for the Breast Cancer 3-Day series.

Hanson is participating because her sister-in-law, Kathryn Mills of Northwood, was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. She was 34 at the time.

"There was no family history of cancer, and mammograms generally aren't conducted on those of such a young age," Hanson said. "It was such a fluke that she noticed, so she had it checked out."

Mills is in remission after chemotherapy and radiation treatments and a full mastectomy.

Puettmann-Anderson participated in the 3-Day last year. Her former sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer about two years ago.

"After recovering from a double mastectomy, chemo and reconstruction, she asked me to participate in last year's walk with her and some of her friends," Puettmann-Anderson said. "It was an amazing feeling of accomplishment."

She recruited Huber for this year's event Aug. 21-23 in the Twin Cities.

"Every step I take will be for all the women and families that have had to deal with this horrendous disease," Huber said.

Her aunt battled breast cancer.

"She fought the good fight and won. I thank God every day that she did," Huber said.

Hanson knew that taking on a three-day, 60-mile walk - and raising at least $2,300 - would be tough, but she felt up to the challenge.

The women started a strict training regimen following Susan G. Komen Foundation suggestions. Since all are mothers, finding time to walk is tough, especially on weekends, Puettmann-Anderson said.

"It's hard to find four to five hours on a busy Saturday to get a 15-mile walk in and then turn around the next day and find three to four hours to get a 12-mile walk in," she said.

The trio will be among more than 4,000 participants who will follow different routes each day. Their tents and bags will be transported for them, but the friends will be responsible for setting up their own camp.

"The few days of soreness after the race pales in comparison to the vast amount of good that can be done with the money raised," Puettmann-Anderson said.