Published: May 17, 2008 03:02 am         

Friends taking part in breast cancer walk

Lisa Nelsen and Denise Pribnow have both battled cancer

Lisa Nelsen has always preferred pink — pink clothes, pink accessories, pink decorations.

But after battling breast cancer in 2004 and having it return in her bones last summer, Nelsen’s whole world has turned pink.

“I always said, if I had to get a disease, at least I got one that’s the right color,” Nelsen laughs.

Although Nelsen has kept her sense of humor, her obsession with all things pink is no laughing matter. Raising money for breast cancer research, treatment and education is a passion for her, and for dozens of other local women who have been touched by the disease.

In September, more than 50 people from Mankato or with Mankato connections will take part in the Breast Cancer 3 Day, a 60-mile walk in the Twin Cities that benefits the Susan G. Komen For the Cure foundation. Each of them has to raise $2,200 to participate, which means that more than $100,000 will go directly to efforts to find a cure for the disease.

Nelsen won’t be able to walk. But her friend, co-worker and fellow cancer survivor Denise Pribnow will. She’s been sending letters to friends and is planning a garage sale on the last weekend of May to help raise her $2,200, but she also relies on Nelsen for help.

“I’m not necessarily the best fundraiser,” admits Pribnow, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 at age 36. “That’s where Lisa comes in. Lisa’s my idea person.”

Nelsen’s thinking about a pink lemonade and cookie stand, for example. She’s also trying to spread the word about Pribnow’s walk and her fundraising efforts. “She does the walking, and I do the talking.”



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