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Susan G. Komen 3-Day Kicks Off In Philadelphia

By Jim Melwert

WILLOW GROVE, Pa. (CBS) - On a beautiful day for a walk,  hundreds of people -- decked out in pink -- started their 60-mile, three-day journey to raise money and awareness for the battle against breast cancer.

This is the 10th year for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day in Philadelphia, featuring over 1,300 participants heading out on the trek that ends at the Navy Yard.

Mike Hearty's mom died of breast cancer 22 years ago, and he says the advances made thanks to fundraisers like this are what bring them out:

"If it happens to a loved one, a family member, one of my kids that they've got a better chance than 22 years ago, that's why we do it."

Survivor Erin Charles -- celebrating five years of being cancer free -- walked with her friends. Now in her second Komen 3-Day, she admits she's a bit nervous:

"I think I might be ill-prepared this year. I didn't train as much as I should have, but when you're in the big group and you see everyone, especially the cheer stations on the way, and you see the other people, survivors, or people that are battling it on the walk, it gives you the inspiration to keep on going."

Since 2005, the Philadelphia three-day has raised more than $54-million. Nationally, the event has raised more than $750-million.

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