When Tina and Cory McDonough and Brenda Pitzen were trying to find a way to raise money for a walking team to participate in the 2008 Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk event scheduled for this September in Seattle, it didn't take them long to "think pink" in a way that hit very close to home. The McDonough's, who own One.7, Inc., a sweeper dealership in Ravensdale, Wash., came up with the idea to paint one of their Elgin Broom Bear sweepers pink and auction it off to help raise money for breast cancer research. The community response and outpouring of support they have received from local businesses was something they never could have imagined.

The McDonough's both worked for a family business that involved sweeping, paving, pressure washing, vacuuming, sanding and plowing. They left to open their own business, One.7, Inc., in February 2005, selling sweepers and vacuum excavation products.

Walking the walk
The Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure. It is a 60-mile journey spread over three days featuring teams that raise money for the cure. Eighty-five percent of the net proceeds go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, while 15 percent goes to the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. Last year, Tina joined the 3-Day Walk in nearby Seattle with three other friends in honor of her friend's sister, Kathy, who had passed away, and her friend, Michelle Brown, who was battling the disease.

"It was the best and the worst experience of my life," Tina said. "Nothing could have prepared me for the physical and emotional pain I encountered. I left feeling unsure if I would participate in that capacity again, but I knew I would be involved in some way."

An inspiration for all
Breast cancer rocked Tina's world again when her friend Michelle took a turn for the worse and passed on December 12, 2007.