Men, women "Walk In Her Shoes"

Published Oct. 31, 2012
By Senior Airman Natasha Stannard
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The Spangdahlem community raised breast cancer awareness in a unique way as men and women donned their stiletto heels for a one-mile walk during "Walk In Her Shoes" Oct. 29, 2012.

Spangdahlem Middle School hosted the breast cancer awareness walk, during which participants dressed up and wore women's shoes to raise awareness and money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Participants raised more than $1,000 with a bulk of the money coming from the 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron "Vehicle Maintenance Vixens" -- a group of men who raised funds by dressing up as women. The more ef'feminately dressed the "Vixens" were, the more money they raised. Some went so far as to wear fishnet stockings and makeup to raise funds.

"We wanted to participate and find a good way to raise money for breast cancer awareness," said Tech. Sgt. Eric Ford, Vehicle Maintenance Vixen from New Orleans. "We just told people the more money you donate, the more makeup and wigs we'll wear."

Ford's crew of Vixens not only raised money, but also put smiles on survivors' faces at the event.

"It's really great to know you have all this support," said survivor Dorinda Ray from Sequim, Wash., who celebrated her one-year anniversary of survival that day. "Last year, the middle school put a team together and walked for me in Frankfurt. It's really a morale booster to know someone walked for you."

Kelly Caudill from Southport, S.C., donned a sash with her friend Frau Heinz's name at this event. Marta Heinz is a survivor who is in the final stages of the treatment process. Caudill said she tries to find ways to cheer up her friend as she's going through treatment. "Walking In Her Shoes" was just another way to put a smile on Heinz's face along with the other survivors.

For more information or to donate to the Susan G. Komen Foundation visit http://ww5.komen.org/.

Men, women “Walk In Her Shoes”

Men, women “Walk In Her Shoes”

Men, women “Walk In Her Shoes”

Men, women “Walk In Her Shoes”