Eli Joseph Abad didn’t know much about cancer in ninth grade. When he found out his mother was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer, he was in disbelief because he thought his mother was invincible.
Almost 10 years later, Abad decided his third year of law school was the perfect time to honor his mother’s survival and support breast cancer research by walking 20 miles a day Sept. 23 through 25 at the Susan G. Komen “3-Day for the Cure” race in Washington, D.C.
Abad, a 25-year-old LSU law student, said he easily surpassed the $2,300 fundraising requirement for the race when the law school community held an auction at the Roux House. He said 10 male law students auctioned themselves for dates. The event raised about $2,500, and Roux House donated the $800 in cover charges from the night. He said his total is now around $4,150.
“The most important thing is finding a cure,” Abad said.
He said the six to seven hours spent walking each day were ideal times to reflect and meet other motivated walkers and hear their stories.
“It was one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had,” Abad said. “I hope a lot of people would consider doing