Clayton News Daily

By Johnny Jackson

jjackson@henryherald.com

Some 250 employees at the Henry County Water and Sewerage Authority (HCWSA) are rallying behind one of their own.

This Friday, the water authority plans to host a one-day-only charity yard sale in support of employee Cynthia Parr's annual walk for breast cancer research.

"Every department here decided to focus on one type of fund-raiser," said Susan England, HCWSA administrative assistant and yard sale co-coordinator.

Parr is attempting to raise $2,200 in order to walk in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for the Cure in Atlanta Oct. 24-26. She has been a participant since 2005. She walks in honor of her mother, Christine Smith, who is a seven-year, breast cancer survivor.

Parr has been training for about a year and has lost a healthy 34 pounds, through circuit training and diet.

"I think I'm ready for it," said Parr, 44. "I'm inspired to participate in the breast cancer 3-Day Walk because of my mother's experience with this formidable disease. Her relentless fight against the re-occurrence of the disease motivates me to contribute in any way possible to the fight for the cure."

Her first year in the walk, she raised $2,700. She hopes to exceed that mark this year.

"I'm doing it for my mom, but I'm doing it really for all of the women," she said. "I'm doing it for a cure, so that one day, my daughter (Maya, 9) doesn't have to go through the same thing. It's an awful, terrible disease. I know how I felt when my mother told me she had this disease. [And] hopefully, my efforts will encourage others to become active in this pursuit as well."

In addition to training and exercising to help stave off the disease, Parr commits to have a yearly mammogram. She also tries to do self-examinations on a regular basis.

"Breast Cancer is such a prevalent issue these days," England added. "We have a lot of employees that are really strong supporters of this cause, so we wanted to try to do what we could to support it, and find a treatment."

The yard sale will be from 8 a.m., until 2 p.m., on Friday at 1695 Ga. Highway 20 West in McDonough.

"All of our employees brought donations from home," England said. "Logistically, it's been a lot of work. We've been collecting now for six weeks. It's going to be a fast-and-furious sale."

The public is invited to the charity yard sale, which will feature donated items - such as electronics, small appliances, kitchen and household decorations, craft supplies, seasonal décor, gifts, sporting goods, linens, collectibles, children's toys, and small tools, among other things.