Leader Publications

By MARCIA STEFFENS
Niles Daily Star

Your toes have to be in good shape to walk 60 miles, but two friends were in Tippy Toes in Niles recently bringing products to sell, not to get a pedicure.

The profit from the sale of the socks, bracelets, pins and lanyards, all pink and white, will go toward a very hefty goal.

Sue Severeid and Chris Boucher intend to raise $2,300 each, the minimum required to participate in one of the large Susan B. Komen For a Cure three day races.

Last year they participated in the walk for the first time, in Detroit, raising a total of almost $5,000, in the name of two other friends, both breast cancer survivors.

“It is a physical challenge,” said Severeid. They do training walks to prepare for the 20 miles they will go on each of the three days.

But that experience caused the two women to make a commitment “to walk each year we are able,” Severeid added.

“It wasn’t about being fit. It was a life changing experience,” Severeid said.

But Severeid has an added benefit from the training, she has lost weight.

They chose to go to San Diego’s walk this year, to be held Nov. 20-22.

The money will go toward free screening, research, treatment and education, said Boucher.
Along with their own Web site, so people can follow their progress, the two have a lip product in their own name, kaboobies.org.

Severeid grew up in Niles, graduating in 1979. Her parents, Don and Jeannine still live here.
Jeannine introduced her daughters to Tippy Toes Salon and Spa at 127 E. Main St. and they continue to come home to visit their mother and get a pedicure, Sue from Kalamazoo and Brenda from Saginaw, said Vicky Williams, owner/operator.

Those looking to support the two can also purchase a card with a pink ribbon for $1, on which they can put their name and Williams will display at her shop. She also has information for free screenings in October for those women over 40, without insurance.

For more information, go to www.KomenSWMichigan.org.