On that Saturday, Rodenberger, 38, will be in San Francisco, participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. She has chosen the longer of two routes—the marathon and a half, 39.1 miles—to complete in two days.

For years, the Willow Glen mother of three hadn't directly known anyone with breast cancer; it was someone else's friend, someone else's family member. That changed three years ago when her college roommate, Lisa, was diagnosed. A medical technologist at a university, Lisa was then 35, and the first one in her family to have the disease.

"It was completely unexpected," Rodenberger says. "Until then, I thought of it as an older woman's disease. I didn't know it could strike someone my age."

Throughout the course of her friend's treatment, which included a mastectomy, chemotherapy and reconstructive plastic surgery, the two women talked often.

"Lisa wanted to do anything that would eliminate all the cancer," Rodenberger says. "When a mastectomy was recommended, she did a lot of research. She had connections at the university's cancer center, so she asked the men, 'What would you tell your wife to do?' They all said, 'Get the mastectomy,' so she did."

The process, including the chemotherapy and surgeries, took nearly a year.

"Lisa was my inspiration," Rodenberger says. "Realizing what she went through, I thought about how I would deal with it. They try not to use the word 'remission,' but she's doing great now."

During that time, Rodenberger began to consider getting involved in the Avon Foundation's Breast Cancer Crusade. Last year she wasn't ready in time to participate in the walk. This year she is: she's been training for the past two months.

"It's my first time ever for an athletic event," Rodenberger says. "It's a little intimidating. I've been going to a fitness center for a year now, but other than that, just keeping up with the kids."

She has kept up those workouts and made walking part of her regimen. She walks 5 to 7 miles four to five days a week, longer on weekends, and has walked in hilly areas to build stamina for the San Francisco course.

"When I walk, I feel good," she says. "And I know they have rest stops along the route."

Rodenberger's participation in the Avon Walk has sparked a number of breast cancer discussions among her neighbors and friends. And more names have been added to the back of her event T-shirt.

"In the past three years, three of my neighbors have been diagnosed," she says. "There were also a couple teachers at my kids' schools. In my fundraising letter, I asked people to send me names of anyone they wanted me to walk in honor or memory of."

Rodenberger also credits Avon with helping her prepare the administrative aspects of the event. At an orientation meeting, participants received a packet of detailed information. Each person was also assigned a "walker buddy" who emails updates about the event and is available to answer questions.

"It's very well organized," she says. "Not being an athlete, I needed to know what would be the most comfortable clothes to wear. Most people doing it are average, just doing it for the cause."

Avon will set up a "Wellness Village" for the event at San Francisco's Chrissy Field, where tents, massage therapy and medical treatment are provided, Rodenberger says. Meals, hot showers and yoga classes are also available. Participants haven't been given the exact course yet, but the route goes over the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito and Mill Valley.

"They wanted to go into Marin County, because it has the highest breast cancer rate in the nation," Rodenberger says. "They don't know if it's because women there are more aware and get checkups more often or earlier, or if there's another reason."

Though Rodenberger is required to raise a minimum of $1,800 to participate, she hopes to raise $2,500. And she's willing to put her own money where her heart is.

"I'm pretty sure I'll make it to $1,800," she says. "If I don't, I'll cover the rest on my credit card."

For more information about the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer or to donate online visit www.avonwalk.org.