Some folks in Alberton spent Saturday walking for a good cause aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer.

Amy Lommen decided to hold a cancer walk in town after her mom fought and beat breast cancer.

Saturday's 5K walk was followed by a lunch and an auction, and all of the money raised went to the Montana Breast and Cervical Program for breast cancer awareness, as well as to help women who can't afford mammograms.

"I want people to know life goes on its not a death sentence anymore and life goes on...I'm going to walk the 5K. I'm in great shape feeling good" breast cancer survivor Martha Tillman said.

Tillman also wants people to know that early detection is key, with the overall idea behind Saturday's event was to make sure women are checking themselves and getting yearly mammograms.

- Allyson Weller reporting from KPAX in Missoula

(from October 15, 2009)

It's almost human nature to hide under the covers when we get bad news. But a family from Alberton is doing the exact opposite, and is making sure one woman's breast cancer story can help others.

"There are six to eight risk factors for breast cancer, I had none" breast cancer survivor Martha Tilleman told us. The 53-year old found a lump in her breast, and just 2 ½ weeks later she had her breast removed to get rid of the cancer.

First she was shocked, then actually thankful. "There is gratitude to finding it before it spread across the board. Use this as a tool to educate others."

Her daughter Amy took charge and organized the first ever cancer awareness walk in Alberton, which is coming up on October 24^th. "I felt compelled to do something, this walk is my way to give back because early detection is why we're so lucky to have my mom" she said.

The "Walk for Awareness" is October 24^th. The 5K walk/run starts at 10:00 in the morning, starting at the Alberton Community Center. The money raised by the event goes to the Montana Breast and Cervical Health Program. There will also be a silent auction and lunch.

To pre-register for the event, call (406) 722-2030, or email amy@blackfoot.net.