NASHVILLE — Private losses have led two co-workers to make a very public commitment to raising money and awareness for breast cancer research.

Lorena Maggio and Brooke Hoke Parr are co-workers at Nashville Mills in Berrien County. Maggio lost an aunt, Ana Maria Marcos, to breast cancer.

Parr lost her mother-in-law, Ruby Parr, and sister, Ginger Johnson, to breast cancer.

They plan to walk 60 miles during three days to pay tribute to their lost relatives.

In October, Parr and Maggio are scheduled to walk in the Atlanta Breast Cancer 3-Day benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.

The two women have worked together for five years.

Hearing of the event earlier this year, they decided to walk together.

Participants receive a weekly training guide to prepare for what essentially equals a grueling 20-mile walk per day, three days in a row.

“Training started out real strong, but you know how life happens,” Parr says.

They have walked 12 miles together and plan to train more intensely in the coming weeks.

Participating takes more than training. Each walker must raise $2,300 to enter the walk. Together, that’s $4,600. Maggio and Parr have scheduled two events open to the public to help raise the funds.

On Sept. 5, they host a bass tournament, Paradise Fishing Area, Enigma Highway, near Tifton. The tournament starts at dawn. Entry fee: $60 per boat. Prize awarded. More information: Call Lorena Maggio, (229) 561-0490, or e-mail lorenal6@yahoo.com.

On Sept. 26, they host the Ace for Breast Cancer Golf Tournament at Kinderlou Forest Golf Club. The event opens 1:30 p.m. with a shotgun start. The format: Four-Man Scramble, 18 holes. Entry fee: $400. $100 hole sponsorships available. Gift-certificate prizes awarded. Entries must be received by Sept. 23. More information: Call Lorena Maggio, (229) 561-0490, or e-mail lorenal6@yahoo.com.

Donations may also be made by Internet to the two women by visiting www.The3Day.org, then search for their names.