By Jordan J. Michael

GUILDERLAND –– The Blistered Sisters are putting their best foot forward in the race to find a cure for cancer –– a disease that killed their father.

“My sister and I always used to walk and run together,” said Carol Barre of Guilderland who will participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in New York City on Oct. 4 and 5. “I decided to bring her along with me.”

Barre will be pared with her sister, Michelle Pisapia, of New Hampshire, for the weekend trip.

Their team name is The Blistered Sisters. “Your feet really take a beating when you start going for walks all the time,” said Barre. “You get some pretty painful blisters. I thought the name was quite creative.”

Besides training, she has to raise $1,800 for breast cancer. “The fund-raising has been real difficult,” said Barre. “I believe the economy is to blame. But, I have gotten some great advice. I’ve raised about $1,000 so far.”

Barre lost her father to lung cancer five years ago and a good friend to breast cancer two years ago. She knows many survivors as well. “I’m doing this walk for my dad and my friend who have passed away from this terrible disease,” she said. “I heard about this huge walk and I really got excited. I want to make a difference.”

The walk will cover 26.2 miles on Oct. 4 and another 13.1 miles on Oct. 5. Thousands of people will attend the event. “All of us will sleep in tents in Central Park,” said Barre. “The organizers set up all the tents for the walkers. I can’t wait to meet all these amazing people.”

She trains four days a week. Three of the days are four-mile “fast walks” and the remaining day is a much longer walk. “I’m up to 11 miles for my long-walk day. Walking 40 miles in two days is going to be insane, but it’s for a great cause. These walks raise so much money for cancer research,” Barre said.

“If you have been affected by cancer in any way, then you should participate in this walk,” said Barre. “I feel very proud.”