AUGUSTA -- Volunteering for the Walk for Hope is one of the most positive things Francia Davis does in her life.

A survivor of colon cancer and a carrier of the breast cancer gene, Davis said she has lost her sister, aunt and grandmother to breast cancer. The Manchester woman said she also lost her mother to ovarian cancer.

By volunteering for this annual event, Davis said she helps raise awareness of breast cancer and the importance of regular screening mammograms as well as money for MaineGeneral Medical Center's Breast Care Program.

The Walk for Hope on Saturday will start at 9 a.m. at Sam's Club in Augusta. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

When she works at the registration table this year, Davis said she won't be alone. She will be joined by the "spirits of all the wonderfully strong women" in her family who have succumbed to cancer.

She said they'll be with her when friends coax her from her post to join the hundreds of walkers in the 5K jaunt through the University of Maine at Augusta's walking trails.

She also participates for the next generation -- daughters Megan, 31, and Anna, 26 -- who are at risk because of a strong family history of breast cancer.

"The first year I volunteered, I was there for everyone in my family who was sort of sitting there right on my shoulder, all the great women in my family," Davis said. "Their personal strength, particularly my mother and sister, inspired me to do something positive in their honor and memory. I celebrate their lives every day, but particularly on this October morning."

Davis, a compliance officer at the Maine Human Rights Commission, said the walkers she greets at the registration table are an inspiration.

She said she also couldn't have gotten this far without the support of her husband, Jed.

Some event participants are breast cancer survivors who walk to celebrate successful cancer treatment. Others walk to honor the special people in their lives who are battling breast cancer or who have lost their fight against the disease.

A $10 registration fee for event participants is waived for breast cancer survivors.

Chelsea Moeller, of MaineGeneral Office of Philanthropy and one of the event's organizers, said MaineGeneral's Walk for Hope is in its fifth year.

"It's vital for the breast cancer program, but just as importantly, it's an opportunity for this community of survivors to just come together," Moeller said.

John Begin of MaineGeneral Health said last year more than 650 people participated, raising more than $80,000 for the Breast Care Program.

Bonnie Newcombe, breast care coordinator for MaineGeneral, said the program includes surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, pathologists, nursing staff and counselors who specialize in caring for patients with cancer or those who have a suspicion of cancer.

The program also provides a full range of education, support and risk assessment services.

Mechele Cooper -- 623-3811, Ext. 408

mcooper@centralmaine.com