Diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia — CLL — in 2024, the Iron Mountain woman began walking April 1 to raise funds and awareness for the organization.

“Every dollar donated goes directly to the ACS to improve the lives of people with cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer,” Ford said.

CLL is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow, causing an overproduction of white blood cells that build up in the marrow, blood and lymph nodes. “There is treatment to slow the progression, but there’s no cure. You just watch and wait,” she explained.

Ford, who retired in December 2025 after 22 years of service as Dickinson County Friend of the Court, is walking as a personal way to give back, while supporting others facing cancer. She is also walking in memory of her cousin, Lisa, and friends Debra and Danny, who passed away from the disease.

Heidi Ford, who was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2024, is shown with her husband, Dale. He has been taking video of her daily walks that he shares on her personal Facebook page and event page, “I’m Walking 100 Miles for the American Cancer Society.” (Contributed photo)

“This is such an important cause to me personally,” she said. “I hope and pray for a cure for CLL in my lifetime.”

After hearing about her mission, Shoe Dept. Store Manager Staci Geronomi reached out to donate walking shoes. “I thank her for kindness and support — it means so much,” she said.

She plans to exceed her 100-mile goal, aiming for 150 miles by the end of the month. On day 15 of her challenge, she had already logged more than 80 miles, averaging about 6 miles per day.

“I will walk twice a day, about an hour and a half each time, five to seven days a week,” Ford said. With the nice weather, she said she has been able “to finally get a lot of outdoor walking in.”

She has also joined five classes offered at Northern Lights YMCA. “Right now it’s my full-time job, taking care of my health,” Ford said.

Her entire walk is being done in prayer, with video updates done by her husband, Dale, shared on her personal Facebook and her event page, “I’m Walking 100 Miles for the American Cancer Society.”

“Although it’s easier to walk while listening to music or watching a moving while on the treadmill, I will focus on praying for those who are battling or loved ones affected by this disease,” she said.

Ford is accepting prayer requests for anyone affected by cancer, which will be kept confidential. Individuals who like to be added to her daily prayer list can send her a message through Facebook.

“Cancer is a word that splits your life into two parts — before and after,” she said.

“Before, your days were full of normal, everyday activities. After, it’s bloodwork, scans and doctor appointments. Cancer hits you hard at first, but in the middle of grieving, you find inner strength you didn’t know you had. Cancer is only part of my story, but not the whole story,” Ford said.

The ACS notes that every 15 seconds someone in the United States is diagnosed with cancer.

Donations to support Ford’s walk can be made through her Facebook page for the entire month of April.

“Any amount will be greatly appreciated — it goes to a very worthy cause,” she said. “I feel blessed with every day I’m given and choose to smile even on my hardest days and continue to choose joy.”

For more information about cancer or support resources, call the American Cancer Society 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-227-2345 or go to cancer.org.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.