"I am so excited that word is getting out and the Hike for the TaTas is growing each year, said Shelly Herlihy, the group's founder and a breast cancer survivor. “Hikers are telling their friends about what a wonderful experience the hike is every year on the Appalachian Trail. Itís a great adventure in a beautiful setting, and every mile we walk raises funds that are directed to the war on breast cancer.”

This year’s hike involves two separate groups -- one hiking the Maryland Appalachian Trail, and one group hiking the Appalachian Trail in southern Pennsylvania. Men and women are invited on the trail but every hiker is asked to raise at least $500 dollars to join the hike. Volunteers are also needed to assist with logistics, such as assisting hikes and transporting gear and food.

“Even as we're expanding the hike, however, we're also mindful of the mantra to “leave no trace” and by design are keeping the hiking groups small enough so that we don't disrupt the natural setting of the Appalachian Trail,” said Herlihy.

Each daily hike is roughly 10-14 miles on the Appalachian Trail with hiking groups of up to ten people. Hikers have the option to spend the night on the trail, or simply day hike at various points along the trail. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a 2,175-mile greenway that extends from Maine to Georgia.

According to Komen Maryland, women in Maryland are not diagnosed with breast cancer any more frequently than women in the rest of the country, but they are dying of breast cancer at higher rates. Maryland is ranked fifth in the nation for breast cancer death rates. This year alone, it is estimated that 810 Maryland woman will die from breast cancer.

For more information about the Hike to the TaTas, visit www.hikeforthetatas.org