Generosity and determination bloomed in Middleburg, Warrenton and Leesburg when participants and supporters raised $122,000 to fight breast cancer during the annual Cherry Blossom Walks.

"Our previous best was last year when we raised $45,000," said founder Jim Atkins who organized and named the walk in memory of Nanette White and his wife, Cheryl Clayton Atkins whose nickname was 'Cherry Blossom.'

"This is a wonderful example of the commitment that characterizes our communities. I am so grateful to everyone," Atkins said.

Established in 2007 to honor two wonderful women, Nanette White and Cheryl Clayton Atkins, whose nickname was 'Cherry Blossom,' the events generate revenue for grants to Fauquier Hospital, Inova Hospital, Loudoun Community Health Center, Breast Cancer Network of Strength and the Lombardi Cancer Center.

Originally organized in Middleburg, this year Cherry Blossom walks took place in Middleburg, Warrenton and Leesburg. Over one thousand walkers took part in the three events.

Participants included the Lombardy Cancer Center, Foxcroft School's team of 100 walkers and Upperville resident and surgeon Dr. Behzad Parva's team of 92 walkers.

Major sponsors included Middleburg Bank, Applied Knowledge Group, Weissberg Corporation and Warrenton Village Center. An important $5,000 donation was made by Karen Schulling and every single participant helped ensure that the local response to this devastating disease was sensational.