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Statesville Record & Landmark
By J.R. Munoz-McNally

She hasn’t said what kind of sock she wears, but U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx talked about what sock she is proudest of on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives Monday night.

That article of footwear is a specially designed cancer-walk sock that was created by a local company.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend THOR-LO Inc. of Statesville, North Carolina, for its commitment to fighting breast cancer,” Foxx said. “This company, which makes specialized socks for almost any activity, has pledged $250,000 as a national sponsor for the Breast Cancer 3-Day campaign.”

Specifically, Foxx - a Republican from North Carolina’s 5th District, which includes Statesville - was talking about a sock called the HEROs Distance Walker, which will be available only for those who plan to participate in any of a number of events, which, as Foxx sad, are all called the Breast Cancer 3-Day.

Foxx explained the thrust of the events in her speech Monday.

“The campaign will raise funds through a dozen 3-day 60-mile walks in cities across the nation and will support the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation,” Foxx said. “But the story doesn’t stop there.”

Foxx noted that THOR-LO first got behind the push for greater breast cancer research through the efforts Jordan Carlson, of young Mocksville woman whose mother Jan Carlson has had two different bouts with breast cancer.

Foxx said in her speech that Jordan Carlson plans to participate in all 12 3-day events.

“By walking more than 700 miles, Jordan plans to raise $1 million to help fight breast cancer,” Foxx said.

She then commended the efforts of the sock company and the determination of Carlson.

“The partnership of THOR-LO with Jordan Carlson is a triumph of the spirit of American compassion and generosity,” Foxx said. “Jordan’s example has inspired THOR-LO to support a great philanthropic cause and to offer not only generous financial support, but to bring THOR-LO’s sock-making know-how to the thousands of walkers who will raise millions to find a cure for breast cancer.”

THOR-LO Chairman Jim Thorneburg said his company was proud to be involved with the project.

“We are committed to doing everything we can to beat this disease one step at a time,” he said in a release. “Sponsorship fee, monetary contributions, free product and rallying the support of our strategic suppliers, retail partners and loyal consumers are the least we can do to help prevent, treat and educate people about breast cancer.”