Before last year’s Susan G. Komen 3-Day® Series, we introduced the local coaches from each Komen 3-Day. These are the staff members who support the walkers and crew members all year round, answering phone calls and emails, hosting community events, assigning crew captains and juggling dozens of other tasks to make sure that the 3-Day® participants make it to their events excited and well prepared.

Since we gave you the coaches’ full profiles last year, we’ll delight you with just a fun update before each event this year. We’ve already caught up with the Michigan and Twin Cities coaches, and the Seattle 3-Day coaches are in the spotlight this week (you can read last year’s “Meet the Seattle Coaches” here)!

What was your favorite memory from the 2014 Seattle 3-Day?

Paula (Seattle Participant Coach) – I was heartbroken when a back injury kept me from going to the Seattle 3-Day in 2014. As I followed every Facebook post and had my little pity party that weekend, imagine my surprise when a photo of me appeared – it was “Flat Paula,” a picture of my face on a wooden handle – being a part of the entire 3-Day weekend. I was so touched that my co-workers had made sure that I was there, and loved all of the photos of Flat Me with walkers, crew and staff!

Aubrey and Jon with “Flat Paula”

Aubrey (Seattle Local Events Coach) – Getting to hug people as they crossed the finish line is something I will never forget. Every time I think about it I get choked up. Seeing all those faces showing their pride in themselves and their loved ones, and knowing that they had just achieved greatness is truly an honorable energy to be around. From the people who have crossed the finish line for the umpteenth time, I am inspired by their devotion. For the first-time walker who wasn’t sure if she could do it when she first signed up, I am proud to see her shining so brightly as she finishes, victorious. To be in this position, to get to work with all of these wonderful participants, is truly a gift that I could not put a value on, and that very few will completely understand.

Jon (Seattle Crew & Volunteer Coordinator) – The part that stands out most in my mind was walking into the Closing Ceremony arena, leading the entire Seattle 3-Day crew to their positions. It had been a long weekend but everyone was happy to be taking their final steps towards a wonderful ending. There were smiles galore and the cheers that went up when the walkers came by–unforgettable.

Fun facts about the Seattle 3-Day Coaches – Can you guess which fun fact is true about which coach? (There are 3 facts about each coach; answers will be at the end of the Philadelphia 3-Day coaches’ check-in later in September!)

1. I have lived in 8 states, including each of America’s “corner” states (Washington, California, Maine, and Florida).
2. I’ve never broken a bone in my body.
3. I won a dance contest at Howl at the Moon in Orlando against eight far inferior competitors.
4. I am married to “Santa.” My hubby dons his red suit one day each every year to bring joy (and donated toys) to about 600 needy kids in our community.
5. I’ve been a runner my whole life and this year I ran my first 50k race (that’s 31 miles)!
6. I am a California native and have experienced the “thrill” (aka terror!) of living near the epicenter of two BIG earthquakes!
7. In a recent feat of endurance, in May I drove from Seattle to Cleveland and back in 6 days.
8. In my experience, seeing Jared Leto from 5 feet away is even better than cupcakes, tacos, and fuzzy socks (which are all things I also love)!
9. “Here today, gone to Maui!” My favorite vacation spot is calling my name, and I am looking forward to spending two weeks in paradise shortly after the Seattle 3-Day.

Looking for the answers from the Twin Cities Coaches’ Fun Facts post? Here they are!

Amy; 2) Eileen; 3) Stephanie; 4) Stephanie; 5) Eileen; 6) Amy; 7) Stephanie; 8) Eileen; 9) Amy