This past weekend marked the season opener for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®. More than 900 participants filled the cobblestone streets of Boston, raising an inspiring $2.3 million to help end breast cancer.
Day 1
The 3-Day began with the inspirational Opening Ceremony at the Boston Marriott Copley Place, where new walkers, longtime veterans, teams, solo walkers, breast cancer survivors, those in treatment and those living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) gathered before heading out onto the 3-Day route. The room was filled with hope, a deep sense of purpose and the Pink Bubble community.
“You fundraised, you trained, you rearranged schedules to be here. You asked friends, family, neighbors, coworkers and strangers to believe in this mission with you,” 3-Day Co-Hosts Lori and Beverly reminded the crowd. “Together, we will move this mission forward to create a world where no one dies from breast cancer.”
Survivors and those living with MBC led the way out on to the 3-Day route, beginning a 20-mile day filled with beautiful scenery, fun costumes and awesome cheer stations.
That morning, veteran walker Lisa S., a breast cancer survivor who has completed 13 events, noticed first-time walker Jackie G. and welcomed her into the Pink Bubble. From that moment, the two were inseparable, and together, they encouraged other first-time walkers along the way.
The Top Fundraiser Showcase Showdown, sponsored by national presenting sponsor Bank of America, celebrated the Boston 3-Day’s Top fundraisers with interactive games, and audience members were invited to play and win prizes.
Coach Heather presented the Milestone Award to Laura P., who has raised nearly $300,000 in just six seasons as a 3-Day walker. Kristin S. received the Crew Impact Award for her 18 3-Days event and nearly $90,000 raised.
After a long, physically challenging day on the route, walkers enjoyed much-needed relaxation in massage chairs provided at camp by Bank of America,. Nearby, Wacoal, a 25-year Komen National Corporate Partner, offered free bra fittings and merchandise for participants.
Day 2
Day 2 took walkers through the Underground at Ink Block, along the Fort Point Channel and past Boston’s historic Old State House. The Pink Bubble enjoyed a fun photo op at the iconic Cheers bar before continuing to Fenway Park.
At lunch, walkers rested and stretched on pink carpets provided by Mohawk, a 25-year Komen partner, and received commemorative celebrating Mohawk’s long-standing support of the 3-Day.
The tree-lined Memorial Mile offered a quiet, reflective stretch of the route lined with signs honoring those who have died from breast cancer.
That evening, the Honor Ceremony celebrated the Youth Corps, who raised $8,930 and spent three days supporting walkers and lifting spirits. Each member shared their personal connection to breast cancer and were applauded for their dedication and courage.
Speakers included Amanda T., who honored her mother, Anne, and Laura S., who honored her mother, Adelina. Each spoke about the gift of time and special milestones with their mothers. “Watching my mom complete her sixth Susan G. Komen 3-Day reminds me what this event is really about: hope,” Lauren said. “It honors the strength of every person who has faced breast cancer. It celebrates the lives they continue to build beyond a diagnosis. And it surrounds all of us with a community that believes no one should have to face this journey alone.”
Sherly M. honored her mother, Sandee, who died from breast cancer when Sherly was 18 and her friend, Irene, who died just two weeks after last year’s Boston 3-Day. “My ‘why’ for walking has changed over the years. I still walk to remember and celebrate. But I also walk so my kids hear stories of hope, love, and resilience, and meet people who inspire them,” she said.
Participants lit candles and placed them in luminaria bags at the front of the stage, honoring loved ones impacted by breast cancer — a beautiful close to Day 2.
Day 3
The final day of the Boston 3-Day took walkers past historical landmarks and waterfront pathways including Freedom Trail and the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. As the Pink Bubble moved throughout the city, it was great to see veterans guiding first-time walkers, teams walking shoulder-to-shoulder, Youth Corps cheering and supporters lining the streets with signs, cheers and endless encouragement.
Held at the Boston Common Parade Grounds, many participants crossed the Finish Line hand-in-hand, with arms extended into the air in celebration of three days of strength, many with tears of joy.
The last walker, Jake M., who is living with MBC, walked all 60 miles accompanied by his wife, Nicole, and their son who was a member of the Youth Corps. Jake said his goal was to raise awareness for male breast cancer. At the Closing Ceremony, participants and crew members celebrated through tears and lifted their shoes in honor of every survivor and thriver who made the 3-Day journey unforgettable.
As the weekend came to a close, it was evident that every mile of the 3-Day reflected the heart of the Pink Bubble — the belief that every step brings us closer to a world without breast cancer.
We’re deeply grateful to our sponsors Mohawk Flooring, XPO, Wacoal and Bank of America whose support made the Boston 3-Day so meaningful.
Since 2004, the Boston 3-Day has raised over $52.5 million to save lives, support community programs, increase access to care and make strides in breast cancer research, therapies and treatments.
