Success! The Susan G. Komen Boston 3-Day started off on Friday morning with a soaking rain that had us all huddled down under the tents.  The rousing stretching routine and Dr. Sheri’s inspirational pump-up got everyone moving, and then the survivors led the walkers out onto the streets. (See photographs from the Boston 3-Day here.)

A walker pushes on through the weather on Day 1 of the Boston 3-Day.

Spirits were high as ponchos and jackets remained on through the town of Wellesley and were gradually taken off before a replenishing lunch and tackling the hills before reaching camp. I loved seeing the new friendships that cropped up along the route that morning, friendships that lasted over the next two days and likely far into the future. After a good meal, the evening program of slideshows, local dancers, and messages and prizes from sponsors Bank of America and New Balance topped off a long day.

Day 2 started off on a high note with walkers almost bursting out of the gate in the morning, encouraged by the sunshine and music. Private homes and past years’ walkers dotted the route, and the walkers loved the extra support and encouragement. Chilled fruit was certainly the favorite of many of the walkers! The afternoon on Day 2 brought increasing temperatures and a scramble for water and gatorade to keep everyone healthy and moving. Great job, Crew!

What an Saturday evening program! Besides laughing like crazy at the money challenges from Bank of America, we were all in tears at the stories of the Youth Corps members who really reminded us why we are all out here: touching stories from children who have lost loved ones to breast cancer and who are making a difference. There were special recognitions to cancer survivors, to the men who were walking, to long-time walkers and to top fundraisers.

Walkers enjoy the swan boats at Boston Commons on the Boston 3-Day.

Saturday was the final push into the city and to the Closing Ceremony, where friends and family were waiting to welcome the walkers from their 60-mile journey. Blisters and sore legs and feet were taking their toll on the group, but valiant walkers picked up the pink banners “My Sister” “My Mother” “My Partner” “LOVE” and walked on, encouraged by rousing cheering stations, the swan boats in Boston Commons, and a lunch by the Harbor. Only a short way, now, and the walkers entered the crowd of cheering supporters. What a reception!

Walkers triumphantly enter the finish of the Susan G. Komen Boston 3-Day

Hugs and tears transformed into a massive line of walkers who marched six across triumphantly into the Closing Ceremony and held a shoe above their heads in honor of the walkers who were cancer survivors. Everyone was quiet as they raised the flag on another Boston 3-Day and rededicated themselves to finding a cure because everyone deserves a lifetime®!

The Survivors’ Circle watches the raising of the flag at the Closing Ceremony.