Participants on the 2013 3-Day in Boston, Cleveland and Chicago made this year’s 3-Day journey with mixed emotions, knowing the event would not be returning to their city in 2014. Our 3-Day coaches and event staff felt the same mix of joy and melancholy as they walked or supported our last events in these three remarkable cities. They share their love, gratitude and messages for the 3-Day participant community below.

Boston

Joan: This community was truly “Boston Strong” and showed their spirit and their enthusiasm. I was so privileged to be a part of the last event in Boston and so honored to have been able to walk among great teams.

Meredith: The 3-Day is a commitment unlike any other, and each participant has triumphantly left your mark on the Boston event. Please take care of one another as you nurture your 3-Day friendships and connections.

Laurie: Keep up the great work, come together when you can and continue to supporting the fight!

Val: Thank you for opening your arms and allowing me to join you on this incredible journey these last two years. Thank you for setting the stage for every other event to follow and for showing me the depth of your love.

Kate: We will never forget you or your commitment and hope you can find your way back to your 3-Day family in another city.

Tisho: Thank you for helping to make this event so very special. I truly hope you bring your amazing Boston Strong spirit to one of our 2014 events.

3-Day coaches, Laurie and Joan walked and crewed in Boston, in memory of a special friend, Bridget.

Cleveland:

Joan: The bond between the Cleveland participants is unbreakable.

Brooke: Cleveland ROCKS! We were a small but amazing community that came together to end breast cancer and make a difference. I know that walkers and crew will continue to fight and honor their connections. Cleveland, we will never give up!

Val: The sense of family that the Cleveland 3-Day Crew has just overwhelms me. They are so tight knit and care so deeply for each other. When I speak of the 3-Day Crew Family, this city knows exactly what I’m talking about! 

Cleveland 3-Day staff escorts the last walkers of the day as they arrive a camp.

Chicago

Jennifer: This year’s 3-Day was the most memorable from the past 6 years. Memories were cherished more, laughs were a little louder and bittersweet tears were in abundance. Now we will take the fight on the road and be Chicago proud in a different city for 2014.

Eileen: The Chicago community is not done fighting. I cannot tell you how many times I was asked this past weekend, “Which city are you crewing/walking next year?” We’ll be back for sure!

Joan: I have walked in the Chicago 3-Day for 8 years and staffed the past two. The community support is overwhelming, full of support and love for our walkers.

We thank you Boston, Cleveland and Chicago 3-Day participants. In 3 words, you are: Inspiring. Beautiful. Meaningful.

3 survivors. 3-Day coach Jennifer, her mom and her aunt, share a special moment at the Chicago 3-Day Closing Ceremonies.

Where you on the Boston, Cleveland or Chicago 3-Day this year? Share your memories in the comments below.