Deven F awaits the Opening Ceremony of the Washington, D.C. 3-Day

“I can’t take the breast cancer away from her,” explained Deven F this morning in the dark. “So when I saw a Susan G. Komen 3-Day^® ad on TV, I thought, ‘That’s what I have to do!'” Deven’s mother Judi was diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago and is now a two-year survivor. “I just registered online in 2011, and the 3-Day started sending me all the paperwork. That’s when my mom asked me what I was doing.” Deven’s smile was contagious, even in a steady rain, on a chilly October morning. He is joining almost 1,000 participants today who will walk 60 miles over three days to raise funds for breast cancer research.

Judi and Deven cruise through Pit Stop 1 in the rain in Washington, D.C.

“I chose the team name ‘Not Another Mom’ for obvious reasons,” said Deven, “but I also had a co-worker pass away from breast cancer in 2011, and so I see how it affects people.” As he talked, some past walkers greet him, a sign of his past influence on the route here in Washington, D.C.

Deven and Judi were front and center at the high-energy Opening Ceremony, despite the rain. ‘If every mom could have a child as committed and caring as Deven,’ I think as they rolled into Pit Stop 1 right on time and looking good. “I’m a survivor!” says Judi from underneath her poncho, and stopped for a picture. She is all smiles on her first 3-Day adventure, and has all the support she needs.

Judi and Deven experience the emotional and uplifting Opening Ceremony of the Washington D.C. 3-Day

I asked Deven about what it’s like to be a man on the Washington, D.C. 3-Day, and he responded: “I don’t see why there aren’t more men! This is always fun when you’re one of the only men. There are so many great people out here, and we have to support those with breast cancer and to help find a cure.”

Give a shout out to Deven and Judi in Washington, D.C. this weekend, and share some of your own stories about who is helping you!