Every Susan G. Komen 3-Day® event has a core team of three coaches, each of whom plays a different role in helping our walkers and crew members prepare for the Komen 3-Day. For months, these dedicated staffers have been having personal conversations with walkers to help them with their training and fundraising, have hosted dozens of local events to bring participants together and build a community of encouragement, and have organized and inspired the amazing team of crew captains and crew members.

Let’s meet the coaches for the Seattle 3-Day®!

Aubrey Cushing – Seattle Local Events Coach

Aubrey at Aubree’s!

Describe your job in 10 words or fewer. – “Arranging events and surprises to keep excitement around every corner!”

We’re a couple weeks from the Seattle event. What’s a typical day like for you these days? – “Lots of emotions, emails, phone calls, confirmations, excitement and anticipation. I’m finalizing cheering stations, camp entertainment and a few surprises!”

What are 3 things that we didn’t know about you? – “1) In addition to Washington, I have lived in California, Montana, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Maine and Florida; 2) I’m often heard singing my sentences…with jazz hands! 3) I’m obsessed with the ocean, trees and tacos.”

Paula Hultman – Seattle Participant Coach

Paula always stops for a passionately pink fur buddy!

Describe your job in 10 words or fewer. – “I provide information, and receive inspiration from our 3-Day community.”

We’re a couple weeks from the Seattle event. What’s a typical day like for you these days? – “B.U.S.Y! I handle a lot of donations-related matters for participants, and share my fundraising experience and expertise whenever I hear from someone working toward reaching their goal. I think my favorite calls are from first-time walkers, because I remember my first 3-Day pre-event jitters! I can tell them what it’s like to walk 20 miles a day, shower in a truck, and use porta-potties for 3 days, but I can’t prepare them for how the 3-Day will make them feel! Every veteran walker knows what I mean when I say the 3-Day experience is indescribable.”

What are 3 things that we didn’t know about you? – “1) I am a Disneyland junkie, and can point you to any number of ‘hidden Mickeys’ within the park; 2) My husband and I were chosen to be participants on The Amazing Race in 2004, after the casting director met us at the 3-Day in Los Angeles. Sadly, we had to decline the offer due to work schedules. It was our 15 seconds of fame! 3) My secret talent is the ability to tie a cherry stem into a knot with my tongue.”

Jon Lueders – Seattle Crew & Volunteer Coordinator

Jon meeting his sweet newborn niece

Describe your job in 10 words or fewer. – “I am the support system for all things crew-related.”

We’re a couple weeks from the Seattle event. What’s a typical day like for you these days? – “A typical day involves reacting to many changes that come along in our run up to the event. This mostly involves keeping crew captains informed and being around when the inevitable questions and technical issues pop up.”

What are 3 things that we didn’t know about you? – “1) I once had a car catch fire while I was driving it; 2) I slept with a stuffed animal on my bed from childhood through college (including my away track meets). 3) I have a brand new baby niece (1 day old as I write this).”

Going to be at the Seattle 3-Day? Come meet coaches Aubrey and Paula at two special meet-and-greets, on Friday and Saturday in camp, 6-7 p.m., in the 3-Day Lounge.