We’re so excited to share a new tradition for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day^® that debuted in Michigan this past weekend: promise ribbons. Borrowing from the Brazilian ritual of fitas, or wish ribbons, these colorful bands are tied to a person’s wrist in three knots, with the wearer making a special wish or promise as each knot is tied. On the Komen 3-Day, we tie knots to honor the past, create hope for the future and celebrate the steps we’re taking today to end breast cancer.

Introducing the 3-Day Promise Ribbons

We’re encouraging participants to collect multiple ribbons throughout the 3-Day^® and tie them to their wrists or clothing. Walkers and crew members are also encouraged to give the ribbons away to each other or to supporters along the route to symbolize the promises we are making to ourselves and to each other.

We will have eight differently colored ribbons. Four of those will be passed out at specific locations–Opening Ceremony, the entrance to camp on Friday, the entrance to camp on Saturday and at the Participant Finish Area. White ribbons will be available in the Remembrance Tent.

Three other ribbons will be passed out by various groups and people on the 3-Day. Light pink strands will be passed out by Chrissy Mathews from Susan G. Komen^®, 3-Day spokesperson Dr. Sheri, and the local 3-Day staff members. Yellow ribbons will be shared by members of the Youth Corps and blue ribbons will be passed out by the crew in camp and on the route.

Collect all varieties of the 3-Day Promise Ribbons

We invite everyone in our 3-Day family to express their own wishes and to put them into action by collecting these ribbons at stops along your journey. Exchange them with others as you share your stories. Post images of your promise ribbons and your messages of hope on social media with the hashtag #3DayPromise.

Our promise ribbons, visible and vibrant throughout each 3-Day event weekend, will create a living “patchwork quilt.” Like each of us, these promise ribbons are individual threads, but when we weave our wishes, hopes, dreams and promises together, we create a greater fabric of unimaginable strength.

Join us, and share your promises in the comments below.