The 2016 Susan G. Komen Philadelphia 3-Day began this morning with our lovely and inspiring Opening Ceremony. Walkers, crew members and supporters gathered and reaffirmed our continuing promise: that we will never give up until we reach our goal of a world without breast cancer.
As part of the Opening Ceremony, we welcomed some special Philadelphia 3-Day participants to the stage to share their own inspirations—both heart-warming and heartbreaking—for being part of the 3-Day. #WeAreThe3Day
Jill Simmermon – My Mother 
“I walk because almost 19 years ago, I was robbed of ever hearing my mom’s voice again. I walk so that no one else has to endure that pain. I wasn’t able to celebrate my Mom’s 60th birthday with her, but I walk so that YOU can. I’m Jill and I AM the 3-Day.”
Eric Heck – My Wife 
“I crew route safety for family and friends who fought and are still fighting, and for my teal warrior wife of 31 years, Kathy. It’s because of organizations like Susan G. Komen and in part because of a drug developed for breast cancer treatment that Kathy, who is battling ovarian cancer, is alive and able to participate in the 3-Day again this weekend. Thank you Pink Family! I’m Eric and I AM the 3-Day.”
Marcia Schrepfer – My Daughter 
“I am walking for my dear friend, Susan, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and has been cancer-free for four years now! I am humbled by her strength and courage and the fact that I get to walk with her this weekend. I walk for a cure to end breast cancer so that my 20-year-old daughter, Caitlyn, her friends, my nieces, and all of the of younger generation will think of breast cancer as a thing of the past. I’m Marcia and I AM the 3-Day.”
Lisa LeBlanc – My Father 
“I walk for my father, John Kelso, who passed away in 2004. Daddy fought a very brave fight against cancer and even today, he remains an inspiration for all who loved and knew him. I walk to further the progress of cancer research, so that other fathers will win the battle against cancer and enjoy many years of health and happiness with their families. I’m Lisa and I AM the 3-Day.”
Christine Swiker – My Grandmother 
“Two years ago, I participated in my first 3-Day in honor of my Grandmom Claire, who we lost 12 years ago. This year, I add my Aunt Kate, who is currently in remission, and my friend Julie, who is fighting stage 3 to my list. I walk to so that we can stop “adding” people to our lists each year and end early goodbyes. I’m Christine and I AM the 3-Day.”
Rae Jobson – Myself 
“I have walked the 3-Day five times in honor of my mom, a breast cancer survivor, and in memory of those we have lost. Who would have thought that it could happen to me? Yet here I am, having been diagnosed this past December with stage 4 breast cancer. So this year, I’m also walking for myself and continue to hope for a cure so that my daughters don’t have to walk for the very same reason. I’m Rae and I AM the 3-Day.”