Dr. Sheri Prentiss: Continuing the Fight, with the 3-Day and Beyond

San Diego Day 3 As the 2017 Susan G. Komen 3-Day season quickly approaches, we are busy gearing up for another amazing year! We’re also wrapping up the 2017 Impact Forums where we’ve received great feedback and support from our fantastic Komen 3-Day community. During these events, we shared with participants the steps we plan to take as we tackle our Bold Goal to reduce breast cancer deaths by 50 percent by 2026.

In order to do so, we need your voice and the help of our advocates who are passionate about ending breast cancer. One of those advocates is Dr. Sheri Prentiss who has served as the Susan G. Komen 3-Day national spokesperson for six years. In 2017, Dr. Sheri will be sharing her passion and dedication for creating a world without breast cancer as she transitions her work from the Komen 3-Day to the Susan G. Komen African-American Health Equity Initiative.

Dr. Sheri wanted to share her journey with the 3-Day family and reassure the community that her unwavering dedication to Susan G. Komen and its mission will continue through her work as an ambassador for quality care for all.

Starting the Fight?From Doctor, To Patient, To Spokesperson

When I found a lump in my right breast in 2008, I didn’t realize that it would change everything?my health, career and life. A year after I underwent a partial mastectomy, 15 rounds of chemotherapy, and 33 rounds of radiotherapy treatment, I was faced with yet another hurdle. Clinically disabling lymphedema in my right arm, hand and fingers made it so I could no longer care for my patients. I didn’t know it then, but this career-changing twist of fate would bring me closer to the organization that I am so involved with today?Susan G. Komen.

I was a longtime supporter of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day long before I participated as a survivor in my first walk in 2010. I felt right at home walking alongside these men and women with strong characters, sharing a sense of true familiar love for a cause that meant more than words could express to each of us. The 3-Day community helped me heal from my breast cancer and lymphedema diagnosis?physically, emotionally and spiritually. This 3-Day family of mine was and always will be truly exceptional and inspiring. It takes a true selfless individual to become completely committed to a cause?fundraising, training and walking year, after year?this strong group helped build my faith. In 2011, I applied to be the national spokesperson for this family that I adored and served in that role for the past six years.

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The Miracle of 3-Day?Healing Through Love

No 3-Day event is the same. I feel like it is my first walk every time. I knew once I arrived on-site that I would not only be helping the lives of others, but in return my life would be positively impacted.

The love is all around, from the crew to the walkers. I have even seen marriage proposals and marriage ceremonies on-event! None of this would be possible if it were not for the 3-Day staff. Year after year their support and commitment is unwavering. Whether it is a difficult decision that needs to be made, or an issue behind the scenes, the staff ensures that each event runs as seamlessly as the last.

I have experienced many miracles during my 3-Day experiences. People who did not think they could walk due to a chronic illness were able to defy their doctor’s prediction and participate in that season’s event?showing their complete commitment to themselves, their donors and the 3-Day.

Continuing with Komen?Equal Access for All

Because of my involvement with 3-Day I have had the opportunity to participate in Race for the Cure, Affiliate fundraisers, and more. In 2015 when I was asked to moderate the Chicago Breast Cancer Disparities Roundtable I was honored to help lead this important discussion in my hometown. That day, I heard many stories from patients who faced barriers in accessing health care and clinical trials. I continued to advocate for health equity by representing Komen on national disparities panels and community meetings. I was recently honored to accept the opportunity to serve as a Susan G. Komen African-American Health Equity Initiative Ambassador. In this role, I will continue to help us reach our Bold Goal. sheri_me-rodney-joyce-at-closing Being an African-American female physician, as well as a breast cancer survivor, I know I have a unique experience that can help further Komen’s African-American Health Equity Initiative?saving more lives, improving quality of life, and sharing my story so others can gain strength, assurance and healing – like I was able to do through the 3-Day community. My work with Komen is more than just a passion, it is a commitment that I have honored and cherished and I know that it will continue to evolve within this organization.

Thank you from the depths of my soul to my amazing 3-Day family for all you have given me. I will never stop fighting and I look forward to furthering my role with Susan G. Komen to ensure that ALL are able to have access to new innovations, quality care and treatment. Be encouraged and be blessed. sheri_opening2

3-Day St. Patrick’s Day FUNdraising Ideas

Are you feeling lucky, 3-Dayers? Well, you should be! St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and this holiday is a pot of fundraising gold if you follow our rainbow of ideas. By putting in a little effort, you can see great fundraising results with these ideas for fun crafts, cookies and more around this holiday.

Simply Delicious Desserts

No-bake desserts can still be tasty, and they’re easy to make! These easy-make Oreos are festive, and a quick addition to a team fundraising bake sale. Make them just in green or even with a variety of colors like white and pink, too! Another no-bake option is these Lucky Charm Rice Krispies Treats, which are a fun play on childhood favorites that families can purchase for a holiday indulgence.

Image from Upsplash.com

Make your own pot of gold

Have fun with one of the holiday’s greatest traditions and create your own pot of gold! Work with local businesses to get donations of gift cards or other products and create fun gift baskets, then sell those for donations to the 3-Day. You can also supplement the baskets with crafts and treats like the ones we recommend here.

Deliver luck

Put an extra bit of luck with your next round up fundraising letters! Instead of paying for postage, put that money towards making Leprechaun Popcorn, and attaching a donation letter to each bag. They’re small enough to fit a small bag and a note into a mailbox, and it will bring a St. Patrick’s Day smile to the faces of your friends and family.

Image from Upsplash.com

Put your words on a string

Write a thank you note to past donors and follow this simple tutorial to make a green paper butterfly out of your note. This could be especially effective to send to people who have donated in the past, but haven’t yet donated for this year’s 3-Day. Send it to people who have already donated as well! It’s always a good time of year to remind our donors how much they mean to us.

Image from Upsplash.com

Do you have any fun St. Patrick’s Day fundraising ideas? Share them with us!

Celebrating Incredible Kids: The Susan G. Komen 3-Day Youth Corps

March 15th is Incredible Kids Day, and we know a group of kids who can be described as nothing less than incredible: the Komen 3-Day Youth Corps! These courageous kids apply, are selected, and have to fundraise at least $500 to join us on event. While they’re on the 3-Day, their tasks can range from anything to helping pass out lunch to cheering on the tired walkers. On the 3-Day when you see a flash of yellow, you’ll no doubt see smiling kids, perking up everyone around them. On Saturday in Camp, our Youth Corps gets up and shares the compelling reasons why they wanted to be involved. This moment is no doubt always filled with a few tears and big smiles.

We asked our Facebook community to share a few stories about the Youth Corps they know and love. Please join us by sharing your own special Youth Corps story in the comments, and let’s give a round of applause to these incredible, caring kids!

Julie Jokinen The Youth Corps is amazing! In Philly as I was walking to the restroom at breakfast the kids were at their tables still a little bit sleepy. I yelled “Good morning, Youth Corps.” I got a small response so I said “You can do better than that!” so I yelled again and they all jumped up and yelled good morning.
As we were leaving to start day 2 one of the girls came up and handed me a ribbon; she said that they were given ribbons to give to someone that inspired them. She said I had the energy they needed that morning and she wanted to return the favor. Whenever I saw her the next two days, we would hug and check on each other.

Mandie Reid My son, Aiden Daly, was a first time Youth Corps member in Philly last year and it truly changed him (for the good) and changed me. I was a walker and was approached on numerous occasions throughout the event advising me of how Aiden was so kind, compassionate, helpful, sweet, etc. and not to mention how he really made walkers laugh and smile at times when they needed it the most. Additionally, I was told what a great hugger he was. Now, I know that he is all of these things but it was simply confirmed when my awesome pink family continuously told me so. Oh, and not only did he help my fellow walkers but he helped me when I couldn’t walk due the severe blisters on my feet on day 1 and he even put my tent up. Having him experience the 3-Day has allowed him to become even more understanding, loving, and empathetic. He now is interested in applying for not one, but at least two events this year because he wants to make a difference. He also now considers the 3-Day his family. Thank you to all for this.

Photo Courtesy of Mandie Reid

Dan Love It really was a special opportunity for our son Josh to be a part of the Youth Corps for the first time last year. As long-time participants, mom and dad would be away for the weekend in years past. Now he understands the power, beauty, and awesomeness of the event.

“His tent area felt just like home… stuff everywhere,” said Dad, Dan Love. (Photo Courtesy of Dan Love)

Linda Simons On day 2, I was sitting on the ground all alone at lunch on the Philadelphia 3-Day last year when this wonderful young man from Youth Corps came over and sat down to join me so I wasn’t alone. An incredible young man! Then two other Youth Corps members joined us. It was the sweetest moment of my weekend! We all had a great talk and I shared my story with them. I will be a 16-year survivor in August and it will be my 7th walk! Youth Corps members are so important and what an awesome experience for them all! Youth Corps ROCKS! Great job! Hoping to see you again this year, Justin!

Photo Courtesy of Linda Simons

Sherri Hallman My niece Bailey Winter was on Philly Youth Corps last year. The route had been changed to include a huge hill in Manayunk. Bailey found us at the pit stop right before the big hill on Day 2. She showed her Mom a “special” ribbon that she was supposed to give to someone who inspires her. Her Mom said “Oh are you going to give it to me?”. Bailey replied “No” and she got up and walked over to ME, pinned her ribbon on me and told me that I inspire her! I kept looking down at that ribbon the whole way up that hill and I kept on going until I reached the top! I just kept looking at that ribbon thinking “Well, I have to keep going because I can’t inspire my niece to quit!”

Knowing that the Youth Corps are our future makes us feel proud and grateful. See more stories from our 3-Day community here! Want your child or an incredible kid you know to be a part of this life-changing event? Hurry, applications for the 2017 3-Day Youth Corps end on March 15!