Please join us in congratulating our 2017 Twin Cities Milestone Award Winner; Alyssa Smith. The Susan G. Komen 3-Day® Milestone Award is given at each event to a walker or crew member who has an outstanding history of participation in the Komen 3-Day. At the Twin Cities 3-Day camp show, we presented Alyssa with this special honor.

Since her first walk 11 years ago, Alyssa has taken on the 3-Day 20 times, and will be walking in San Diego as well as the Twin Cities this year. All told, she has raised $57,706.00 for the 3-Day! Her positivity and dedication are well-known on the routes.

To get to know Alyssa better, we asked the 3-Day community for stories about her, and the response was glowing!

“Alyssa is one to always give back and pay it forward. She is an incredible listener and one that always makes a difference. Her stubbornness and gleam for traditions are what help to create her success in everything she puts her mind to. Alyssa is one to be in the moment, whether it’s when she playing her drums in her living room or listening to a friend and sharing her own stories. Alyssa believes that despite pain and sadness, hope and inspiration are incredibly strong forces. This is why she has earned this year’s 2017 Milestone Award!”

Now let’s hear about the 3-Day and Alyssa’s story in her own words. When we asked her these questions, she didn’t know she would soon be selected as our winner!

What was your inspiration to do your first 3-Day?

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004. I came across an advertisement for the 3-Day a year later, while I was researching her medication. The idea was stuck in my head from that moment on, and I finally clicked the “submit” button in 2007 (at about 1:00am, before I could talk myself out of it!).

Someone else made it possible for my mom to still be here today (13-year survivor!), and I wanted to give back and pay that forward.

What has brought you back to the 3-Day year after year?

First, because I can’t stop. I carry the names that donors give to me – of people fighting, and of those we have lost.  Every year at the walks, I listen and hear so many more names to keep walking for. I don’t walk just in honor of my mom — I also walk in honor of all of them.

Second, the community. As soon as I arrived at that first opening ceremony, I knew I had found “my place.” This community is so full of love and inspiration, and I am continually in awe of the people I meet. I come back for those genuine interactions – to hear stories, to laugh and cry, share hugs, and to try to make a difference.

What is your best advice to anyone walking the 3-Day?

Apply “Body Glide” often — even if you don’t think you need to! STRETCH. And, most importantly, be in the moment and share stories with those around you.

What are the most important lessons you’ve learned on the 3-Day?

On a personal level: That I can push through just about anything I set out to do.

On a larger scale: That despite pain and sadness, hope and inspiration are incredibly strong forces.

On behalf of all of us walking, crewing, and supporting the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, thank you.