Please join us in congratulating our 2017 Philadelphia Milestone Award Winner; Leedrester Jackson. 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 Philadelphia 3-Day camp show, we presented Leedrester with this special honor.

This is her 12^th year walking the 3-Day, and she is a 30-year breast cancer survivor, having beaten breast cancer three times. She has also raised nearly $5,500 this year alone!

She is well-known in Philadelphia, and we wanted to hear about the 3-Day and Leedrester’s story in her own words. When we asked these questions, she didn’t know she would soon be selected as our winner!

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

As a breast cancer survivor, I wanted to be a part of helping people detect cancer early enough to beat it, and finally find a cure.  In 2005, The 3-Day came to Philadelphia and the 68 – year old lady “lost her senses” and volunteered to walk 60 miles in three days and if that wasn’t enough, to camp out for two nights.

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

I walk because… as a three-time breast cancer survivor, I continue to enjoy good health and so I walk for those who can’t.

What is the secret to your 3-Day fundraising success?

I send letters to family, friends and church family (Grace Baptist Church of Germantown – Rev. Dr. James H. Buck, Jr., Pastor) many of whom have been prayerfully and financially supportive of me on my eleven years 3-Day journey.  My supporters are committed to helping find a cure for breast cancer.  They do the donating and I do the walking.

After the walk, I show them how much I appreciate them by sending   thank you letters in which I share the weekend events with pictures.

Leedrester got a standing ovation from her fellow Philly 3-Dayers

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

Practice, practice, practice on the hills because Philly is very hilly and keep your feet lubricated.

What’s a fun fact about you?

2017 Weekend Destination Birthday Celebration celebrated with 74 women. The Lord blessed me to celebrate 80 years young and I am a three-time breast cancer survivor: 30 years, 15 years, and 7 years. This was truly a fun fact weekend.

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

I have learned that you need to stay hydrated, stay alert, keep stretching and take good care of your feet.

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