Please join us in congratulating our 2017 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Milestone Award Winner; Kathy Espinoza! 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 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day camp show, we presented Kathy with this special honor.
Since her 1st walk in 2004, Kathy has raised $53,352.44! She has also started the Hope Matters Breast Cancer Foundation to help spread the word of how early detection can saves lives, how to prepare for the experience of treatment, what to expect after treatment, how to cope with the loss of a loved one, and more. This 3-Day will be her 14th walk, and she’s not stopping anytime soon!
Now let’s hear from Kathy herself. 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 inspiration was Laura – a cousin by marriage who was diagnosed at the age of 34.
What has brought you back to the 3-Day year after year?
I was bitten by the 3-Day bug! If someone would have said 13 years later you will still be walking I would have told them they were crazy! Because of my participation in this event my husband and I have formed our own breast cancer foundation whose primary purpose to provide free mammograms to insured women who otherwise would not have the screening done. To date, we have provided 584 free screenings.
What is the secret to your 3-Day fundraising success?
I am so very fortunate to have a friends and family who understand my passion and are willing to support me. Also, the fact that as a kid, I attended catholic school where you were always raising money for something. I learned a lot about running events.
What is your best advice to anyone walking the 3-Day?
When you think you cannot take another step know there will always be someone to pick you up. I keep my eyes open for those who seem to be struggling and do my best to walk with them for a bit and let them know they are not alone.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I love trashy novels!! And LOVE my University of Arizona Wildcats – GO CATS AND BEAR DOWN!!
What are the most important lessons you’ve learned on the 3-Day?
If I had never taken that first step of signing up back in 2004 I wouldn’t be where I am today with our own foundation. I have found myself doing things that are so out of my comfort zone it’s not even funny. I have created a free half-day breast cancer seminar, been on TV and talked, and have learned to speak for those who desperately need assistance and someone on their side. I am truly a different and better person because of this experience.
