Continuing our “Word of the Year” series, this month Jason C. shares his story, and how he has found GRACE in the 3-Day community.
Tell me about your 3-Day experience.
I have walked in a bunch of 3-Days! Every one of them as special as the one before. My 20th walk was New England in 2019. Over the years, I have walked in San Francisco, Michigan, Washington, D.C., San Diego, Twin Cities, Seattle, Philadelphia, and Dallas/Fort Worth multiple times. I signed up for 3-Day Nation 2021.
What is your 2021 word of the year?
My word of the year is GRACE.
Why is that your word of the year?
The reason I chose the word grace for my word of the year is very simple. I am working on giving more grace as I know we are all dealing with difficult times. Sometimes strangers or loved ones need a moment of grace when something comes out wrong, or a situation becomes intense. I am working on being patient and giving grace. This includes with myself. I have found that can be a very difficult one to manage. We all need to allow ourselves a bit of grace to help manage these difficult times with our heads held high.
Why do you participate in the 3-Day?
I started participating in the 3-Day when my late sister Sharla was diagnosed with breast cancer. I felt like it was an impactful way for me to help support the breast cancer community locally and support the funding for research to eradicate this disease. My surviving sister Shelva and I lost Sharla back in 2010, after four courageous years battling for her life and her kids. The pain and burden is still in my heart, knowing that there are other families who are going through a similar difficult time. I promised myself I would keep this goal and intention in my life until I see it through. My late husband Gregory Trogstad, my mother, my sister and brother-in-law and so many of our other family members all keep walking until there is a cure.
What does the 3-Day family mean to you?
The 3-Day family is my family. We have a 3-Day team that has been as large as 22 walkers and crew, and as small as just two of us (due to work/life happenings). Every walk has been a blessing as I get to spend three days in the pink bubble with friends and family, all of us loving and supporting each other. Our 3-Day team was named after my sister, but it was just the beginning. Our family has blossomed and developed into multi-city and multi-state team members. The best part is that on every walk we meet new family members and share stories, laughter, and tears. It makes it worth all the effort. We are so blessed to have one another, and for that I am so grateful.
How does your word of the year connect to the 3-Day?
Grace is a word that connects in my mind to the 3-Day on the difficult days. There are so many trying times in the world currently. And for those having to go through chemo and radiation during a pandemic, I cannot imagine the frustration. Allowing yourself to feel what you are feeling, and learning/growing from it, is grace. Have grace with yourself to accept that you are doing your very best for today, and know you will get back up and do your very best again tomorrow.
If you could share a message with the Pink Bubble, what would it be?
TAKE… IT… ALL… IN. From the crazy fundraisers to the occasional training walks when you really aren’t in the mood to do one. Those times are a chance to laugh and have community with a likeminded person focused on helping in some small/big way to change the world. Being able to share my sister’s story and her courage helps me by being able to share about what an amazing person she was, but also how lucky I am to have had her as a sister. Sharing the memories keep her close to my heart and my mind.
We want to know: How are you showing GRACE to others and yourself, on the 3-Day and in your life? Check back next month for the next blog post in our “Word of the Year” series.