We’d like to congratulate Kathy D. on being our 2022 New England 3-Day Milestone Award Winner! Kathy has participated in 31 3-Days over the last 17 years and has raised almost $150,000 to date. We asked Kathy about her 3-Day experience and asked some of her friends to provide a brief testimonial to her greatness. 

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

Truthfully, I thought I might lose a few pounds—until I discovered it was the 3-Day buffet. I was also walking for the first person our family lost to breast cancer, my Aunt Carol, my godfather’s wife. She was in her 50’s. 

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

Those 3-Day family members who continue raising HUGE amounts, year after year… it reminds me I’m not alone in my crusade to find the cures. 

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

I don’t believe I’m asking for money; I’m asking people to help us do something BIG—finding the cures for breast cancer, and eventually, all cancers. I believe in fundraising year-round, which helps bring in big totals each year.  

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

Take your time, soak in every step, every mile. Try every snack and try to meet as many people as possible. Share your story, listen as others share theirs, and then come back next year with even bigger goals—more teammates, more prepared and help another new walker.  

What’s a fun fact about you? 

Tom Brady knows my first name. I also had the privilege of being friends (and driver for) Verne “Mini-Me” Troyer—yes, the guy from Austin Powers.  

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

I’ve learned to keep my eye on the prize — the CURES. It’s never been about one person for me, it’s always been about finding the cures so that nobody EVER has to lose a loved one again. 

Testimonials From Friends 

“Kathy is one of the most welcoming people that I have ever met! She offers her genuine friendship to everyone she comes in contact with! Kathy is literally everyone’s best buddy!” —Carol P. 

“Kathy is the kindest person in the world. I’m proud she’s my captain! She’s so supportive of the team! She’s my ‘penguin sister’!” ? Kim K. 

“Kathy DiRusso is the quintessential captain—part coach, part priest, part mental health counselor, part sister, and part cheerleader. She juggles these roles well. Inspires all to keep on raising money.”?—Dorie C. 

“Kathy has been steadfast in her ability to not only fundraise but to inspire and energize others to join in the fight against breast cancer.?She will leave no stone unturned until the cures are found.?Her passion is unmatched, and her advocacy has touched the lives of more people than she will ever know. I am also proud to call her my friend.” —Leominster, MA Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella 

Stay tuned throughout the rest of the 2022 Susan G. Komen 3-Day Series for our other Milestone Award Winners!