We’d like to congratulate Rachel B. on being our 2022 Chicago 3-Day Milestone Award Winner! Rachel has participated in 28 3-Days over the last 17 years and has raised over $241,000 to date.  

We asked Rachel how she got involved in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, and how she and her team continue to be outstanding fundraisers. 

“My Mom had just finished her radiation treatment after her breast cancer diagnosis when I saw an advertisement for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day. I knew that I needed to take action against the disease so my younger sister and a friend joined me for the 2005 Arizona 3-Day. We saw all of the fun names of the teams that were formed and decided on Bouncin’ Buckeyes. Buckeyes refers to our Ohio roots and Bouncin’ is a reference to the boobs. Our first year my sister raised her money within two weeks. She showed me what is possible when you ask for a certain amount of money and also inform the donor of your deadline.  

It’s important to remember why you are walking and to share this in your donation requests. I can’t imagine not having all of the memories with my Mom since she was diagnosed in 2004. I try not to take it for granted as I know many that do not get the extra time. I’m grateful for the advances in research and treatment that Susan G. Komen has provided and I know the money that I raise is making a difference.  

My Mom’s breast cancer was found from a mobile mammogram bus visiting her place of employment. They compared her mammogram to the previous year and saw a difference and sent her for a lumpectomy. Early detection and annual mammograms saved her life. Our team is a super-fundraising team so we have always had a goal to raise more than the minimum. Our supporters are generous and support us with donations to achieve our goals year over year. I also send emails throughout the year so that I am sharing our progress. After the walk, I send all of my donors a thank you card made with some 3-Day pictures and include a donation form for the next year’s 3-Day.”  

We also asked some of her friends to provide a brief testimonial to her greatness! 

“Rachel is the reason I joined the 3-Day. Her passion is contagious. She works countless hours to raise funds for herself and others. Her selfless acts and drive to raise awareness are inspiring.” — Heather G. 

“Rachel is an amazing person and a great team captain. She keeps us all focused and without her we’d be lost.” — Billy G. 

“Rachel is the most committed individual I’ve ever known. Her passion for the 3-Day and the fight against breast cancer personifies the statement, ‘We will never quit!!!’ That is why she leads our team.” — Bobbi D. 

Rachel shared with us, she is a Rodan + Fields skincare consultant and was given the opportunity to join her team on a mission trip to Ethiopia with Ordinary Hero. Rachel visited multiple orphanages and learned how critical food is to our lives. She now sponsors two families in Ethiopia, providing monthly food and allowing their children to go to school. Rachel has been back to Ethiopia once already and hopes to go again in 2023.  

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