After 20 years of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®, we’re looking back at 2023 with nothing but joy and gratitude. This year, the Pink Bubble gathered in five cities, boasting a total of 4,150 walkers and 1,100 crew members who raised a staggering $13.4 million in the fight against breast cancer. In each city, we walked through rain and shine, celebrated 20 years of the Komen 3-Day, remembered those we walk for at the Honor Ceremony, and celebrated our momentous achievement at the Finish Line Festival. It is because of you that 2023 has taken us a step closer to finding the cures for breast cancer.  

First and foremost, we would like to thank each and every one of you who joined us as a walker, crew, volunteer, or supporter. With each step, donation or hours crewed, you have provided critical funding for research, care, and advocacy so that we lose less of the people we love to this terrible disease. We would also like to thank our National Presenting Sponsor Bank of America who awarded our top fundraisers and raffle winners with over $43,000 for their 2024 fundraising! Lastly, thank you to our National Series Sponsors XPO, Walgreens, Mohawk, Expedia, READY, and Nature’s Bounty for showing up in our fight. From trucking in our goods to providing massage chairs and cushions to sit on at lunch, to nutritious treats and giveaways, everyone at the 3-Day® is grateful for your support. 

That being said, let’s recount the incredible (and rainy) 2023 3-Day season hosted by the lovely Cati Diamond Stone and Lori Maris! 

New England 

We kicked off the 2023 3-Day season on August 18^th in historic Boston where 650 walkers and 200 crew members of the Pink Bubble gathered to participate in the momentous event! Together, the walkers and crew raised a total of $2.1 million in the campaign against breast cancer. Due to a rainstorm, day one was met with a delayed start and a 2-for-1 mileage special. Once the weather was clear, walkers enjoyed the Boston route for three days, experiencing historic sites, beautiful suburbs, and unique landmarks that make the city so special. We honored our 2023 Susan G. Komen New England 3-Day Top Fundraisers and celebrated our Crew Impact Award winners and Milestone Award winner for their incredible achievements and contributions to the breast cancer cause. A first for the 3-Day, Bank of America hosted a raffle to reward five randomly selected participants with a $250 donation for their 2024 fundraising efforts! 

For a more in-depth recap of the 2023 New England 3-Day, click here.  

Denver 

The very next weekend, the 3-Day made its way to the Mile High City for the first time in 12 years! Between August 25–27, walkers were able to walk 1, 2, or 3 days and the Pink Bubble collectively raised $1.9 million in the name of breast cancer treatment and essential services. For the first time ever, we welcomed 2-Day Walkers into the mix so that more participants could experience the scenic Denver route in a way that worked best with their schedule. First-time 1-Day Walker Debra E. recounted her experience in Denver saying, “everyone had a smile and supportive words, and it was so infectious.” We can’t wait to return to the beautiful city in 2024 for more of the Pink Bubble! 

Take a deeper look into our return to Denver here and learn more about our Top Fundraisers, Crew Impact Award winner, and Milestone Award winner. 

Chicago 

Just two weeks later, the Pink Bubble headed to the Windy City between September 8-10 for our final parade through Chicago. The 700 walkers and 180 crew members raised a total of $2.1 million and began their journey with a bit of liquid sunshine. One thing that made this 3-Day so fantastic were the incredible pit stops along the route including the entire cast of Toy Story and some buzzworthy boob-bees. At pit stop 4 was the Top Fundraising crew team who were decked out in swimsuits, boasted the S.S. TaTa for a photo op, and served up snacks for our walkers’ last leg of each day. Another first for the 3-Day was an indoor Closing Ceremony, a fun change to the Pink Bubble experience. 

You can learn more about Chicago’s Milestone Award winner and Crew Impact Award winner at the 3-Day blog. We had such an incredible time at the Susan G. Komen Chicago 3-Day and thank you for hosting us this year! 

Dallas/Fort Worth 

Next up, the Pink Bubble headed down south to the Lone Star State on October 27–29 to paint Dallas/Fort Worth pink during breast cancer awareness month! Together, 600 walkers and 200 crew raised a total of $2 million for breast cancer research, community health, patient care and advocacy. We had some stellar Top Fundraisers including Rachel B. who individually contributed an astounding $75,111 to the breast cancer cause. When in Fort Worth on Day 2, the rain poured down, but our courageous walkers persisted in their ponchos.  

Get to know our inspiring Crew Impact Award and Milestone Award winners, and take a deeper dive into the memorable weekend had at the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day. 

San Diego 

We wrapped up the 2023 3-Day season from November 17–19 in San Diego where 1,500 walkers and 300 crew members raised $5.3 million! We were joined by an outpouring of community support along the San Diego route by the San Diego Police Department, local businesses, high school cheerleaders, and more! After celebrating our Top Fundraisers, Crew Impact Award winner, and Milestone Award winner, the skies opened to remind us that the 2023 3-Day season was consistent when it came to rain. Fourteen participants were adorned with gold lanyards after participating in the 3-Day in all five cities this year! Those who could be spotted wearing their well-earned swag were Barbara B., Brooke K. Carol B,. Daniel T., Emily W., Jennifer S., Karen R., Kat C., Kirstin B., Nancy M., Rob I., Shirley E., Stephen Y., Susan T. We wrapped up the season amongst the beautiful palm trees at the Closing Ceremony and reminisced about all of the incredible memories made at the 2023 Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day. 

Thank you for making the Pink Bubble a part of your year and we look forward to seeing you in 2024! 

“As a walker, you could be the person who helped fund a researcher to find the cures. As a walker, you could be the person who pays someone’s medical bills, so they are not burdened by financial issues and can focus on their health. As a walker, you will learn so much about this horrific disease and you can use that information to save the lives of your family and friends by sharing what you learn. Being a 3-Day walker has changed my life. My feet are ugly, I have knee issues, but I’m a better person. It is an experience that will change you for the rest of your life, and one that you will never forget.” —Sharon D.  

In 2001, President Bush called upon Americans to do one more thing to support and help one another. With a large family, a packed work schedule, and an active lifestyle at church, Sharon was perplexed as to how she could add “one more thing” to her busy schedule. The following Sunday, she was sitting at the kitchen table, reading the newspaper and drinking a cup of tea when she came across an advertisement for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day. “I thought ‘you can do this. You’re healthy and you’re blessed because no one in your family has had breast cancer,’” Sharon recalls, “So, I began to train, and I did the walk.” Since then, Sharon has participated in twelve walks and is ecstatic to travel from Florida to Denver next year to rejoin the Pink Bubble in 2024.  

Sharon continues to walk because of how important it is to raise money for breast cancer research for many reasons. Since her first 3-Day, she has had many friends and loved ones who fought breast cancer, some of whom have lost their lives to this horrific illness. “If we can find the cures to breast cancer, the cures for many other cancers can’t be far behind,” she shared. Sharon hopes that someday we find the cures so that those who are diagnosed with cancer can sleep peacefully and wake up each morning knowing that they’re going to beat this disease, that they will have an opportunity to have long, healthy, and happy lives. 

She is also continually inspired by the Pink Bubble. One of her favorite memories is when the last walker was struggling and considering quitting. “I didn’t know her, but I did know that she had a big heart and that she was walking for something that meant a great deal to her. We all do that.” So, Sharon turned around on the route, walked back to the last walker, encouraged her, and kept her company until she reached the finish line. “She crossed the finish line by herself and was greeted by her family. It was a great reminder that with help and encouragement, we can all do more than we think we can.” 

Similarly, Sharon remembers completing her very first 3-Day and, to her surprise, her 85-year-old mother, three sisters, and very pregnant sister-in-law were passing out t-shirts at the Closing Ceremony. Her family had previously told her that they could not attend, but little did she know they had plotted to be part of the celebration all along! 

She encourages everyone interested in joining the 3-Day to take the leap and just do it. “Raising money may be hard but hearing that you have a diagnosis of breast cancer is harder. Training is hard, but enduring a mastectomy, radiation and chemotherapy is harder. She shared “The 3-Day gives you the opportunity to make a difference.”  

See previous Pink Bubble Story of the Month blog posts here. 

While the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® season recently wrapped up, the holiday season is in full swing! Similar to the Pink Bubble, there’s no denying the joy and magic that comes with the festivities that take place at the end of the year. As the weather gets colder and we snuggle up under blankets by the fireplace, our hearts grow warmer throughout the season of giving! From wrapping gifts to family traditions and beyond, the holidays are a time for celebration, togetherness, and spreading cheer however feels good to you. Let’s dive into what our Komen 3-Day family enjoys most about this enchanting time of year! 

Returning to our roots is a particularly enjoyable part of the holidays, especially the food. Ashley F. enjoys Advent dinners and Coach Alex shared, “My partner and I share our blended traditions of making our holiday favorites — latkes with sour cream on the first night of Hanukkah, and an old family Italian shrimp soup recipe on Christmas Eve! Sharing our meals and time in the kitchen together brings us so much laughter, fun, and, of course, full bellies.” Pat R. also loves to celebrate with a delicious spread that includes tamales and pan de polvo for the whole family. Additionally, she looks forward to watching her great-nephews and great-nieces open their gifts each year. 

Victoria L. has a tradition of gifting her children with pajamas each Christmas Eve. “My girls always had matching ones. Then when my son was born, he had similar ones. They are 18–26 now and still can’t wait to get their new Christmas Eve pajamas every year.” Whether it be pajamas or the newest gadget, it’s not called the season of giving for nothing! We all know that gift-giving is a huge part of the holidays, and our generous 3-Dayers are no exception. Mary Anne M. says that buying gifts for friends and family and watching their expressions when they open them is one of her favorite parts of the time of year, along with spending moments with loved ones. 

Just a few days before Christmas, you can find Coach Heather in the enchanting Bavarian-style village of Frankenmuth, Michigan. “The night lights in this cozy town are nothing short of magical and create a holiday vibe that is oh-so-charming!” Cory A. also loves to bask in the beauty of twinkling lights and enjoy his favorite holiday movies while cozied up on the couch. With classics and remakes readily available and new films being released every year, it’s hard to pick a favorite! 

Baked goods seem to be a big theme of the 3-Day® holiday lore, with countless participants stating that this is one of their favorite parts of the season. “All us girls in the family get together for a cookie exchange and a girls day out! We talk, we laugh, we drink, we eat, we make, we bake! [It’s] so nice to take a day off from the crazy holiday season!” says Lisa S. Betsy P.’s baking list this year includes classics like chocolate chip, ginger molasses, snickerdoodle, peanut butter blossoms, orange cranberry shortbread, oatmeal raisin and sugar cookies, along with hazelnut balls, fudge, macaroons and rosettes. Now that’s a spread! Other baking lovers include Kerri S. who makes monkey bread that she learned how to bake over 20 years ago in her high school cooking class and Julie J. who loves baking and caroling… sometimes at the same time!  

There’s something about this time of year that just brings a smile from ear to ear and warmth to our hearts. However you celebrate, your 3-Day family wishes you a joyous holiday season!