After 20 years working in corporate training, Rob C. ditched the suit and tie for an apron to pursue his passion for culinary arts as a personal chef and business owner. Rob took the plunge to follow his dreams as a mission to live life as his most authentic self, something that radiates through him in everything he does. “I think what makes me [who I am] is that I’m an open book. What you see is what you get. I love to laugh, smile, cook and be in the moment,” shared Rob. Since 2012, he’s brought these infectious qualities to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®, where he has walked and crewed ten times.
Rob was first introduced to the event by a neighbor and teammate, Tiffany S., who he donated to and cheered for along the route. One day, Tiffany asked Rob what inspired him to donate to the Komen 3-Day, and he shared with her that he lost his mom and aunt to breast cancer. At the young age of 19, his mother passed away from the horrific disease, creating a special place in his heart for the cause. Upon learning this, Tiffany asked Rob if he would be interested in joining her team the following year, beginning his Pink Bubble adventure in Chicago in 2012.
Since then, Rob has walked seven times in Chicago, San Diego, and New England, and has crewed three times in Chicago and Twin Cities. Reflecting on his journey with the Pink Bubble, the one memory that stands out is his first Opening Ceremony in 2012. “The emotions I felt… and the strength I saw from walkers that were [walking while actively] fighting cancer sticks with me and motivates me to continue to be a part of the fight.”
This past year in 2023, Rob walked in New England and crewed at pit stop 4 in Chicago. The energy he brought and the joy he emitted were inspiring to everyone who crossed his path. From an elaborate themed pit stop to incredible outfits and befriending everyone, Rob has a unique way of lighting up a room. He truly personifies the Pink Bubble, which he explains to those unfamiliar as “a combination of your best summer camp experiences mixed with your best volunteer/charitable experiences combined with lots of emotions.” For him, the Pink Bubble feels like a family that is unified and dedicated to its mission. That is, the mission to raise money for research, to find the cures and to provide vital assistance for families in their battle against breast cancer. The 3-Day is a lifeline that can make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by the disease.
As the journey continues, Rob is gearing up for the San Diego 3-Day in 2024 where he looks forward to tackling another 60 miles with his teammate Tiffany. “I keep coming back because of the energy that being around the other walkers gives me,” he shared. For anyone new to the 3-Day, he offers the simple yet profound advice which he received when he first began walking—to smile and cry whenever emotions arise, and to talk to someone new. It’s a testament to the impact that the 3-Day experience has on everyone it touches.