Meet Ali P., our 2024 New England Crew Impact Award Winner!    

Since her first Susan G. Komen 3-Day® 16 years ago as a member of the Youth Corps, Ali has participated 18 times and has raised a lifetime total of nearly $14,000. To this day, she plays an imperative role in keeping the program afloat and thriving. 

“Ali has always embodied the Komen 3-Day to me. She is an incredibly dedicated leader, teacher, and, most importantly, friend. If it weren’t for her hard work, organization, and advocacy, the Youth Corps would not look like it does. As one of the founding members of the Youth Corps when she was a young girl herself, to the repeat leader she has become, Ali has always made sure the Youth Corps mission is a success.” —Bailey M.  

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

My mom had walked the 3-Day for years with her sister, Rose, who was battling breast cancer. At the time, I was very young, but I got to see my mom and aunt at camp (back when camp was outside, moved each night, and was open to friends and family), and at the Closing Ceremony; I immediately knew I wanted to get involved and support the cause. A few years later, the Youth Corps started here in Boston, and I jumped at the chance to join the team. It was one of the best experiences ever, and one that I will never forget. 

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

The 3-Day is an amazing event that supports an extremely important cause that is near and dear to my heart. While I initially joined the 3-Day to support my aunt Rose’s battle and triumph over breast cancer, after my first event in New England 2006, I was hooked. I made so many new friends that quickly became family to me, and I looked forward to joining forces with them each year in the fight against breast cancer.  

However, in 2012 my world was rocked, reminding me how cruel this disease is when my grandmother Rosemarie, my mom Cathy, and my Aunt Joanne were all diagnosed with breast cancer. Within a six-month span, three more women on my mom’s side of the family had breast cancer. It was then that I vowed to participate in the 3-Day until we find the cures and there is no need for the walk anymore. 

What is your favorite aspect of crewing the 3-Day?   

My favorite aspect of crewing the 3-Day is the Youth Corps. Maybe I’m biased because I was a member as a kid and have been a Youth Corps leader 12 times, but seeing the smile they bring to walkers is special. Outside of the Youth Corps, it’s being able to help and support others on event. I know firsthand that walking 60 miles is no easy feat, so being there for others in any way I can is extremely rewarding. 

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

Talk to everyone, and I mean everyone! Listen to their stories, share yours, make new friends. Smile at someone, say hi, give them a high five — even the smallest actions make a world of difference. And most importantly, enjoy every moment and have fun! Don’t get too caught up in your task that you forget why you are there. 

What’s a fun fact about you?  

I have run eight marathons, six in the United States, one in London, one in Germany, and have individually raised over $50,000 while doing so. My goal is to complete all of the world’s major marathons, and I am only one marathon away from doing so.