Monthly Archives: October 2024

Denver Milestone Award Winner: Rina W. 

Meet Rina W., our 2024 Denver 3-Day Milestone Award Winner!    

Since her first 3-Day 16 years ago, Rina has walked 18 times and has raised more than $177,000. The team that she captains, Angels 4 Angels, is part of the Lifetime Commitment Circle, having raised more than $1.6 million to date. Her Denver-based teammates have also been instrumental in the work they’ve done ensuring the success of the Susan G. Komen Denver 3-Day!   

“Rina is my mentor and role model in determination, persistence, passion and kindness. Her youngest sister and my friend, Lori, died of breast cancer way too young. Through the tragedy of her loss, Angels 4 Angels was founded in 2007 and because of Rina, Angels 4 Angels continues to be a top fundraising team year after year, and she is always a top individual fundraiser. Her own battles with both uterine cancer and breast cancer have not stopped her from steadfastly working and walking to end breast cancer. I am proud to be her friend and thrilled to have Rina receive the Milestone Award in my adopted city of Denver.” —Sue R. 

What was your inspiration to participate in your first Komen 3-Day???  

In 2007, friends in our community decided to walk in memory of three young women who had recently lost their battles with breast cancer, one of whom was my fifty-year-old sister Lori. Our team is Angels 4 Angels, which includes all others as a fourth Angel. 

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

I have not stopped participating. My mother, children, grandchildren, and nieces have walked and/or been on the Youth Corps. 

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

Many people in my circle associate me with the 3-Day, so they continue supporting the walk financially. Additionally, I have organized Worship in Pink at my synagogue for a Shabbat program annually for 17 years. My teammates and congregants who are survivors participate and we remember those we have lost. 

What’s a fun fact about you?  

Things I enjoy doing are volunteering at the food bank, needle arts, travel, and spending time with my grandchildren and great-granddaughter. 

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

I have learned from the 3-Day that one person can make an impact. 

Denver Crew Impact Award Winner: Carolyn H. 

Meet Carolyn H., our 2024 Denver Crew Impact Award Winner!  

Since her first Susan G. Komen 3-Day® 14 years ago, Carolyn has participated 27 times and has raised a lifetime total of over $20,000. Not only is she one of the most selfless individuals you may ever meet, but she does it all as a thriver with the hope of creating a future without breast cancer.  

“Within the Pink Bubble there lies a special glue which makes us shine a little brighter, lifts us up a bit higher, and brings grace to everything surrounding us; this glue is Carolyn. She is the best of the Komen 3-Day, and her compassion and kindness are legendary. She is there for all of us, all the time, and manages her teams with a savvy style and a unique, joy-filled spirit. Carolyn is a true asset to everyone here, especially me, and the world truly is a better place with her in it. We are a better event with her as a part of it, and I can’t imagine my world or the Pink Bubble without her.” —Kit L.  

What was your inspiration to participate in your first 3-Day®??? 

I was asked by my friend Mary M. to co-captain a sweep team for the Denver event in 2010. I had no idea what the 3-Day was, let alone a sweep team, but I was game to learn and looking forward to spending time with Mary. That was it; I have been hooked on the Pink Bubble ever since. The people, the atmosphere, the stories of survival as well as the tributes for those who didn’t survive.   

Although I am a thriver of breast cancer, I do not do this for me or that recognition; I do it so others, including my children and yours, won’t have to walk down that same breast cancer path. I have seen in the past 25 years great strides in the diagnosis, treatment and survival rate for breast cancer and how it trickles down to other cancers as well.   

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

The people and the positive culture of the 3-Day; that Pink Bubble, as they say! I have the most incredible friendships with so many people I have met along the way including walkers, crew and staff. These people are my family, (especially my “Sistas” Mary & Janet) and if they need me for anything, I’m there at their beck and call and vice versa. I call the 3-Day the great equalizer; EVERYONE at the event is there to support, cheer, hug, and give love to everyone else. There is no distinction between our many differences. It’s how we want the world to be.  

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

I love helping walkers and my crew team to have the best experience of their life by giving them encouragement, understanding, and a lot of fun. Knowing I brought a smile or a sense of belonging to someone’s day is the best reward and I’m perfectly happy being behind the scenes.  

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

Be you, let go, and remember you are in a safe place. Have fun, be silly, cry, cheer, hug, and make a new friend each day; I can guarantee they will be lifelong friendships. Again, everyone is there for you, and you are there for them. Also, keep a Sharpie in your pocket, wear closed-toed shoes and a wide mouth water bottle is your friend as well.  

What’s a fun fact about you?  

Anyone on my crew team knows that singing is not my hidden talent, but that doesn’t stop me. I also grew up on a farm/ranch in Nebraska, ergo I learned how to double clutch tractors, combines and grain trucks. Although I now live in Denver, my husband and I have ownership in a herd of bison in Nebraska. 

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

I’ve learned a lot about leadership and teamwork including how to be flexible and handle unforeseen circumstances. I’ve learned that each person has their own individual journey they must travel, and I must be understanding, compassionate and accepting of that journey. 

“At this moment, you are probably trying to slide into the background. But let the light shine on you for a few minutes just as your light has shined brightly for the 3-Day for many years.” —John H.  

Congratulations, Carolyn! We are honored to have you as part of our Pink Bubble family. 

Fundraising During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Throughout October, an outpouring of attention is brought to breast cancer, survivors, thrivers, and ongoing research efforts. From media outlets to football games and everything in between, communities are rocking pink in support of the cause all month long. Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings people together with shared stories, pink ribbon campaigns, and community events, making it easier to garner support. While the magnifying glass is on the fight against breast cancer, it’s the ideal time to rally to raise both awareness and funds to create a future free from this disease.  

People are more likely to engage in charitable activities and donate when they see others around them participating and notice an emphasis on the cause. To maximize your contributions in the fight against breast cancer, we highly recommend joining the pink wave this fall whether you’re fundraising for the 3-Day in 2024 or 2025.  

Start by clearly identifying why you participate in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®. Did you or someone you love battle breast cancer? Has Susan G. Komen had a personal impact on your life? Regardless of your reasoning, clearly communicating why you walk will significantly impact your donors’ contributions. From here, understand how Susan G. Komen uses these dollars and show your donors how their donation could help, the Komen 3-Day’s impact since 2003, and why Komen. Together, this knowledge can help someone finalize their donation to your walk and the breast cancer cause.  

Next, choose your fundraising format. Will you be hosting a donation-based workout class on the weekends, or a pink-ribbon bake sale after school hours? Will you utilize social media or dress up in all pink and trick-or-treat for donations? There are countless opportunities to raise money, and, during the month of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, people are more likely to give. Reach out to local companies, as many participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month by donating a portion of sales, providing items for auctions, or sponsoring events. Their involvement can significantly boost your fundraising efforts and increase your visibility. Regardless of how you choose to fundraise, it’s helpful to have a team of close friends or family to share responsibilities with who will support you along the way.  

Finally, plan your timeline to ensure your hard work pays off! Begin your outreach and preparation early in the month and host events midway through. Throughout the month, consider offering a small incentive like a wearable pink ribbon or social media shout-out to thank your donors for their contributions. Use a countdown to build a sense of urgency amongst donors and, at the end of the month, individually thank each donor and report on your progress toward your fundraising goal. If not for their contributions, we wouldn’t be able to make the strides we do in the fight against breast cancer. 

No matter how many donations you bring in, utilize Breast Cancer Awareness Month to share the impact that breast cancer continues to have on people throughout the world. Encourage your friends and family to get a mammogram, share their personal stories, and spread awareness whenever possible. With advocacy and fundraising, we can end breast cancer together.