We wrapped up the 2024 3-Day Season in Coastal San Diego!

We wrapped up the 2024 3-Day season in sunny San Diego! From November 15–17, the Pink Bubble returned to pink tents to camp out and walk 60, 40, or 20 miles. Together, 1,850 walkers and 340 crew members raised a total of $6.4 million for breast cancer research, community health, patient care and advocacy.

Day 1

The 2024 San Diego 3-Day kicked off with the sun rising in Del Mar for a packed Opening Ceremony. The entire crowd let out a tremendous cheer of support when Meghan L. shared that she walks for her mom, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2023. “The 3-Day has quickly become my favorite tradition. It is a space where I am most reminded of her.” Following, Beth B. shared her story as a survivor who walks not just for herself but to share her story and show people what it means to live beyond a cancer diagnosis. To wrap up the ceremony, Aimee and Ashley L. were accompanied by their father, Gary L., on stage as they spoke of their beautiful mother who passed away from this horrible disease in July of this year. “She was an incredible mother to us and a loving wife to our dad, Gary…. We are proud to walk these 60 miles in her memory and to raise funds to support research, clinical trials, patient care, and so much more for this generation and the next.” Gary concluded the Opening Ceremony by raising the Promise Flag in honor of everyone we walk to remember before survivors and thrivers led the way out onto the route.

As the parade of pink made its way down the coast, 3-Dayers passed through Del Mar Village, which boasted incredible community support, toward Torrey Pines where they faced a large hill, and into La Jolla Shores where sea life flourishes. From local businesses to cheerleaders and the San Diego Police Department (SDPD), walkers were fueled by cheering and snacks at nearly every corner. They also couldn’t miss the “Crazy Sign Lady” who updated her poster every few miles, all the way from 60 miles to 0.

The second half of the route included La Jolla Cove and Children’s pool before returning to camp to enjoy the Bank of America massage chairs, trail mix, and setting up their pink tents. The SDPD hosted an impromptu dance session in the dining tent where hundreds of individuals danced the wobble with tremendous smiles on their faces! To wrap up the evening, walkers enjoyed the Bank of America Celebration of Champions, where we awarded our Top Fundraisers, Milestone Award Winner, and Crew Impact Award Winners with donations of up to $500 for their 2025 3-Day fundraising. Our National Presenting Sponsor also hosted a raffle where five randomly selected San Diego 3-Day participants won $250 toward their 2025 fundraising efforts. What a way to wrap up the evening before getting some shuteye in pink tents along the beach of Mission Bay.

Day 2

As the sun rose, so did walkers and crew as they emerged from their pink tents to enjoy a hearty breakfast before lining up on the Mohawk Pink Carpet to embark on the route. Standing at the front of the line was Rachel B., our San Diego Ultimate Event Experience winner who accomplished her 15^th 3-Day this weekend. In the eligible challenge period, Rachel humbly raised nearly $9,700, earning her first position out on the route with her team Bouncin’ Buckeyes amongst other prizes. When given the go-ahead, Rachel led walkers who flooded out of camp creating an immense sea of pink. In typical San Diego style, supporters including the SDPD cheered them on as they exited camp to enjoy a fun-filled 20 miles.

Walkers passed through Sunset Cliffs National Park and Smiley Lagoon before heading toward South Mission Beach Boardwalk and the infamous Muscle Beach. At Pit Stop 2, walkers were greeted by a Mickey Mouse theme and a real parrot, as well as delicious snacks, hydration, and porta johns. Walkers headed over to lunch to celebrate the halfway mark where a mother and her seven-year-old daughter were offering pink ribbon face paint to walkers and crew. Before you knew it, walkers were back on their feet squeezing in a quick Wobble with the SDPD before heading back out on the route!

Walkers then passed through Memorial Mile where the photos of 100 incredible individuals who battled breast cancer stood proudly. As they made their way into camp, walkers were greeted with the famous 3-Day mac ‘n’ cheese before welcoming in the last walker, who entered the tent dancing. A hot chocolate bar, courtesy of Bank of America, opened with countless toppings including marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, peppermint sticks, and more! With stomachs and hearts full, we enjoyed a touching Honor Ceremony which began with words from all 27 members of our Youth Corps. Tears were shed, hugs were exchanged, and we were all unified as we remembered why we walk. Everyone lit a candle to line the way to the remembrance tent before calling it a night and resting up for the final day of the San Diego 3-Day.

Day 3

To kick off Day 3, walkers packed up their pink tents and enjoyed a delicious breakfast at camp. As they headed out on the route, walkers passed through Ocean Front Walk, Belmont Park, and Bonita Cove before passing by Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute. Shortly after, SeaWorld San Diego cheered on walkers with the help of an adorable penguin named June! They also provided walkers with water, gummy bears, holiday ornaments, and more to put a little pep in their step. Walgreens cheered on walkers as they strolled toward Old Town Viewpoint and the Little Italy Sign, and before we knew it, they were crossing the Mohawk Pink Carpet into the Closing Ceremony!

To celebrate their tremendous achievement of up to 60 miles in three days, walkers were gifted a victory t-shirt and San Diego medal courtesy of Bank of America. They got to snap a quick photo in front of the 60-Mile sign and at the Nature’s Bounty Butterfly Wings. Nature’s Bounty also offered a drawing to win a prize pack as well as a free bag stuffed with their Hair Growth vitamins and a stunning pin! Walkers grabbed a Mohawk SmartCushion to rest their feet and take in the gorgeous view of Waterfront Park while eagerly waiting for our last walker.

The last walker entered the sea of supporters and raised the last walker flag one last time before crew members lined the way to the stage for survivors and thrivers. A collection of thousands of sneakers arose, contrasting beautifully with the waterfront scenery. Hand-in-hand, survivors and thrivers walked toward the stage prompting our Closing Ceremony. It was at this time that we discovered that, collectively, the participants of the San Diego 3-Day raised a colossal $6.4 million in the fight against breast cancer. Bubbles were released into the air and the celebration concluded with crying, hugging, and dancing as we look forward to the 2025 3-Day season.

Thank you to all who joined us this year. From walkers to crew to volunteers, your efforts push us closer to the world we dream of. A world without breast cancer. We look forward to seeing you next year!

Dallas/Fort Worth Milestone Award Winner: Sheryl C.

Meet Sheryl C., our 2024 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Milestone Award Winner!

Since her first 3-Day 15 years ago, Sheryl has walked 34 times and has raised more than $191,000. Not only that, but the team that she captains with Dana Bilbray, STEPS, was this year’s top fundraising team on the New England and Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Days. Team STEPS is closing in on $2 million dollars raised since their inception in 2009, with their team’s lifetime fundraising history just shy of $1.9 million STEPS has no off-season; they train and fundraise all year round and are instrumental in ensuring the success of the Susan G. Komen Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day!

“My name is Sharon F., Sheryl’s twin sister, and I wanted to share some things about her from my perspective. Sheryl is a natural leader—leading by example, encouraging, challenging, removing barriers and inspiring others.”

What was your sister’s inspiration to do her first Susan G. Komen 3-Day®?

Her inspiration is both professional and personal. Professionally she is a Family Medicine physician and reminds patients that only about 15% of women have a family history of breast cancer, so it is critical for the 85% without a family history of breast cancer to ALSO get regular mammograms. It’s also personal, since breast cancer was diagnosed in our maternal aunt in her thirties, in our paternal aunt in her sixties and in several of our cousins on both sides. Sheryl inspires us all to be better versions of ourselves and to help those around us.

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

Sheryl has been on the front lines as a doctor for over 30 years. While the mission of Susan G. Komen® is to help eradicate breast cancer, she sees it as much more. The Komen 3-Day is an opportunity for her to impact the overall health and well-being of others. She helps teammates accomplish goals they did not think they could obtain, taking each step with them, including helping them with hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, weight loss, self-confidence, and more. Sheryl often kicks off the weekly training walks with a brief medical education topic then puts purpose to the perspiration by asking who we are walking for that day. We walk for friends, family and coworkers who are newly tossed into the whirlwind of a cancer diagnosis and for all those who have been affected by breast cancer, some surviving and some not. There are too many stories and too many affected by breast cancer. By returning year after year, Sheryl continues the support, increases awareness, educates, motivates, and reaches the next generation so that perhaps one day we won’t have to walk anymore.

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

Fundraising is challenging, but since team STEPS started in 2009, every person on our team who has wanted to walk in the 3-Day has been able to do so. Sheryl issues various challenges to the team then personally donates to anyone who meets the challenge — like donating to teammates if they get a mammogram; brilliant! I updated my mammogram one year because of her. Thanks, Sis! Sheryl has either donated, matched or encouraged others to collectively raise $1.8 million dollars on team STEPS. She is so passionate about making a difference in those affected by breast cancer that people often approach her to ask if they can donate.

What is the best advice she would give to anyone walking the 3-Day?

My sister would tell you to join a team, and, of course, Sheryl would want you to join her team STEPS!

She would encourage you to go to a training walk, reminding you that you don’t have to be an athlete. Not everyone has to walk every step, but by showing up you take more steps than those who didn’t.

She would say never underestimate the power of giving away a free T-shirt (or anything else)! She will quite often give something to someone who donated, or someone recently diagnosed with breast cancer to let them know she cares. It starts a conversation, makes a connection, and tells a story. It says, “I’m part of something that makes a difference. Join me.” Sheryl has also bought things to give away to people who show up for training walks — like a buff to help with heat exhaustion or like a device that will break a car window if needed in an emergency and she may include some sort of short health or safety talk to go with it — it’s powerful! She has used it over and over.

What’s a fun fact about her?

Sheryl is a word nerd. She is a cutthroat Words With Friends player and studies word lists. Also, one year Sheryl made a New Year’s resolution to do something in support of breast cancer every day of the year and she did it, 365 days in a row!

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

To bring up the next generation of walkers, crew, scientists, researchers and keen minds. Sheryl loves the 3-Day motto, “We lay down our footsteps for this generation and the next.”

Recently, Sheryl had a competition to design a new 3-Day buff/gaiter. All ages entered, but the winners were children ages four, six and eight. Their artwork is featured on the buff with this saying “Taking STEPS big and small.” Who knows what impact that will have on these children, what impact cancer will have on them, and what impact they will have on cancer in the future?

Sheryl knows that in the fight against breast cancer, all our steps are important. She continues to learn from those who started before her, challenges and inspires those around her, and makes sure that she is lifting the next generation. She knows that each small step adds up to something bigger and pinker than any one person acting alone.

Explore the Coastal Route Before the 2024 San Diego 3-Day!

The Susan G. Komen 3-Day® returns to San Diego, where the sun shines bright and the community support is all-encompassing. Where sunny skies meet sandy shores, and the ocean breeze carries the promise of adventure with each step. As you soak it all in, find yourself in the best of San Diego’s seaside splendor as we walk through some of the city’s most iconic and breathtaking locations. From Del Mar to Old Town, this journey promises to be a memorable exploration of Southern California’s coastal paradise.

Day 1

Our journey begins in Del Mar with a lively and touching Opening Ceremony to kick off the spirited event as survivors and thrivers lead the way and the infamous SDPD bike team cheers you on. You’ll soon be greeted by man’s best friend as you approach the Del Mar Dog Beach, where owners bring their furry friends to run, play, and swim while watching surfers catch some waves. Continue toward Torrey Pines State Beach, a beautiful coastal destination known for its dramatic cliffs, scenic hiking trails, and stunning ocean views. The beach is nestled below the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, which is famous for its namesake trees, the rare Torrey Pine, found in only a few places in the world.

Continuing, you’ll approach the Salk Institute for Biological Studies which is dedicated to understanding fundamental life processes in fields such as biology, neuroscience, immunology, and genetics. It has made significant contributions to scientific research and medical advancements, including breast cancer research supported by the funds you’ve raised for Susan G. Komen®. With research on the mind, you’ll soon approach Ellen Browning Scripps Pier and UCSD Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where extensive scientific research and oceanographic studies are conducted to maintain the beautiful waters and marine life you see on your walk. As you venture further south through La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove, keep your eyes peeled for exciting marine life such as leopard sharks, sea lions, harbor seals, and bottlenose dolphins in the crystal-clear waters. You’ll even pass by Children’s Pool La Jolla where harbor seals and sea lions sunbathe and nurse their pups!

You’ll then complete your final miles of the day with a cheering station at the Taylor Branch Library, located in Pacific Beach, before strolling into camp at Crown Point Shores Park. Here you can enjoy some Bank of America massage chairs, delicious food, and a thrilling Celebration of Champions where we’ll recognize top fundraisers and raffle off some fundraising dollars for your 2025 Komen 3-Day!

Day 2

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at camp before venturing toward Mission Bay’s South Cove. Home to various bird species, you and your fellow walkers can enjoy some bird watching as you soak up the calm, protected waters. Continue toward the coastal neighborhood of Ocean Beach, where you’ll venture onto Narragansett Hill, a hidden gem with priceless views. Embrace the panoramic views of the coastline, including Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, Point Loma and even La Jolla!

Speaking of breathtaking views, you’ll continue toward Sunset Cliffs National Park, whose name says it all! The park stretches along the coastline from Point Loma to Ocean Beach and is a popular destination for locals and visitors seeking natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and scenic photography. Breathe in the ocean air as you venture toward South Mission Beach and Sail Bay, where you’re likely to see water sports such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailboats. Wrap up 40 miles as you return to camp for a touching Honor Ceremony as we honor all those affected by breast cancer and absorb an extra dose of inspiration as we head into the final day tomorrow.

Day 3

Our final day of exploration welcomes a visit to Ocean Front Walk and the nearby Belmont Park, a historic amusement park that’s been entertaining visitors since 1925. It offers a peek into the 20^th century and is home to the iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster. Feel an adrenaline rush as you stroll past and snap a picture on the historic beachfront boardwalk. Next, venture to Bonita Cove, a tranquil bay area with stunning views of Mission Bay that is perfect for a leisurely stroll. It’s a tranquil and relatively secluded spot compared to some of the more bustling areas in Mission Bay Park, making it a great place to reflect on your reason for walking the 3-Day®.

Continue toward Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to marine research and conservation. Here, they conduct a wide range of scientific studies aimed at understanding marine ecosystems, promoting sustainable fisheries, and protecting marine wildlife. Close by, you’ll approach SeaWorld San Diego who houses a plethora of animals such as sloths, penguins, and marine life!

History buffs will appreciate the visit to the Mormon Battalion Historic Site, where you can step back in time and learn about the role of the Mormon Battalion in San Diego’s development. From here, our journey boasts a visit to the Old Town Viewpoint, offering panoramic views of San Diego’s historic heart. Here, you’ll gain a new perspective on the city’s evolution and maybe even reflect on your own evolution over the past three days. Lastly, don’t forget to explore the vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood of Little Italy before the Finish Line Festival at Waterfront Park. Surrounded by palm trees, you’ll be , offered a Mohawk Flooring SmartCushion, greeted with a fabulous giveaway from Nature’s Bounty, and awarded a stunning medal, thanks to Bank of America.

San Diego’s coastlines and attractions offer a diverse range of experiences, from natural wonders to commemorated sites and vibrant neighborhoods. The 3-Day takes you on a memorable journey through the heart of San Diego, allowing you to immerse yourself in its unique blend of maritime beauty and urban charm. So, lace up your walking shoes, embrace the ocean breeze, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in America’s Finest City.