14 Things We Love About the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®

In honor of Valentine’s Day, the 14 things we love about the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® are…

The Pink Bubble

We love the Pink Bubble! There’s nothing quite like it; the love that it brings, the joy that it radiates, and the impact it makes is unlike anything else. The Pink Bubble is more than just a group of people dedicated to ending breast cancer, it is a true testament of the impact of unity and an example of how we should all show up in our daily lives. The Pink Bubble is love.

Advancing Research

We love that there has been a 43% decline in the breast cancer death rate since Komen’s founding in 1982. We love our leading research programs which amplify patient voices so that everyone is heard as we continue to investigate this disease. Our efforts have contributed to 2,800 research grants in 47 states, the District of Columbia and 24 countries. There have been 550 clinical trials and we’ve researched breast cancer disparities & inequalities, hereditary, triple negative and metastatic breast cancer, vaccines & immunotherapy, and more. We love that we will never give up.

Providing Treatment and Support

We love that we don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk (literally). The dollars that we raise at the Komen 3-Day contribute to helping people battling breast cancer. The Komen patient care center offers free, personalized support to patients, caregivers and family members, including education, emotional support, financial assistance, help accessing care and more.

Honoring our Loved Ones

We love being able to honor survivors, thrivers, and those who have lost their lives to this wretched disease. Between the Honor Ceremony, the Remembrance Tent, and hearing one another’s stories, the 3-Day® is an opportunity to stand together and honor the fighters in our lives.

Advocating for Health Equity

We love advocating for health equity and taking strides toward a future where everyone receives the care they deserve. Everyone is at risk of breast cancer, but some of us are at higher risk than others. That’s why Komen is working to eliminate barriers to care for individuals and communities experiencing breast health inequities now and in the future.

Exploring Fun Cities

We love everywhere the 3-Day takes us! Exploring the rich history of New England, the scenic views of Denver, the cowboy culture of Dallas/Fort Worth, and the coastline of San Diego while creating a better future is the ultimate girl’s weekend. There’s so much to see wherever the 3-Day takes us.

Pit Stops

We love everything about pit stops! We’re talking fun themes and decorations, delicious snacks, kind crew, refreshments to keep us hydrated, and porta potties galore. Pit stops are crucial to an immersive and safe 3-Day experience.

Fun Outfits

We love all the outfits at the 3-Day! From team shirts and exciting costumes to pink nails and memorial pins, it is always fun to see what everyone wears to the 3-Day. The community is so creative and finds exactly what works for them!

Sweep Vans

We love a sweep van! Sweep vans make sure that we all complete the 60 miles, even if a few are spent in the back seat of a themed vehicle rather than on our feet. Sometimes we need a bit of assistance and sweep vans make it fun!

Bank of America Massage Chairs

After 20 miles of walking, we love a massage chair more than we’ve ever loved anything else. Our incredible national presenting sponsor, Bank of America, gives us fuzzy slippers and some much-needed pampering after a day spent on our feet.

Mac & Cheese

We love 3-Day mac & cheese. Nothing more needs to be said.

Our Sponsors

We love our sponsors! Bank of America, XPO, Mohawk, Nature’s Bounty, Walgreens, READY, and Expedia are crucial to making the 3-Day the incredible experience that it is. We love knowing that our sponsors cheer us on along the way and are committed to ending breast cancer alongside us.

Cheering Stations

We love cheering stations! Seeing a group of people there to support the walkers takes our minds off our blisters for a moment and reminds us to keep going. They keep the energy up along the route and inspire us to walk one step at a time.

YOU!?

Whether you walk, crew, volunteer, cheer, or donate, you are the backbone of the 3-Day and you are so loved. Without you, the progress we’ve made to ending breast cancer wouldn’t be possible. You raise the funds, you walk the miles, you bring the Pink Bubble spirit, and you change the lives of countless men and women. You are the 3-Day and we love you for all that you are and all that you do.

Celebrating Black History Month and Making Strides Forward — Susan G. Komen’s Commitment to Health Equity

Black history is American history. As we celebrate Black History Month, we take the opportunity to look back on the hardships, achievements, and contributions of the African American community throughout our country. Our country’s past shapes the landscape that we are surrounded by today. It is vital to look back so that we may move forward and ultimately progress to become a nation where all are truly treated the same, regardless of the color of their skin.

While equity for the Black community has improved over time, discrimination persists in part due to biases, both implicit and intentional. These assumptions are formed through exposure to stereotypes, social conditioning, and contribute to systemic inequalities and bigotry. America’s record of labeling and prejudice against Black people has contributed to substantial health inequalities amongst community members who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color. Breast cancer does not discriminate, and African American women face unique challenges that amplify the burden of this disease. In fact, Black women are about 40% more likely to die from breast cancer and are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages and with more aggressive types of breast cancer than white women. Additionally, Black women have a lower 5-year relative breast cancer survival rate compared to white women.

These disparities in breast cancer outcomes are not only issues of health; they’re also byproducts of a larger problem of systemic injustices. Members of the Black community are still dying from breast cancer more than other populations due to the unique biology of their breast cancer, combined with inequities in health care that include reduced access to quality care, disproportionately low insurance coverage, poverty and systemic racism. A recent study showed that only 5.7% of physicians were Black individuals, though they constitute nearly 14% of the U.S. population, and diversity in the health care workforce is proven to increase access to health care for communities of color. Racial, ethnic and social injustices create barriers to affordable, life-saving health care, cultural responsiveness in the health care community and so much more.

Ultimately, representation and access to care are amongst the most life-saving measures one can rely on and Susan G. Komen is tackling these disparities head on. To gain a better understanding of the existing barriers that drive these inequities, Komen worked directly with the Black community to launch a multiyear analysis of 10 metropolitan areas that experience the largest gaps in mortality between Black and white women. In 2021, Komen published the results of this analysis in Closing the Breast Cancer Gap: A Roadmap to Save the Lives of Black Women in America. This series of reports found Black women are often ignored by their health care providers and face significant barriers to receiving the care they need due to a legacy of systemic racism, implicit bias and below-standard care.

In response, Komen launched Stand for H.E.R. – a Health Equity Revolution, a program based on this analysis to remove the barriers to high-quality breast health care Black women across the U.S. need. Komen’s comprehensive approach through Stand for H.E.R. includes five key health equity drivers to create change:

Education that equips specific groups and communities with knowledge about breast health
Patient support that ensures connections to timely, high-quality care
Workforce development that improves diversity and cultural sensitivity of health care workers
Public policy and advocacy that promote health equity
Research that is representative and benefits all

By leveraging this approach through Stand for H.E.R., Komen is committed to collaborating with Black communities, policymakers, researchers and other key allies to help create a world without inequities, where Black people have the same chances of surviving breast cancer as anyone else. The funds you raise at the Komen 3-Day help make this possible.

As we commemorate Black History Month, let us not only celebrate achievements but also acknowledge the ongoing struggles faced by many, particularly in the realm of healthcare. The fight against breast cancer demands a collective effort to eliminate disparities and promote equal access to resources. Susan G. Komen’s commitment to education, outreach, and cultural sensitivity serves as a beacon of hope in the quest for a future where every individual, regardless of their background, can face breast cancer with the support and resources they deserve. Together, let us bridge the gap and make breast cancer a thing of the past ? for everyone.

For more information about Komen’s commitment to achieving health equity, visit our Health Equity homepage, and discover how to become a Policy Advocate, an Advocate in Science, or register for Navigation Nation. To learn more about the support available, visit the Patient Care Center, explore our Financial Assistance Program, or contact our Breast Care Helpline.

Partnering with a Sorority to Fundraise for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day

Understanding. Compassionate. Celebratory. Supportive. Empowering. Unbreakable. Uplifting. Caring. Inclusive. Resilient. Devoted. Sisterly.

These key aspects define the Pink Bubble and characterize what makes the event so powerful. At the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®, collaboration and community are key to maintaining the safe space and driving our tremendous impact. Many of the values that are central to the Pink Bubble abound in sororities.

As a matter of fact, the term “sorority” is derived from the Latin word “soror, ” meaning sister, and reflects the close bond and sense of sisterhood that members share. Sororities provide a supportive community for students, offering a network of like-minded individuals who uphold specific values, traditions, and philanthropic activities. To fulfill their philanthropic goal, many organizations host fundraisers throughout the academic year to raise money for various organizations and individuals in need of support. In fact, a few sororities support breast cancer research and treatment on a national level, meaning that all chapters nationwide are required to contribute to the cause each year.

As you gear up for the 2024 3-Day®, you may be seeking out some innovative ways to meet your fundraising goals. Try connecting with a local sorority chapter to see if you can join forces in ending breast cancer together. We’ve gone ahead and outlined a step-by-step process to make a fruitful fundraising partnership become reality.

Step 1: Research Local Chapters

Start by identifying local colleges or universities and research which Greek organizations are present on campus. Find out which sorority’s values align with the mission of the 3-Day by researching their past philanthropic activities and community involvement to ensure a seamless fit. National organizations require each chapter to raise money, and there may be one inspired by your mission to fund breast cancer research, education, and treatment.

Step 2: Identify Your Story and Theirs

When fundraising for the 3-Day, it’s vital that you share your story. Maybe you’re a breast cancer survivor or living with metastatic breast cancer, lost a loved one to the disease, or are just passionate about the cause. Whatever your reason, compile a list of talking points that touch on why you’re participating in the 3-Day. If you were a member of one of these organizations in the past or know somebody who was… share that! If you weren’t, don’t sweat it.

Gather a deep understanding of their values and emphasize how the partnership aligns with their commitment to community service. Make it clear that their involvement will be a meaningful contribution to a cause that affects millions of lives.

Step 3: Send a Proposal

Draft an email or send a direct message on social media that explains why you’re reaching out. You can typically find the national organization’s email at the bottom of the sorority website to connect you to your local chapter. Be sure to communicate that you’re interested in collaborating to raise money to end breast cancer. Define what the 3-Day is, share your story, identify your fundraising goals, and express how the sorority’s involvement can contribute to the mission. Explain how these funds will be used and highlight the importance of collective efforts in the battle against breast cancer. Wrap up your message by requesting a meeting with the sorority’s leadership or fundraising committee, to delve deeper into the logistics of your collaboration.

Step 4: Set Up a Meeting

Whether in person or virtually, this meeting is an opportunity to reshare your story, answer questions about the 3-Day, further define your fundraising goals, and build a personal connection that goes beyond the cause. When specifying your fundraising goals, follow our S.M.A.R.T. fundraising guide and worksheet to be as detailed as possible in your communication.

During your meeting, highlight the benefits of joining forces. This could include helping the sorority achieve their annual philanthropy requirements, boosting community involvement, and the chance to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility. Emphasize how the partnership aligns with their core values and make it clear that they can make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by breast cancer.

Step 5: Plan Collaborative Events

Once the sorority expresses interest, collaborate on planning and organizing fundraising events. Whether it’s a 5k run, a pink dinner party, or a community awareness campaign, working together can enhance the reach and success of these initiatives. At the event, you may want to share your story with those in attendance and educate them about breast cancer statistics, the impact of the 3-Day, and how these funds will be used.

Visit the fundraising page for fundraising policies, tips on planning fundraising events and how to collect donations.

Step 6: Promote the Partnership

One of the advantages of partnering with a sorority is that it can substantially increase your outreach. Both you and the sorority will promote your fundraising goals to friends, family, and across campus. Since so many are affected by breast cancer, you could reach more people and potentially connect with others who have been affected by the disease. Maybe you’ll even recruit a first-time walker and earn $100 credit to your fundraising account!

As with all other fundraising efforts, be sure to leverage various channels when promoting the partnership. Utilize social media, newsletters, and local news outlets to showcase the efforts between you and the next generation as you join forces to end breast cancer. Ensure that both the 3-Day and the sorority receive due recognition for their commitment to the cause.

Step 7: Express Gratitude

Throughout the fundraising process and after any successful events, express sincere gratitude to the sorority for their invaluable contributions. Consider public acknowledgments, thank-you letters, or presenting their letters at the event to show your appreciation for their support. Do whatever feels best for you to demonstrate just how impactful and appreciated their contributions are. Be sure to also send out emails, letters, and/or photos during and after the 3-Day to demonstrate the impact of their efforts.

Ultimately, in the journey to end breast cancer, every contribution counts. By joining forces with a sorority, you not only expand your fundraising capabilities but also create a powerful network of individuals dedicated to making a positive impact. Individually, we can take steps, but together, we can take strides toward a future where breast cancer is but a distant memory.