A passionate resident of Denver for the past six years, Coach Alex embarked on their first-ever Susan G. Komen 3-Day® in 2023. With a profound love for the outdoors, crafting, and a newfound interest in hand-building with clay, Alex thrives in mountainous landscapes and creative pursuits. The simple joy of sipping coffee at a local café with friends encapsulates the essence of their desire to live each moment to the fullest.  

In February 2023, Alex began the transformative journey as a Komen 3-Day Coach, marking a shift in their career path. “At the start of that year, I sat down to reflect on what I wanted out of life and realized that I had not been living in line with my values and purpose, and I needed a career change. Finding the 3-Day connected me to a cause that’s important to me and has allowed me to do work that inspires me.” In those winter and spring months of 2023, Alex got to know the Pink Bubble and was thrilled to be able to provide support for the Denver 3-Day walkers. Their excitement grew at the prospect of getting to see it all come together in August. 

When Alex awoke on the first morning of the 2023 Denver 3-Day, they were a mixed bag of emotions; excitement, nervousness, eagerness, and anticipation flooded through their body. The culmination of meticulous planning and the prospect of meeting participants in person was a surreal feeling. For Alex, the highlight of coaching is undoubtedly the opportunity to connect with the participants, in a community unlike any other. “Everyone has a beautiful story, and I am constantly impressed by the strength, kindness, and power of the people I meet [at the 3-Day]”, they shared. “There is something so magical about being surrounded by so many lovely people working together for the same cause.” These traits that persist throughout the 3-Day continually leave Alex in awe, inspiring them to be the best coach and person that they can be. 

For Alex, the most cherished memory of the event was cheering for walkers at the finish line. They saw so many familiar faces and adored watching each participant complete this enormous accomplishment. Witnessing the triumph of Michele, a first-time walker and recent survivor, encapsulated the meaning of the 3-Day for Alex; a reminder of why we walk. “As she crossed the finish line, she fell right into my arms. We shared the most special hug and many happy tears. I was SO proud of her and moved by the way she thanked me for helping her along this journey ? it was such a special reminder of all the magic the 3-Day brings.” 

Having completed their first 3-Day as a coach, Alex was overwhelmed with gratitude for the guidance of their team, especially Coach Staci and Coach Molly. Alex quickly learned to lean into confidence during moments that would otherwise be stressful. Thorough preparation, a supportive team, and remembering that everything would be okay became crucial in overcoming doubts. With that, Alex saw parallels between coaching and walking, inspiring them to switch roles and participate in the Chicago 3-Day as a 1-Day Walker alongside their mom.  

Alex cherished the miles spent walking beside their mother as they laughed, cried, and shared in enjoying string cheese at every pit stop. Alex noticed many unique adversities and challenges that walkers face while on the route. “One thing I learned for sure is that you cannot underestimate the power of training,” they shared. They learned first-hand of the physical undertaking that comes along with walking the 3-Day and feel more prepared than ever to better advise participants in their journey leading up to the event. “Bonus points ? I can also tell them how fun it is to get in a sweep van if the miles get too tough!” 

For those embarking on their very first 3-Day journey, whether it be as a 1, 2, or 3-Day walker, Alex encourages leaning into the experience. Acknowledge the challenges, celebrate the accomplishments, and embrace the moments of vulnerability throughout the journey. The rewards are immeasurable. To anyone contemplating joining the 3-Day, Alex reassures you that thousands have been exactly where you are now, questioning if they could do it… and they did. Emphasizing inner strength and the potential for joy in every moment, Alex invites potential participants to reach out with any concerns, as coaches like Alex are here to empower and guide you. 

Looking forward to the 2024 3-Day, Alex is excited to approach the season with an even better understanding of the event. They express deep gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the 3-Day family and eagerly anticipate meeting participants on the route in 2024. If you’re new to the 3-Day or are thinking about walking in 2024, reach out to Alex at denvercoaches@the3day.org to hear more about their experience or ask any questions you may have. The journey continues, and the Pink Bubble awaits with open arms. 

60 years after his famous speech from The March on Washington, the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. echo through the caverns of society as inequality resonates with a profound depth amongst Black people in America. This contributes to ongoing inequalities in education, housing, employment, and even healthcare. In fact, Black women experience higher rates of death from breast cancer due to a combination of factors, including barriers to early diagnosis and high-quality treatment, the aggressive nature of certain breast cancers diagnosed more often in Black women, lack of high-quality care, genetics, discrimination and systemic racism.  

Though progress has been made since 1963, racial injustice in healthcare is prominent and the Black community is continually impacted. Though the situation may seem bleak, there is hope that we can work towards equity in healthcare and provide ample treatment to save the lives of all individuals, regardless of skin color. “With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.” 

Determined to make a change, Susan G. Komen® explored 10 metropolitan areas to understand the unique drivers of disparities in each community. The reports identified several trends that exist to varying degrees in each area, launching the Health Equity Revolution program, Stand For H.E.R, which you can learn more about here. This is a focused initiative to decrease breast cancer disparities in the Black community by 25% beginning in the U.S. metropolitan areas where inequities are greatest. You can read a summary of their findings and see what metropolitan areas are most affected here.  

The funds you raise for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® contribute to providing genetic counseling and testing, financial assistance, screening and diagnostic services, and empowering Black women and men to advocate for themselves.  

We walk together, for each other. We walk because we must. We walk because “our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” ?Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.   

“We refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt… We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice.”  

Now is the time to end breast cancer. For everyone.  

Amidst the daily grind and rhythm of life, sometimes you come across a remarkable individual — someone like breast cancer survivor and resilient business owner, Jennie S. Fueled by her survivorship, in 2023 Jennie embarked on her very first 3-Day journey which helped redefine her already potent strength. She walked 60 miles through the streets of San Diego to contribute to a cause close to her heart and make an impact on the community around her. Her story begins like many others, not in grandiosity, but in the mundane routines of life. In November of 2018, her world was spun on its head when a routine mammogram revealed the presence of breast cancer. At just 41 years old, it was a wakeup call, a moment of realization that life can take unexpected turns, and in the face of adversity, we find our true strength.  

Five years after her initial diagnosis, Jennie was scrolling through social media when she discovered the Susan G. Komen 3-Day. At first, the idea of walking 60 miles seemed implausible, but on her birthday, she decided to take the plunge and sign up for the San Diego 3-Day taking place in November. The Komen 3-Day became more than just a fundraiser for her; it was a goal that fueled her determination to overcome the physical and emotional challenges of the past. Not only was she raising money for a cause close to her heart, but Jennie was also able to redefine what a previously daunting month meant to her. “[In past years,] November has been synonymous with anxiety, worry, surgery, chemo, [and] hospitals,” she shared. “This [past] year, I have replaced all of that with the memory of this huge accomplishment, friends who joined me and pushed themselves, and my community of donors who overwhelmed me with their generosity.” 

For this survivor, fundraising was more than just collecting donations. It was about sharing her story, connecting with her community, and creating a network of support. Immediately after registering, Jennie sent a letter/email to all of her friends explaining her 3-Day endeavor and why it’s important to her. The declaration of her truth is a testament to the power of telling your story, because she got so much more than a donation in return. “In an age where everyone is busy and bombarded digitally, I really felt connected to the donations because people not only gave me their money, they told me their stories too,” she explained.  

The inspiring stories didn’t end when she stepped into the Pink Bubble. The community embraced her with inspiration and often humor, an adventure unlike any other. It was a world where survivors and supporters alike came together to reclaim their strength and accept everyone exactly as they are. While walking, she felt like every one of her donors was right there walking beside her for all 60 miles. To those contemplating joining the 3-Day, her message is clear — it is an unparalleled experience, worth every blister and sore muscle. 

The Pink Bubble, as she describes it further, is not just a moment in time but a source of enduring inspiration that she often reflects on her personal life and in business. “I was sad to enter back into the real world after the walk was over”, she shared. “But I try to carry a little bit of the Pink Bubble with me wherever I go now.”  

Jennie even brings the Pink Bubble spirit to her female-run marketing firm of which she is the founder and CEO. To her, leading the firm is more than just a professional endeavor, but a testament to the power and resilience of women. Through her breast cancer and 3-Day journey, she has reshaped her perspective on leadership, empathy, time management, and commitment to the health and well-being of her team at work. Having been affected by such a disease, she transparently shared, “My business assets are my people, and they deserve to have their health insurance taken care of fully.” 

In closing, she extends her heartfelt thanks to everyone involved with the Pink Bubble. It’s not just a fundraiser; it’s an ethos and execution that she feels honored to have been a part of — an orbit of compassion and humanity that extends far beyond the miles walked.