Category Archives: General

Love Letter to the 3-Day

Why do we participate in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day ®? Because we have an unfortunate connection that brings us together: we have been touched somehow by breast cancer. The silver lining is that out of that pain and struggle has arisen the community that is the Pink Bubble. Inside this Pink Bubble we support each other, we appreciate each other, and we love each other. This Valentine’s Day, we asked members of the Pink Bubble to write their own love letters to the Komen 3-Day. 

Every step together is an adventure, a journey towards the future of all who are fighting, will fight and have lost their fight against breast cancer. We walk together in love and hope for the future where this journey is no longer needed. —Shelly L. 

Dear 3-Day, we started dating in 2010 and I’ve never looked back on that decision! This year I’ll be doing my 21st 3-Day. Not only have we done some amazing things together in the fight against breast cancer, I’ve made so many lifelong friends along the way! My teams, Men With Heart and Friends With Heart have been incredible! Not to mention my two “Walk Wives” Cheryl and Jenn, who I couldn’t imagine not having in my life. My commitment to the 3-Day has certainly enriched my life more than I could have imagined when I started! Much Love, Frank M. 

Dear 3-Day, Thank you. You have lit a passion in me and inspired me to do more than I ever thought possible for not only a cause that has touched my family, friends and community, but for me personally as well. “Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.”—Rikki Rogers. Love always and forever, Theresa E., 22-year cancer survivor. 

The 3-Day has given me the strength to stand up for others, see beyond my own problems and realize that we are stronger when we are joined together. I am more proud of myself when training and fundraising for the 3-Day than I am at any other time. —Liz P. 

Dear 3-Day, I never dreamed my love for you would grow into what it is today. Thank you for all you have brought to my life. When I feel like giving up, your love keeps me going. I look forward every day to our next time together. —Lia L. 

Dear 3-Day, thank you for giving me back a purpose to my life when I thought I lost all meaning. —Jennifer R. 

Dear 3-Day, they said I was crazy, we would never last. They didn’t believe me when I said you completed me. What do they know? —Sally P. 

To Susan G. Komen, with love:  

One of the greatest gifts I have ever received was to see that I was not alone in my grief, and that in my grief, I could make a difference. It is often said “we don’t remember days; we remember moments.” So it goes that I will always remember the love. I remember crying during the Opening Ceremony. An unexpected release of the sorrow I had held tight to when a stranger reached out to hold my hand in comfort and in unity, as so many around me remembered loved ones lost too soon or prayed for those still fighting for their lives. Tears dried, and courage was born. I won’t ever forget all the survivors fiercely determined to make the journey to make a difference, to not stop fighting, to never give up. 

Giving up is never an option. I will always remember the crew and their themed pit stops, lifting the spirits of the weary. Their goal is that all walkers’ needs are attended to, as they quenched our thirst and fed our bellies. They tended to our blisters and aching muscles, and still found the time and energy to entertain, bring smiles and laughter; a family outside of family. I could never forget all those who took care that we were safe. Police on bicycles slowing down to chat, checking in to see if we were okay. The kind and creative motorcyclists, embellishing their cycles with teddy bears, bras or flamingos. The safety crews who assured street crossings were as entertaining as they were trouble-free. The sweep vans artistically decked out with optimism that we can make it, “Go Walkers Go,” but there for us just in case we needed them.  

I still clearly remember the amazing support from communities big and small, offering home-baked goods at every corner. Families, cheerleaders and girl scouts clapping and shouting words of encouragement. There were dogs dressed in pink skirts, boys and grown men were wearing bras, pink wigs and fishnet stockings. There were signs that made us laugh, signs that made us reflect, and so many signs that said, “Thank you for walking!” There was a big guy in thigh-high white boots with six-inch heels, standing there handing out hugs and high fives. And I’ll never forget the small gray-haired woman standing on the sidewalk in front of her house, offering walkers to use her bathroom if they were tired of using porta-potties!  

I will most certainly never forget walking in on the last day of my first 3-Day as the “Tunnel of Love” loomed large in front of me: a greeting of hundreds of walkers standing shoulder to shoulder on both sides of the walkway, their hands held high in the air, clapping and cheering, welcoming us back as the music soared and my emotions shattered. Their congratulations and their thank yous, their screaming, “YOU DID IT!! WOOHOO WALKERS! WAY TO GO!” A hero’s welcome I will never forget, a moment I pay forward still.  

Mostly, I will always remember the love and the extraordinary people I met from all walks of life going through different but similar trials, losses and struggles. I remember the kindred spirit that arose from so many who know that we can’t quit, that we must keep fighting because every life matters and quitting is not an option. Mostly, I will always remember the love. Thank you, Susan G. Komen, for allowing me to see that I was not alone in my grief, for allowing me to be surrounded by so many good people filled with an abundance of love and kindness and a common cause to rid the world of breast cancer. Because of you, I will always remember the love. —Maureen W. 

The  3-Day® brings us together in so many ways with so much love in every step of the 60 miles. If you could write a love letter to the 3-Day, what would you say? Let us know in the comments. 

Kickstarting Your 2022 Fundraising

$2,300 sounds like a lot of money to raise, especially if you’re new to peer-to-peer fundraising and don’t know where to start. The Susan G. Komen 3-Day team gathered some fun and unique fundraising ideas, whether you’re just getting started or are reaching for a higher goal! 

  1. Babysitting 

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and this is a perfect excuse to turn this lovely holiday into a fundraising opportunity! Offer to babysit your grandkids, your nieces and nephews or your friends’ kids while those you love enjoy a night out. Maximize your fundraising amount by telling them what you’re fundraising for and let them give whatever they feel is right.  

  1. Capitalize on Your Strengths 

If you like to bake, try taking some cookies or cakes for your neighbors in exchange for a donation. Or if you like doing chores around the house, offer to clean someone’s house or do some yard work for them. Throw a good old-fashioned car wash block party and invite the whole neighborhood! Whatever it is you’re good at or enjoy doing can be turned into a fundraising opportunity! 

  1. Organize an Easter Egg Hunt 

With Spring in our midst, start planning ahead and offer to set up Easter Egg Hunts in your friends’ and family’s yards. Easter Egg hunts are cheap and easy to put together, and by asking for a donation in return you’re bound to come out on top.  

  1. Tell Your Story 

We all have connections to breast cancer, but each story is unique. Talk to your friends, family or even strangers at the grocery store and tell them about your upcoming journey on the 3-Day and why this cause is important to you. Direct them here so they can learn all about how the money you raise is making a difference and saving lives. 

  1. When in Doubt, Ask Your Coach! 

The 3-Day coaches are there for you every step of the way in your journey. This includes fundraising! Our experienced coaches have interacted with thousands of participants just like you over the years and have heard tons of stories. Plus, they have all been in your shoes before, fundraising for a 3-Day. The 3-Day coaches can always lend a helping hand when it comes to strategizing for fundraising and making sure you meet your minimum. 

Don’t Forget the Basics 

When in doubt, try these basic fundraising tips: 

  1. Ask friends and family 
  1. Ask for a specific amount 
  1. Set a deadline 
  1. Follow up 
  1. Say thank you! 

Check Out Other Fundraising Blogs 

We’ve compiled a list of other fundraising blogs we’ve done in the past for success stories and other unique ideas you can try. 

  1. https://blog.the3day.org/2021/11/16/lindsey-b-s-amazing-and-creative-fundraising-efforts/ 
  1. https://blog.the3day.org/2021/11/09/quick-and-easy-fundraising-ideas/ 
  1. https://blog.the3day.org/2021/09/27/abcs-of-fundraising/ 
  1. https://blog.the3day.org/2021/08/31/being-a-first-time-walker-and-fundraising-success-the-story-of-felice-a/ 
  1. https://blog.the3day.org/2021/02/03/why-these-fundraising-tech-tips-can-help-you-reach-your-goal-faster-than-you-could-in-2003/ 
  1. https://blog.the3day.org/2019/10/09/3-day-fundraising-with-facebook-a-step-by-step-guide-to-setting-up-your-facebook-fundraiser/ 
  1. https://blog.the3day.org/2019/06/28/hot-take-fundraising-friday-ideas-for-summertime/ 
  1. https://blog.the3day.org/2019/06/05/how-to-fundraise-for-the-3-day-from-start-to-finish/ 
  1. https://blog.the3day.org/2019/03/22/five-fundraising-friday-ways-to-celebrate-spring/ 
  1. https://blog.the3day.org/2021/09/23/zero-balance-fundraising/ 

Do you have any tried-and-true fundraising tips? Let us know in the comments section so other members in the Pink Bubble can try them! 

Deana K.’s Commitment to the 3-Day 

We all commit to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day ® for a reason. Almost everyone knows someone who has been affected by breast cancer, and Deana’s story is no different. She signed up to walk the 3-Day in 2015, after her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Fast forward to 2019, and Deana was eight months pregnant, but that didn’t stop her from walking the 3-Day in Dallas/Fort Worth. Read on to learn more about Deana’s commitment to the cause and what her unique experience has been like. 

How did you get involved with the Susan G. Komen 3-Day ®? 

I got involved with the 3-Day the year my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She opted for a double mastectomy because cancer runs in her family. I was her support person for the first three weeks following surgery. I saw the pain, the struggle, the fear and wanted to do something to honor her fight. I knew the 3-Day would be tough, but I knew that if she could get up every day and fight breast cancer, I could walk 60 miles.   

How many 3-Days have you participated in and how many/what cities are you signed up for in 2022? 

The 2022 season will be my eighth year participating (I still walked in 2020, despite the event being canceled because of COVID). I’m currently signed up to walk in all four cities for 2022, but will definitely be walking in Dallas/Fort Worth, since that is my home. 

What motivated you to walk while pregnant, and what was that experience like? 

In 2019, I was eight months pregnant during the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day. So many people thought I was crazy to walk while I was pregnant. But I knew that I needed to walk for my baby’s future, my future and my mom’s future. It was an amazing experience! I had approval from my OB to walk short distances and then could sweep as I needed to. The sweep vans were a hoot! They were all on the lookout for me, as well as all the walker stalkers, especially the Team Steps stalkers. I was not in any big rush, so I spent extra time at pit stops and lunch to chat with other walkers. Many said that I motivated them to keep going. For the 2021 season I was also pregnant again, but was too close to my due date to walk and had concerns from my OB, so I cheered the team on from my car. 

How is the walking experience different while pregnant? 

The experience while pregnant was definitely different from my other walks. I trained equally for pregnant and non-pregnant walks, but completely knew that doing the whole 60 miles on foot would not be best that far into my pregnancy. We definitely didn’t need a baby born on the route — although Medical would have had members on hand with experience! I camped out during non-pregnant walks, but definitely couldn’t do that while pregnant. I usually don’t sweep all three days, and just power through with teammates. I loved being able to walk leisurely and sweep while pregnant — it was nice to talk to so many walkers. Finding out why they were walking motivated me to keep going. After one meal in the tent, we had donut holes left over. So I started making little sleeves of donut holes to have in my bag while out on the route. I never knew how much a small pack of donut holes could light up faces of fellow walkers, but it did, especially on Day 3!   

If there are other pregnant women out there considering walking, what words of encouragement or advice would you give them? 

If anyone is pregnant and wanting to participate in the 3-Day, talk to your doctor of course, but if they’ say it’s ok — go for it! If you are on a team, let your teammates know and be sure to seek out the sweep vans, just in case! Take your time and watch your feet; the cracks on the sidewalks would most definitely send you to medical if you tripped. If I came up on a section with limited sweep access or no sweep access, I used caution and listened to my body before proceeding. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, more so than a normal walking hydration routine. Most importantly, enjoy the Pink Bubble and all aspects of it! Embrace the journey, whether on foot or wheels. 

How did you come up with the idea to print phrases of the 3-Day promise on maternity shirts? 

I’ve always teared up during the 3-Day promise, especially “We lay down or footsteps for this generation and the next.” When I became pregnant, I knew I would be walking or riding in the sweep vans and needed something comfy to wear, while also supporting the Pink Bubble. One of my team members created the design and put it on a shirt for me. It was very symbolic for me, as the words went across my tummy, where the next generation was growing (my Baby Roo as everyone referred to the baby — we didn’t find out the gender until the baby was born— a little boy. My little Roo). 

We all have unique stories and reasons why we join the Pink Bubble and commit to the cause. Why do you walk? Let us know in the comments.