The Susan G. Komen Atlanta 3-Day Honors Our Opening Ceremony Speakers

We began our 2017 Susan G. Komen Atlanta 3-Day with an inspiring Opening Ceremony as the sun started to rise on a perfect, Southern fall day. Our Opening Ceremonies this year are led by participants, with special recognition given to our breast cancer survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Crew members, walkers, and supporters joined their hearts and hopes in the shared promise of bringing about the end of breast cancer, one footstep and mile at a time. Take some time to get to know our Opening Ceremony speakers.

Mona Dillard – My Family

I began walking in the Komen 3-Day seven years ago because of Debbie and Gwen, my older sisters. Debbie passed away in 2004, after a 17-year breast cancer battle; she was 51. Then in 2010, Gwen received her diagnosis on her 59^th birthday. It was at that moment that I knew I needed to do more. So I registered for my first 3-Day. Today, Gwen is a 7-year survivor, and she has walked the Atlanta 3-Day with me five times. This event has been a family affair and I could not do it without their support. I’m Mona and I am More Than Pink.

Alicia Batchelor – My Friend

I walk for my friend, Kathy, who has been battling triple negative breast cancer and has endured a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and is currently participating in an immunotherapy clinical trial. I walk so that Kathy can continue to celebrate her young daughters’ birthdays and watch them experience the beauty of falling in love. And I walk so that all our friends and daughters can live in a world without breast cancer. I’m Alicia and I am More Than Pink.

Krystle Murray – My Mom

I walk in celebration of my mom, Michele Murray, who lost her battle with breast cancer just over three years ago, at the age of 56. My family and friends, some of whom did not know my mom, join us on the walk?to toast her life, her experiences, and our memories together. No matter how busy our lives get, we come back to the 3-Day to grieve, to reflect, and to be inspired. I’m Krystle and I am More Than Pink.

Marsha Williams – My Children
I started walking in 2005, shortly after my mother-in-law underwent a double mastectomy. My children were 2, 5, and 7 at the time. Now they are 15, 18 and 20. Haley and Sarah have walked and crewed many times over the last few years, but this is Garrett’s first year on the Youth Corps. And my fiancé is on the Moto Crew for the second time. My children are now old enough to decide to be a part of this experience on their own, and they have made the decision to keep returning with me. I’m Marsha and I am More Than Pink.

Wade Eckman – My Wife

My beautiful wife, Kristina, passed from breast cancer this May after a courageous three-and-a-half-year battle. I am here with family?including her parents and siblings?and we are walking to honor her and to raise money to help find a cure so that other families do not have to lose their loved ones to this disease. I’m Wade and I am More Than Pink.

Riley Weston – My Sister

I wish I didn’t have to walk. I wish there was no reason for me?or for any of us?to walk. I wish that instead, for these three days, we could simply celebrate the cures for breast cancer. But even more than that, I wish for my sissy to still be here. So, I walk. I’ll walk every year. I’ll raise as much money as I possibly can so that one day soon, there will be a cure. I’m Riley and I am More Than Pink.

Jennifer Webb – Ceremony Host

I started walking the 3-Day after my mom and her sister were both diagnosed with breast cancer within one month of each other. I felt so helpless, and the 3-Day seemed like the biggest thing I could do at the time. I continue to walk because while my aunt is a thriving survivor, my mom lost her long and painful battle with breast cancer last September. My mom was my best friend in the world and I wasn’t done learning from her or making memories with her. My mom’s goal was to walk San Diego with me this November. Unfortunately, I will be walking without her, but I will walk FOR her, and I will continue to walk until there is a cure.

I’m Jennifer, I am More Than Pink… and I’m honored to welcome you to the 2017 Atlanta 3-Day! As one of your fellow walkers, I’m excited to welcome you all to this beautiful city…

2017 Susan G. Komen Seattle 3-Day Wrap-Up

On Friday morning of our first West Coast 2017 3-Day, the sky cleared for a bright blue fall sunrise next to the Space Needle at Seattle Center. Our 500 walkers and 175 crew started their journey with a poignant and emotional Opening Ceremony led by local participants.

Our first Pit Stop of the 3-Day was at Daejon Park after 3.3 miles of walking in perfect weather conditions! Walkers took in the Seattle waterfront as they enjoyed the beach theme of the pit stop, complete with “shark attack” photo opps and a treasure chest of fun 3-Day treats!

From there, they passed through Mercer Island Park, and an amazing local cheering station before arriving at lunch at Downtown Bellevue Park. With fountains, tiered grassy areas for lounging and eating, and a bright sunshine, it could not have been a more relaxing lunch spot.

That afternoon, walkers passed through more of the Seattle suburbs including Bellevue and Redmond, before arriving home at camp that night. Throughout the whole day (and indeed the whole weekend) the Seattle Police Department worked with our route safety team to keep all the walkers safe as they made their way home.

Our walkers ended their day at the picturesque Marymoor Park, which had turned into a 3-Day wonderland for the weekend! From the Bank of America putt putt golf course and massage chairs, to performances by local singers, to our amazing 3-Day Food Service Crew serving up a delicious dinner, our walkers were welcomed home in style after 22.3 miles.

That night at camp show we celebrated our Local Impact Winner, Judy Kent, and Milestone Winner, Erin Havens, for Seattle. Our top fundraisers were also recognized by Bank of America. Congrats to Top Crew Fundraiser John McHale, Top Individual Fundraiser Loretta Englishbee and Top Fundraising Team, the Valley Girls & Guys!

After a good night’s sleep, the sun rose on another beautiful fall day of walking.

The day kicked off at Grasslawn Park, where some four-legged friends joined the ranks to cheer on our walkers! By Pit Stop 2 at Spinney Homestead Park, our walkers had already clocked 6.9 miles for Day Two. Pit Stop 2 was a fan favorite for its Dr. Seuss theme. It helped remind the walkers that every person is a person, no matter how small – and every step is a step towards the cure!

Then at lunch at Juanita Beach Park, we met our amazing Seattle 3-Day Youth Corps via Facebook Live, and heard their stories of dedication and strength. Walkers were already halfway done with their second 20-mile day, and taking it all in easy stride!

Right after lunch there was a local cheering station in the beautiful Heritage Park, as the whole community got involved to cheer on our walkers. Plus, it was a great spot for photos!

At Pit Four, and mile 18.5, our walkers could “wet their whistle” at an Old West themed stop. They were cheered on their way to the final miles of the day by the local Susan G. Komen Puget Sound Affiliate, who also brought coffee for an extra caffeine boost at the end of the day.

It was friends and family night at camp, so local supporters came to camp at Marymoor Park to play at the Bank of America putt putt and game areas, and continue to cheer on their amazing walkers! Our 20-Mile walkers also joined the 3-Day family that evening before the whole group turned in for their last night of camping.

Day Three dawned a little cooler, but with perfect walking weather for our September Sunday. We began at the University of Washington before walking through Cowen Park to our first Pit Stop of the day. Our walkers were already 3.6 miles closer to the finish line!

From there, there were more miles in nature through Seattle’s gorgeous parks before lunch close to the water at Lake Union Park. With only six miles left in Day Three, walkers then made their way through the iconic Olympic Sculpture Park.

We had a little liquid sunshine as the Sunday afternoon wore on, but our walkers powered through and finished the 60 miles with smiles on their faces. Our closing ceremony was full of love, congratulations and (of course) a lot of dancing feet!

Our journey is never truly done, though, as was evidenced throughout our closing ceremony. We are all still working, and walking, towards Susan G. Komen’s Bold Goal to reduce the nation’s 40,000 breast cancer deaths by 50 percent by 2026.

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Photo via Simply Darling Duo

As we hugged and celebrated and danced together, one message rang loud and clear; that though our feet may ache, our spirit and dedication will live forever; through aches, and pain, and blisters. We are shouting loudly and proudly that in this fight, where we seek to live in a world free of breast cancer, WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP. Thank you, Seattle. We are so very proud of each and every one of you.

If you’re ready to be a part of this incredible journey again in 2018, sign up now at The3Day.org/Register.

The Susan G. Komen Seattle 3-Day Honors Our Opening Ceremony Speakers

We began our 2017 Susan G. Komen Seattle 3-Day with an inspiring Opening Ceremony as the sun started to rise on a perfect fall day on the West Coast. Our Opening Ceremonies this year are led by participants, with special recognition given to our breast cancer survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Troy Richards – My Wife

I walk for Misty, my wife, and the mother of our two boys. She is the rock and foundation of our family. Her attitude and perseverance should be an inspiration to anyone affected by such an invasive disease. I also walk for women and men still battling to stay healthy and safe. I’m Troy and I am More Than Pink.

Cathy Parsell – My Friend

I’m walking to honor my friend, Carole, a fierce warrior in the animal rescue community. She used that same warrior attitude when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She boldly showed breast cancer that she was More than Pink and won the battle. We love you, Carole! I’m Cathy and I am More Than Pink.

Veronica Claudio – My Mother

I am walking in memory of my sweet momma, Claudia Claudio, who is truly the definition of an angel. She taught me to LOVE life and find the joy in every day, to always turn the radio up when Rick Springfield is playing, and what true courage and strength look like. She will forever be remembered for her signature dimples, her bright light, and the legacy that she left that still lives on today. I’m Veronica and I am More Than Pink.

Holly Raissipour – My Children
It is continually my honor to walk the 3-Day as a survivor all the way from Boston. I am humbled and amazed at the continued generosity, support and love of people. This year is my 8^th year and 11^th walk, and all three of my daughters, my husband and all my friends support and cheer me on from afar to help find a world where no one will ever hear again the words: “You have breast cancer.” I’m Holly and I am More Than Pink.

Heather Jellerson – My Sister

I am walking for my sister, Kimberly Valerine Holmes. Kim lost her fight, but worked so hard to laugh her way through it. I’m participating today because her strength inspires me to walk so that others may have a better chance to win their fight with breast cancer. I’m Heather and I am More Than Pink.

Lauren Leiker – My Aunt

In 2005, I walked my first 3-Day for my Aunt Barb. Today, I walk again for my aunt, a two-time survivor, and for all who have fought and are still fighting breast cancer. I’m Lauren and I am More Than Pink.

Dena McLauchlin – Ceremony Host

I walk for an amazing friend who lost her courageous battle six years ago. I made a promise to her that day that I would do everything I could to keep fighting to end breast cancer. Since Jean passed, I have had four friends lose their courageous fight?two in just the last three months. So as I begin my 14^th walk here in Seattle, I will dedicate these 60 miles to all my friends who were sent home too early, to my two aunts who also fought this fight but earned their wings, to all my friends who are currently fighting, and to all my friends who will fight. I’m Dena, I am More Than Pink… and I’m honored to welcome you to the 2017 Seattle 3-Day!