Learn from 3-Dayer Catherine Stoch: Commit to the 3-Day in 2019

“To make a difference for someone else. To dispel the myths. For research. For screening. For treatment. To educate people about what Komen does for women, and men. That’s why I walk.”

Why do you walk? Everyone has a reason. This year, we are asking you to find your reason, and commit to the 3-Day. Commit to walking 60 miles in the fight against breast cancer. Commit to joining 3-Dayers like Catherine Stoch, one of our Twin Cities 3-Day survivor speakers in 2018. Commit. You won’t regret it!

Take it from Catherine. She has been walking for a decade, two of those years as a breast cancer survivor, and she’s not stopping anytime soon. In fact, she’s already signed up to join us again on the Twin Cities 3-Day in 2019!

Tell us about your 2018 journey…

Last year was full of a lot of things, like getting body parts removed to prevent cancer’s spread, lots of recovery, and reconstruction. And during ALL of this, I was completely, 100% supported by an incredible team of friends, family, medical professionals, good insurance coverage and my husband who has been by my side every step. And I know not every woman’s story is like this. That’s why I walk.

The net proceeds raised by the Susan G. Komen 3-Day help Susan G. Komen^® build a world free of breast cancer through research, community, care and action. The funds raised have helped Komen‘s mission to save lives from breast cancer, by investing more than $956 million in breakthrough research and more than $2.1 billion to support people and communities most at risk through programs to provide access to screening, treatment assistance, patient navigation and education. How could I NOT walk?

What would you say to someone who is nervous about joining the 3-Day?

I was VERY nervous too, at first. Walking 60 miles and raising $2,300 is a big commitment, but as a friend of mine—who joined me as a first-time walker in 2018 shared, “You pushed me to do more than I thought I could.” I think that is what I have learned over the years of walking this—that you can do more than you think.

What are your top training tips for first-time 3-Dayers?

FOLLOW the training regimen and take it seriously. If you are a runner, you may think, “Yah, I run.” But training your feet for waking, especially a long walk, is different. And another tip: buy your shoes ½ size larger than you usually wear. This was critically important to keeping my feet in much better shape. And…don’t wear NEW shoes on the walk. Your feet will suffer.
Drink more water than you think you should. Over five walks, I’ve seen people be way too casual about it, and run into serious problems. Dehydration is COMPLETELY preventable on the 3-Day.
Walk in all kinds of weather. You never know. I trained in heat, humidity, rain, and because I live in Minnesota, I did train in snow. Then you will be ready for whatever weather comes your way. It’s a long walk, and thorough preparation will get you ready both mentally and physically for the elements.

Komen has a Bold Goal to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50% in the U.S. by 2026. Why is this goal so important?

On a larger scale, women’s overall health is important to me, and all my life, women’s health has been under fire, with too much interference, and not for the better. Fewer women dying from breast cancer means more healthier women globally. And there’s still such a cultural stigma about breasts, just saying the word in 2018 still makes too many people squirm. By continuing to call out breast cancer deaths raises awareness that women (and men) still DIE from this. Totally unnecessary.

What are some of your personal goals for the New Year?

Be mindful of my good health and do my best to not just take up air space on the planet, but use my time, energy and talents well. A hero of mine is John Muir, who was exceptionally passionate about the natural world stated, in part: “Most people are on the world, not in it.” I want to remain very IN, and given I have a new job in the health care sector, it’s incredibly exciting for me to utilize my job-related skills as a grant writer to promote healthy living for ALL!

What are YOUR goals for the New Year? Have you already committed to walking the 3-Day in 2019? Tell us your story in the comments!

Congratulations to the 2018 Twin Cities 3-Day Milestone Award Winner, Patty Miller

Please join us in congratulating our 2018 Twin Cities Milestone Award Winner; Patty Miller! The Susan G. Komen 3-Day® Milestone Award is given at each event to a walker or crew member who has an outstanding history of participation in the Komen 3-Day. At the Twin Cities 3-Day camp show, we presented Patty with this special honor.

Patty has walked in the Twin Cities 3-Day for ten years, and has raised more than $120,000 total for the 3-Day!

Her son Austin says, “My mom is truly amazing. While most sons, when asked to describe their mother, would state that she is “amazing”, I am not alone in this assessment of my mom. As a young child, I remember people calling our house and telling me, “You’re Patty Miller’s son? She is an angel. Do you know that your mom is an angel?” I do know that. In fact, for my entire life she has been completely dedicated to serving others and to making all around her better.”

He went on to describe her dedication to the 3-Day, and was the consummate proud son.

“My Mom did not start doing the 3-Day until she was nearly 60 years old. I will never forget her first year doing the walk. I believe she was the number two fundraiser and the fifth or six walker to cross the end line. We stayed around the finish for hours cheering in the other walkers and ultimately partaking in the closing ceremony. It was clear to me on that day that Komen would become an important part of my mom’s life.”

And so it has! We heard just how much the 3-Day means to Patty when we spoke directly to her…

What was your inspiration to do your first 3-Day?

My dear mom stopped walking when she was only 35 years old. Cancer killed my vibrant, young mother and left motherless, me at age 4, my brother at age 7 and my sister at age 1. We’ve forever had that hole in our hearts of missing her. So I walk for and other her because I can.

What brings you back year after year?

I return year after year to walk because cancer has devastated our world and families as much as poverty or oppression. Komen helps others throughout the world while working on advanced treatments. Komen reminds us to care for our bodies as health means everything. And so I walk.

What is your secret to fundraising success?

I talk about Susan G. Komen and our 60 mile journey as often as I can. I ask on Facebook if anyone wants to contribute as well as add a name on my shirt of a loved one who has fought against cancer or is fighting now. I tell my mom’s story. I offer to speak at community events. And I THANK and THANK! Anyone who helps me with training walks or donates money, I send email thanks and Facebook thanks and snail mail thanks and kudos throughout the year.

Best advice to anyone walking 3-Day?

Make it a celebration! Celebrate YOU for taking this commitment of time and energy! Mostly, celebrate the lives you’re touching by making a positive difference in the fight against cancer.

Tell us a fun fact about you!

I support every kind of event that benefits cancer – it’s my retirement volunteer job.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned on 3-Day?

People who are passionate about ending cancer are among the greatest people anywhere. Every walker, every helper, every person who comes to cheer or work the course, every staff and every person in a car that passes and honks on the 3-Day journey seems to be bonded in a positive caring goal to find a cure and meaningful treatments. Differences disappear to work together on this most urgent goal and purpose. I’m humbled to be a part of Susan G. Komen 3-Day!

2018 Susan G. Komen Twin Cities 3-Day Recap

On Friday morning, a crowd of people adorned in pink gathered at the Southdale Center in Edina, ready to kick off the Twin Cities 3-Day.

After an inspiring opening ceremony, the parade of pink headed out on the route.

Our first pit stop was at mile 3.1 at Utley Park, where walkers rehydrated and grabbed some snacks for the remaining miles of the day. The weather was balmy with a light breeze, and the sun was shining. We headed onwards around the beautiful Lake Harriet, enjoying public cheer stations where spectators passed out treats, and posed for pictures by the scenic bandshell. From there we walked on towards the fiesta (also known as lunch) at mile 11.8 in Loring Park, first passing by the famous Minnesota Sculpture Garden with the iconic cherry on the spoon.

As we enjoyed “Cactus Water” (just water with a cute name), our festive crew donned sombreros and rattled maracas. There was no shortage of photo opportunities as we ate our salads and sandwiches, enjoying the downtown feel before we headed onwards.

We were treated to a stunning view of downtown Minneapolis, and again, we pulled out the camera as we walked through Father Hennepin Bluffs Park and cheering stations at B.F. Nelson Park.

From there we strolled into more Pit Stops, enjoying the Crew’s clever themes and encouraging smiles. Pit Stop 3 was at Chute Square, near the historic 1848 Godfrey house, the oldest frame house still standing in Minneapolis.

With just a few miles left in the day, we walked into mile 19.2, where busses were waiting to whisk us back to 3-Day camp, where Bank of America massage chairs, dinner, and cozy pink tents awaited us. We awarded top fundraisers , got to know some of our fellow participants, and then laid our heads down for sweet dreams of Day 2.

Day two started with a brilliant pink and orange sunrise. We fueled up on delicious danishes, blintzes, bacon, and eggs, and then began our first steps heading out into White Bear Lake. We walked through beautiful shaded neighborhoods, and then into Pit Stop 1 at White Bear Arena. Pit Stop 2 was set at Lions Park against a beautiful lake where our Camp Minnetata was set up, complete with the pink SS Minnetata boat, water skiing, and knee boarding for walkers to pose with.

After Pit Stop 2, we were treated to the adorable downtown and harbor views of White Bear Lake, where local businesses came out to support us, including free strawberry ice cream for all walkers.

The ice cream helped us put a spring in our step as we charged on toward Railroad and Podvin Parks, and then into lunch at the Calvary Church parking lot, where we were treated to an awesome drum performance by the Women’s Drum Center.

After lunch we worked our way through Vadnais Heights and Little Canada, finally, winding up in Maplewood where we walked home to camp.

We heard from inspiring survivor Catherine, got to meet the Youth Corps, and then finished off the day with a 3-Day Dance Party before saying “Nighty Night” to 3-Day Camp.

Before we knew it, Day 3 was fast upon us and we were grateful it was the shortest day, because the sun was shining extra strong for we triumphant 3-Dayers. We started in North St Paul at Casey Lake Park and then through Northwood Park before ending up at Pit Stop 2 at the Maplewood Middle School. Then, it was onwards toward Beaver Lake Park, and then lunch at the Conway Recreation Center, where walkers decided to shake off some soreness with extra stretching and playground fun.

Three miles out of lunch we ended up in the fan-favorite part of the Twin Cities 3-Day, Indian Mounds Park. As we walked through the beautiful green park and admired the historic mounds, we posed for pictures against the striking skyline.

The humidity joined us the whole day, but when we walked under the pink arch at Harriet Island, the feeling of victory and pride took over.

As we danced and welcomed our last walker home into the Closing Ceremony area, we lined up, marched into the Closing Ceremony, and held our shoes up high in solidarity for our incredible survivors. Megan from Komen Minnesota shared with us how the $1m dollars raised are making a difference in our community, and then, we watched as the tribute flag was passed onwards to be carried to Seattle.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of this unforgettable weekend in Twin Cities — from the determined walkers, to the hard-working crew, to the donors, the volunteers, and the spectators. Thanks to you, we’re now 3 days and 60 miles closer to the end of breast cancer forever.

Want to see photos from the weekend? Click here now! (Note: You do not need a Facebook account to view and download the photos.)

Join us in 2019. Sign up now!