60 Miles to Forever: Tom and Kasandra’s 3-Day Proposal

On the final day of the Seattle 3-Day last fall, the finish line was abuzz with anticipation. Medical crew members were gathered, a group of friends craned their necks to see that final corner beyond the finish line, and our host Mark was grinning from ear to ear. A proposal was coming!

Tom Riggs had worked with the Seattle 3-Day team to prepare for his proposal to fellow 3-Dayer, Kasandra, at the end of his 60-mile journey, and everyone couldn’t wait to see the culmination of this love story that began with a shared love of the 3-Day!

Tom says being a part of the 3-Day has helped in his relationship with Kas because it has taught him patience, perseverance, and the importance of foot rubs. ?

“Being the person to bring her food, being a shoulder to lean on and giving lots of encouragement was important to our bond! I LOVED being the person she could rely upon when her personal heroic acts were finished. Sharing that journey together makes the hard places easier, the great places even more awesome and the accomplishments FANTASTIC!”

After each conquering the 3-Day separately, they are now looking forward to driving a sweep van together in Seattle this year, finally making that 60-mile journey as a married couple. 2019 will also be the year they finalize moving in together, celebrate her son’s and his daughter’s college graduations, and (of course) get married!

The tuxes have been ordered, she said “yes” to a dress, the venue and rings have been selected, and the music is chosen — but there’s still so much to do! But of course, they already know that their accent color will be PINK! Until their wedding, they have super top-secret Valentine’s Day plans this week (sorry Kas, Tom wouldn’t tell us in case you read the blog!), and lots more planning to do for the 3-Day and their big day. It’s going to be a big year!

For the full story of Tom and Kasandra’s love, we let Tom take over. After all, a man in love should tell his own story ?

When I met Kasandra in the summer of 2017, one of the first things I found out about her was that she was signed up to walk in the 2017 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day. That was among the many, many things that endeared her to me! Because I was unable to participate in 2017, I committed to helping her train, raise money and get prepared. Once she was at the starting line, I spent the rest of the weekend supporting her. I knew how much the event takes out of a person physically, emotionally, and mentally, so I wanted to be there for her. I figured I was in a good position to be that friend who would understand.

After committing to the 2018 event in Seattle, Kasandra decided to switch roles with me. She wanted to come to the event to be my supporter and be at as many of the cheering stations as possible. So, when I knew in my soul that I wanted to ask her to marry me, it seemed a natural fit to propose at the 3-Day, as the event has become so important to the two of us.

I sent an e-mail to the 3-Day coaches, asking them for help. Gayla was so sweet (she even sent me a meme!) in responding, pledging support to help me. As I walked on the first day of the event, I told everyone that I was carrying the engagement ring for 60 miles and to look for the proposal at the finish line. I even recruited a friend who is attending the University of Washington to meet us at the finish, so she could use my phone to put the proposal on Facebook Live (I told all our mutual friends on Facebook to be watching!). As news of my proposal got out among the Seattle 3-Day staff (particularly the AMAZING medical crew), everyone got in on the fun to surprise Kasandra!

On the second day of the walk, I pulled my IT band and found that I couldn’t finish the event. It was so frustrating! However, the event staff was so kind in allowing Kasandra and I to take over a sweep van for Sunday. So, as we drove all over Seattle for the day, all I could think about was the proposal. As we parked the van and headed up to the finish line, everyone on the staff was smiling, knowing what was coming. To make everything look official, I even walked (gingerly!) through the finish line. The announcer gave me the microphone and it was time.

Honestly, I had rehearsed what I wanted to say for three days. But when the moment came, I couldn’t think, because all could see was her eyes and all I could think was how much I love her. So, after an initial comment about “going steady,” I dropped to one knee (also gingerly!) and proposed to her in front of the people at the finish line and dozens more on Facebook Live. And she said YES!

We now have planned a June 22^nd wedding! Because we’ve recommitted to driving a sweep van for the 2019 3-Day in Seattle, we will have a table at our reception where people can support us our fundraising. We even have a name for our van already – Sweepless in Seattle! – so look for us on the route! And, of course, I’m looking forward to being under the Space Needle again, where I will kiss this amazing woman one year later as my WIFE!

Recruiting 3-Day Crew Members with Coach Kiki

We want anyone and everyone to commit to the 3-Day in 2019. That includes, of course, our amazing 3-Day Crew! Crew members are the heart and soul of the 3-Day. They keep the walkers walking, keep all participants safe and well-fed; they make every 60-mile journey one of fun and inspiration.

How can you recruit friends and family to join you on this amazing Crew team? Coach Kiki, our Crew & Volunteer Coordinator, is sharing some of her best tips and tricks for bringing people into the welcoming arms of the 3-Day Crew. They’re a great group, so you’ll want to have all your besties by your side!

Grab a Friend

I’m trying to be as efficient as possible these days. Pay the bills! Update the family calendar! Get the kids to their activities! Feed the dog! I’m also, trying to give myself a bit of self-care on a regular basis. That includes time with my girlfriends (who are also super busy).

Crewing the 3-Day with your BFF lets you take a few days to help an organization while you get to spend time with your favorite people. Get some quality in-person time while you help your community. It’s a win-win. If you only have a few hours, and not a few days, sign up to volunteer!

Work Gives

Many companies offer paid time off for employees who volunteer within their community. Did you know this? This is not only a great way to get out of the office cubicle, but an amazing team exercise opportunity. If you can connect with your colleagues on a more personal level (volunteering together is a great way to do that), you might find that your working relationship strengthens.

Power in Numbers

Are you a member of a church group? Book club? National or local organization? Like work, this is also a great way to break from the norm and get your group to connect and do some good…together! A person can do amazing work and making a difference. A group can move mountains.

Get the family involved

One of my favorite holiday memories is when my family made bathroom kits for the homeless. We all went out shopping for soap, shampoo, razors, and shaving cream. Your family and children truly do want to help others! They just may need a little nudge. My husband and I want to instill the value of giving to others early on with our kids. It is the greatest gift that we as humans, can give others. To help each other. Volunteer as a family. Incorporate it into your family holiday. Register to volunteer together. Connect with an organization that your family is passionate about, like the 3-Day!

Share Your Story

I’m often blown away by how social networking can connect long-lost friends and colleagues. Post a notice on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram about an upcoming volunteering opportunity you’re supporting. Share your story as to why you’re supporting this cause. You may be surprised by how many friends pop up and join the fight with you. Sharing your story along the social media lines can create huge numbers and amazing results!

Top 10 Reasons to Commit to the 3-Day in 2019

A new year is here, and 2019 is the perfect time to commit to walking 60 miles over 3 days in the fight against breast cancer. If you join us on the 3-Day, you’ll be joining more than 500,000 participants who have gone further than ever in the fight against breast cancer. We need you to walk beside us and make a difference.

Join us and commit to 3 days and 60 miles. It’s a journey you won’t regret…and one you won’t take alone! Need more reasons to commit to the 3-Day in 2019? Don’t worry, we have them! Here are our Top 10 reasons to walk with us this year…

You’ll make a difference: Every step you take and dollar you raise will make a real difference in the fight against breast cancer. Aside from raising awareness to your friends and family, and in the city you’re walking in, you’re also raising necessary funds. 75% of the net proceeds from the 3-Day go towards Komen’s national priorities like research programs, community health and advocacy initiatives and global partnerships.
You’ll show your support: More than 500,000 participants have supported the breast cancer community, including those living with metastatic breast cancer, since the 3-Day began. You’ll be joining them in showing support for those that continue to fight, and remembering those we have lost.

You’ll make friends: No one is alone on the 3-Day. If you register to walk alone, you’ll make friends every step along the way, as well as feeling extra supported by our amazing 3-Day Crew! If you want to join a team, search for your local coaches’ Facebook Page, or message us on Facebook and we can connect you!
You’ll have fun: This one is a no-brainer and a promise. The 3-Day is a long journey, but it is certainly a fun one that you will never forget.
You’ll experience a city in a new way: The 3-Day is a great opportunity to visit and experience a new city, but even if you walk in your hometown, you might see new sights and views. Over the course of a 60-mile journey, even longtime residents of our host cities are sure to see parts of their hometown that they never experienced before.

You’ll help your community: 25% of the net proceeds of the 3-Day stay in the local host city community and help fund everything from screening, diagnosis and treatment assistance programs to navigation services and education programs. You’ll make a difference right at home!
You’ll get those steps in: Lots of people make a fitness or activity goal for the new year, and the 3-Day is the perfect way to help you stay on top of those resolutions. We have year-round training events and an easy app to help you stay active!
You’ll be inspired: From the first moments of Opening Ceremony to our final dance party at Closing Ceremony, you will find inspiration all around at the 3-Day. Talk to a survivor. Watch for facts and statistics posted along the route. See the signs from walker stalkers. Raise your shoe survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer. Every moment is an opportunity.

You’ll get grahamwiches: And mac n’ cheese! And cheese sticks and fruit and chips and rice krispies and all kinds of deliciousness! Nothing motivates people quite like snacks.
You’ll be part of a new family: “The Pink Bubble” is something that is often discussed, but the feeling of support and love that you’ll feel on the 3-Day is a truly unique experience. You will be forever changed by this walk.

Join us in our fight! Commit to 3 days and go further than anyone can to be the hero in your life, in the lives of others, and in the fight against breast cancer. Register now to join us in 2019 and help end breast cancer. For good.

Come and walk with us.