Congratulations to the Philadelphia Susan G. Komen 3-Day Top Fundraisers

Day 1 of the Philadelphia 3-Day has come to a close, and our 21.5 mile journey was filled with beautiful moments, like a perfect flock of geese flying over Opening Ceremony against a brilliant blue sky, smiling community members cheering us on through out Philadelphia, and a lovely end of the route that wrapped up through downtown Philadelphia, past the famed Rocky Steps and Philadelphia Art Museum. We ended the day with an exciting Camp Show, where we stretched, heard from inspiring speakers, played games, and celebrated some very special people. Please join us in congratulating the top fundraisers for the Komen 3-Day this weekend.

Top Individual Fundraiser

Congratulations to Julie Copaken, who’s raised $29,370 for the Philadelphia 3-Day, and in her lifetime has raised over $149,794 for the 3-Day. This is her 7^th year participating and her 7^th event, and she’s a member of the Breast Friends of Pennsylvania team. Julie has been involved with the 3-Day in numerous ways since 2005, and is an identical twin. Julie’s adventurous life goes beyond fundraising and training for 60-mile walks; she’s also a certified scuba diver, marathon runner, and an avid traveler. Hats off to Julie!

Congratulations to Julie, the Philadelphia 3-Day Top Individual Fundraiser.

Top Fundraising Team

Congratulations to the Breast Friends of Pennsylvania, who raised an astonishing $200,951 for the Philly 3-Day, and in their second year as a team, have raised a lifetime total of $330,621 toward fighting breast cancer. The Breast Friends of Pennsylvania team has 83 members.

Breast Friends of Pennsylvania Team Captain Vivian Vega Schoch collects her team’s prize.

Top Crew Fundraiser

Congratulations to Priscilla Rawlins, who raised $11,609 for the Philly 3-Day, and in her lifetime, has raised $41,968 for the 3-Day. This is Priscilla’s sixth year participating in the 3-Day and her 7^th event. Priscilla has been involved with the 3-Day since 2001, is a member of Team Girlapalooza, and is a dedicated lover of Starbucks.

Priscilla and her daughter. Priscilla fights breast cancer so her daughter won't have to. (Photo credit: Priscilla R.)

Priscilla and her daughter. Priscilla fights breast cancer now so her daughter won’t have to. (Photo credit: Priscilla R.)

Congratulations to all of our amazing fundraisers for their incredible dedication, along with all of our participants, for helping us get one step closer to the cures. To learn more about the top individual, Crew and team fundraisers in Philadelphia, as well as our eight series walkers, check out the framed table-top displays in camp.

Healthy Hooters: Because Your Battle is Our Battle.

In July, the Susan G. Komen Facebook page shared a beautiful photo and story that was heard around the Internet: after 26-year-old Brittany B. was diagnosed with breast cancer, her boyfriend proposed at a surprise pre-surgery party. As Brittany embarked on her treatment, a very special friend of her embarked on her own journey: fundraising $2,300 and walking 60 miles so that fewer women and men around the world ever have to hear the words “You have breast cancer.” Meet Jackie S., of Healthy Hooters, who is walking her first Susan G. Komen 3-Day^® in Philadelphia this weekend.

Brittany B and Jackie P Susan G Komen 3 Day Philly Walk to End Breast Cancer

Why does Jackie walk? Because Brittany’s battle is her battle.

Jackie was initially asked to join the Komen 3-Day by some of her team members, the Healthy Hooters. The Healthy Hooters is a team made up of neighbors in their Downingtown neighborhood of Pennsylvania. The Healthy Hooters are all new participants, and their past and current experiences with breast cancer brought them all together. Team Captain Melany walks in memory of both of her grandmothers, both affected by breast cancer, and in honor of her friend Michelle, a 36-year-old breast cancer survivor. Team members Kristy and Sara both walk in honor of their breast cancer survivor moms, team member Megan walks in honor of a family friend and team members Janis and Heather also walk for family and friends affected by breast cancer.

Team Healthy Hooters celebrates victory after Day 1 at Camp

Like many other new 3-Dayers, Jackie initially had concerns about joining the 3-Day. “I went back and forth for about three weeks thinking I wanted to, but was always worried about fundraising. My heart eventually lead me to my decision. Eight days after I signed up, Brittany was diagnosed.” Jackie and Brittany have been close friends for eight years, and Jackie calls Brittany her “Little Sister.” “I have no siblings, so to have someone in my life to fill this role has been such a blessing,” said Jackie.

Brittany is more than halfway done with her treatment, and a quick search of her Instagram hashtag, #beitelstrong, shows how many people are rooting her on and showing support. You can follow her journey through the Susan G. Komen Facebook page.

As the team wraps up Day 1 of their 3-Day journey, I ask them if they have any thing they’d like to say now that they’ve conquered 21.5 miles around beautiful Philadelphia. Their unanimous rallying cry? “Your battle is our battle.”

Jackie adds, “60 miles is nothing compared to the journey that loved ones are going through with breast cancer. You can do this. You can’t go through life being a spectator. You have to be a participant.” Every day, we’re so grateful to all of our participants – walkers, crew and volunteers, for being such a passionate part of our fight to end breast cancer.

Meet the Seattle 3-Day Coaches

Every Susan G. Komen 3-Day® event has a core team of three coaches, each of whom plays a different role in helping our walkers and crew members prepare for the Komen 3-Day. For months, these dedicated staffers have been having personal conversations with walkers to help them with their training and fundraising, have hosted dozens of local events to bring participants together and build a community of encouragement, and have organized and inspired the amazing team of crew captains and crew members.

Let’s meet the coaches for the Seattle 3-Day®!

Aubrey Cushing – Seattle Local Events Coach

susan g. komen 3-day breast cancer walk meet the seattle coaches aubrey

Aubrey at Aubree’s!

Describe your job in 10 words or fewer. – “Arranging events and surprises to keep excitement around every corner!”

We’re a couple weeks from the Seattle event. What’s a typical day like for you these days? – “Lots of emotions, emails, phone calls, confirmations, excitement and anticipation. I’m finalizing cheering stations, camp entertainment and a few surprises!”

What are 3 things that we didn’t know about you? – “1) In addition to Washington, I have lived in California, Montana, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Maine and Florida; 2) I’m often heard singing my sentences…with jazz hands! 3) I’m obsessed with the ocean, trees and tacos.”

Paula Hultman – Seattle Participant Coach

susan g. komen 3-day breast cancer walk meet the seattle coaches paula

Paula always stops for a passionately pink fur buddy!

Describe your job in 10 words or fewer. – “I provide information, and receive inspiration from our 3-Day community.”

We’re a couple weeks from the Seattle event. What’s a typical day like for you these days? – “B.U.S.Y! I handle a lot of donations-related matters for participants, and share my fundraising experience and expertise whenever I hear from someone working toward reaching their goal. I think my favorite calls are from first-time walkers, because I remember my first 3-Day pre-event jitters! I can tell them what it’s like to walk 20 miles a day, shower in a truck, and use porta-potties for 3 days, but I can’t prepare them for how the 3-Day will make them feel! Every veteran walker knows what I mean when I say the 3-Day experience is indescribable.”

What are 3 things that we didn’t know about you? – “1) I am a Disneyland junkie, and can point you to any number of ‘hidden Mickeys’ within the park; 2) My husband and I were chosen to be participants on The Amazing Race in 2004, after the casting director met us at the 3-Day in Los Angeles. Sadly, we had to decline the offer due to work schedules. It was our 15 seconds of fame! 3) My secret talent is the ability to tie a cherry stem into a knot with my tongue.”

Jon Lueders – Seattle Crew & Volunteer Coordinator

susan g. komen 3-day breast cancer walk meet the seattle coaches jon

Jon meeting his sweet newborn niece

Describe your job in 10 words or fewer. – “I am the support system for all things crew-related.”

We’re a couple weeks from the Seattle event. What’s a typical day like for you these days? – “A typical day involves reacting to many changes that come along in our run up to the event. This mostly involves keeping crew captains informed and being around when the inevitable questions and technical issues pop up.”

What are 3 things that we didn’t know about you? – “1) I once had a car catch fire while I was driving it; 2) I slept with a stuffed animal on my bed from childhood through college (including my away track meets). 3) I have a brand new baby niece (1 day old as I write this).”

Going to be at the Seattle 3-Day? Come meet coaches Aubrey and Paula at two special meet-and-greets, on Friday and Saturday in camp, 6-7 p.m., in the 3-Day Lounge.