“I thought I knew how tough I was…”

Samantha B. wasn’t sure what she was getting herself into when she registered for the 2013 Susan G. Komen Seattle 3-Day. All she knew was that if her mom could fight and survive breast cancer three times, she could walk 60 miles. Over the course of her training and fundraising during the year, and then on the event itself, Samantha learned more than she ever expected – about walking, about the 3-Day, and about her own inner strength.

Samantha and her mom, Jan

This was Samantha’s experience, in her own words:

“This by far is one of the toughest things I have ever undertaken in my life. I thought I knew how tough I was before this walk started. But by day two, I knew that I had surpassed my own expectations of myself. Here are some of the highlights that I learned over three days:

Walking is completely different than running.
When someone honks at you, your first inclination better be to use all five fingers to wave because they are cheering you on.
Going downhill just means that you’re going to use the other leg muscles you forgot about when you were going up.
This may be the only time in your life when you are excited to see the police because they are decked out in pink and cheering you on.
The training emails weren’t really a suggestion.
When you are at what you think is the point of exhaustion, your body can go a heck of a lot farther, you just have to believe in yourself and put that foot in front of the other.

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Why I’m Coming Back to the 3-Day in 2014

The decision to join the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® is a big one. The decision to come back again, for a second, third, tenth, or twentieth time, is equally impressive. We asked some of our 2013 Komen 3-Day walkers and crew members why they have chosen to participate again in 2014. Their answers are inspiring.

Natalie B. was a first-time walker in the Twin Cities this year, but she’s already hooked. “I had donated in the past to friends who did the 3-Day, but before I did the walk, I had no clue what a special experience it would be. There’s something about taking part in it yourself that really makes you feel the enormity of this disease and its impact. I don’t know how to describe it, really, but the shared experience of pushing our bodies to extremes, hearing stories of people affected by breast cancer, and seeing the effort of so many people to put the event on just really makes you feel part of something bigger than yourself and your own little world. I felt very connected to this cause after the 3-Day, much more so than I did when I just donated to friends’ fundraising efforts in the past. I can’t imagine not doing it again.”

One of the top fundraisers in San Diego this year, Lucy M. is a two-time breast cancer survivor, and says, “My annual 3-Day experience is my celebration of my own wellness. I am one of the lucky ones and I walk because I can.” Lucy will be back for her 13^th event in 2014, celebrating another year of survivorship.

Blanche was a member of the Camp Services crew team in San Diego

Blanche C. from Seattle has walked in the 3-Day 12 times in 10 years, but had her very first experience serving as a crew member this year. Blanche shared, “I walk, and now crew, because I’m hooked on making a difference. I originally became involved for a challenge, and my aunt passed away from breast cancer. I have met the most amazing people because of the 3-Day I can’t imagine not participating in some way. And just because I’m crewing that doesn’t mean I won’t fundraise. Here’s to another fabulous year!” Blanche already registered for the 3-Day Crew three times in 2014—in Twin Cities, Seattle and San Diego.

For first-time walker and survivor Gigi C., being part of a team made all the difference. “I can’t even put into words what an amazing experience it was. I was lucky enough to walk with some ‘9 year pros’ from Two Jewels and A Gem and I couldn’t have done it without them! It was such a fun, uplifting and emotional journey for me and I will be joining them again next year.”

Lori M.’s reason for returning to the 3-Day is a specific and sobering reminder of why we must continue: “We have achieved a 99% 5-year survival rate with early diagnosis – and while this is great, there is more to do. This year I met a surprising number of women who experienced a second diagnosis between years 6-10. We have a new mission – prevent the re-occurrence!”

Every member of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day family has unique and inspiring reasons for being involved and for coming back year after year. What will bring you back in 2014?

A Thanksgiving Message

The 2013 3-Day season is a wrap! Our 3-Day gear is stowed away until next year – except for our Victory t-shirts, which we wear proudly to commemorate our recent 3-Day journey. My husband and I are still sharing our San Diego 3-Day experience with our friends and family, and look forward to our 15^th walk next year.

In this season of thankfulness and gratitude, please accept the thanks of the 3-Day Blog team, and our gratitude for your commitment to the fight to end breast cancer forever.

Please take a few minutes to read the Thanksgiving Message from Susan G. Komen® President and CEO, Dr. Judy Salerno.

Sending heartfelt Thanksgiving wishes to our extraordinary 3-Day family. We hope to see you in 2014!