Veteran-Approved Camping Tips for the San Diego 3-Day

Pink tints near the bay at the San Diego 3-Day.

Camping along Crown Point Shores at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® is part of the Pink Bubble magic. It’s where stories are shared, friendships are forged and your incredible body finally gets a well-deserved break. The pink tents lining the shore are quite the sight, and after walking up to 20 miles each day, being well prepared can make all the difference. 

To help make camp life a little more comfortable, we gathered advice from some 3-Day veterans who’ve camped here before. Here’s what they recommend: 

  1. Headlamp: Flashlights are helpful, but when you’re navigating your way to the restroom in the middle of the night, juggling a flashlight and toilet paper is no fun. Bring a headlamp to keep your hands free! 
  2. Yoga mat or air mattress: While some veterans prefer a yoga mat to sleep on because it’s simple, lightweight and easy to roll up, others prefer a thin air mattress for a bit more cushion after a long day on your feet. Blanche H. says, “If you bring a battery-operated pump, travel with the batteries separately. They wear out before you use them. I learned the hard way.”? 
  3. Tarps: San Diego nights along the bay can bring damp grass and chilly air. Place a tarp or plastic drop cloth under your tent to keep your gear dry. Shannon S. says, “I usually get a plastic drop cloth at the dollar store or Walmart.” Some walkers even bring a second tarp to cover the tent and prevent condensation from dripping inside.  
  4. Sweatpants with elastic cuffs: After a long day of walking, you want to be warm and comfortable. There’s one small detail veteran walkers know that works well.: Suzie R. says, “Sweatpants with elastic cuffs are great post-walk because they keep them off the porta-potty floor.” 
  5. Ziploc bags: Put each outfit in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. This will keep you organized and your garments dry. Jacquelyne G. also recommends putting your shoes inside your tent at night, so they don’t get damp. Speaking of shoes, veterans also suggest bringing shower shoes. 
  6. Yes, there are showers! The showers are housed in converted semi-trucks, equipped with private shower rooms that include a bench and hooks for your belongings. There are also large sinks, tables with mirrors and clean towels provided daily. 
  7. All the warm things: Toss a couple of hand warmers into your sleeping bag before bed to help stay cozy and to warm up your hands in the mornings. Veterans also recommend packing layers, fuzzy socks and mylar blankets. “I glamped in SD 2024 and felt so bad for campers because it was so cold in the morning,” Sue S. said.  
  8. Glow sticks or battery-operated lights: When the sun sets, camp gets dark. And with rows of identical pink tents, finding yours could be tricky. Veteran walker Walter H. recommends bringing glow sticks or battery-powered string lights to clip onto your tent. “Clipping glow sticks over the tent helps find yours when it’s dark,” he said. They’re also helpful to add some light inside your tent when you’re getting ready for bed or digging through your gear.”
  9. 1-inch binder clips: Seasoned 3-Day walkers swear by these! They’re perfect to clip around the cross-poles of your tent, and you can use them to secure the rain flaps open or fasten a tarp or plastic sheeting over the tent.  

We hope these tips from our long-time walkers help make camping fun and as enjoyable as possible. Don’t forget there’s also a tent decorating contest, so bring your lights, signs and decorations that showcase your story and help build the amazing 3-Day community spirit.  

We can’t wait to see you at camp in San Diego! 

Friendship, Survivorship and the 3-Day

Lesleigh & Jamie at the San Diego 3-Day camping in their pink tent.

When Lesleigh H. signed up for the Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day® in 2009, she never expected it would lead to a lasting friendship. Looking for training partners, she reached out to fellow walkers in her area and that’s when she met Jamie R. 

“Jamie showed up. Some other people showed up, too,” Lesleigh recalled. “But Jamie and I walked the same pace, we both have long legs, we lived in the same neighborhood. We just hit it off.” 

That first training walk sparked more than just preparation for the 60-mile 3-Day. It marked the beginning of a friendship that would help carry them through some of the hardest moments of their lives. 

Lesleigh and Jamie met at a training walk in 2009 for the Susan G. Komen San Deiego 3-Day.

Lesleigh and Jamie walked together in the 2009 and 2011 San Diego 3-Days, bonding over shared stories, laughter and a mutual drive to support breast cancer awareness and research. But as life got busy, they took a break from the 3-Day, never imagining that one day they’d return, not just as walkers but as having experienced breast cancer up close and personal. 

A Shocking Diagnosis 

In 2017, Lesleigh was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer after discovering a painful lump in her breast. 

“It’s like the ground disappears from underneath you. It’s shocking,” Lesleigh said. “When the doctor told me it was just going to be a bump in the road and I wasn’t going to die, I cried because I was so thankful.”  

Lesleigh underwent a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In 2019, she returned to the 3-Day, this time walking with Jamie by her side, in her honor.  

Lesleigh and Jamie at the halfway point of the Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day.

But then, in 2022, Jamie received her own diagnosis. 

“Because of COVID, I put off my mammogram for a year,” Jamie explained. “They found a lump that was the size of a Tic Tac, so it was very small. I was very fortunate.” 

Jamie’s treatment included a lumpectomy, radiation therapy and ongoing estrogen blockers to treat her hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative invasive ductal carcinoma.

Return to the 3-Day 

This November, Lesleigh and Jamie are returning to the San Diego 3-Day once again. This time, with even deeper meaning. 

“Lesleigh is turning 60, it’s my third year of survivorship,” Jamie said. “So, we’re walking 60 miles for her 60 years and three days for my three years.” 

Their bond has only grown stronger over time, not just through their breast cancer journeys, but through the unwavering support they’ve given each other.  

“She lifts me up. She challenges me and she shows me the way, not just the fight for cancer but for other things, too,” Lesleigh said, fighting back tears. “She’s just the best person ever.” 

More Than a Walk 

Lesleigh and Jamie walking near the beach at the Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day.

For both Lesleigh and Jamie, the 3-Day is about so much more than walking. 

“It’s challenging, but also so energetic and special,” Lesleigh said. “The Pink Bubble is like a bubble of joy, beauty and camaraderie. It just energizes you. The walking is hard, but the love and support around you keep you going.” 

Outside of training or walking in the 3-Day, Jamie and Lesleigh have shared other special memories together including Bunco nights, voter outreach events and birthday parties. 

“When Lesleigh and I were diagnosed, I was upset,” Jamie admitted. “But I realized this is why we’ve been doing the 3-Day all along. This is what we’ve been training for. I firmly believe that what we’ve helped raise over the years has helped us become survivors.” 

Lesleigh and Jamie crossing the finish line at the Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day.

To learn more about the San Diego 3-Day, visit the3day.org. 

2025 New England 3-Day Top Fundraisers

2025 New England 3-Day Celebration of Champions

The 2025 Susan G. Komen New England 3-Day® was nothing short of extraordinary, thanks in large part to our top fundraisers. This year, 930 dedicated walkers and crew members raised $2.4 million for breast cancer research, community health, patient care and advocacy. 

At our Celebration of Champions, generously supported by our national presenting sponsor Bank of America, we honored the individuals and teams whose dedication went above and beyond. This year, Bank of America donated over $33,000 to help our top fundraisers kick off their 2026 3-Day fundraising efforts. 

From first-time walkers to seasoned crew, these champions brought the energy, passion and dedication that define what the 3-Day is all about. 

Kristin S. was honored as Top Crew Fundraiser, raising more than $9,000. Her dedication reflects the commitment our crew members bring to the 3-Day both on and off the route. 

Kristin S. was the top crew fundraiser at the 2025 New England 3-Day Celebration of Champions.

The New England 3-Day Youth Corps were a fantastic support to our walkers throughout the 3-Day weekend and did a great job fundraising. Ali W. was the top Youth Corps fundraiser, raising over $1,700 for the 3-Day.  

Top Youth Corps fundraisers at the 2025 New England 3-Day

Pit Stop Four and their captains, Alison G. and Laurie D., were recognized as the Top Fundraising Crew Team. They raised nearly $23,000!  

Pit Stop Four named Top Fundraising Crew Team at the 2025 New England 3-Day

First-time walker Gregory B. made his mark on the 3-Day, raising over $14,000 and earning the Rookie of the Year award. We are so excited to have you in the 3-Day family, Gregory! 

Our Top Individual Fundraisers led the way and showcased their unwavering commitment in the fight to end breast cancer by raising an extraordinary amount for Susan G. Komen®. 

 

This year our #3 fundraiser was Francie L., our #2 fundraiser was Carol Ann P. and our #1 top fundraiser was Roseline D. who raised over $23,000! 

And our #1 Top Fundraising Team was Team Go Rose, led by captain Roseline M. 2. Together they raised an amazing $56,279! Team Go Rose is also this year’s winner of our Small but Mighty Award which goes to a team with less than 10 members that raises the most money. 

Team Go Rose wins the Small but Might award at the 2025 New England 3-Day

Congratulations, Roseline and Team Go Rose!! 

We are so grateful to all our incredible fundraisers and supporters who made the New England 3-Day one for the books.