Jen R. is the 2023 New England Milestone Award Winner!

Meet Jen R., our New England Milestone Award Winner!

Over the past 14 years, Jen has participated in 15 3-Day events, walking in honor of her best friend, Lori, who lost her battle many years ago. She has been described as a ball of energy when it comes to raising money for the cause, bringing in a whopping $144,904.05 in contributions to breast cancer research and treatment. Her friends and family describe her as a loving, caring and devoted person who will not stop until the cures are found. Since the passing of her best friend, Jen stepped up to help be there for Lori’s three boys and has always treated them as her own. She puts a lot of time into raising money so that others will not have to go through what Lori went through before she passed. Described as having a heart of gold, Jen has volunteered for many activities that will help make the New England 3-Day a success. Get to know this year’s New England Milestone Award Winner.

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

My best friend, Lori, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and walked in 2006 after treatment. She planned on walking in 2007, but her cancer metastasized, and she was too sick. She passed a month after the Boston 3-Day that year. I wanted to walk the 3-Day in her memory, but honestly didn’t know if I would be strong enough. I’ve never looked back since my first walk in 2008.

What has brought you back to the 3-Day year after year?

I walk for Lori, I walk for the cures, I walk because I believe in Komen’s mission. But the 3-Day is more than those things. The Pink Bubble can change you; it can help heal your soul. It did for me, and that is why the 3-Day has become such an important part of my life. Lori was my best friend and cousin, but we were like sisters. She was my person. When she passed, I knew I had to be strong and present for her three boys, who I lovingly call my nephews, but I had lost meaning in my world. The 3-Day gave me back that meaning when I needed it most. I will continue to participate until there are cures – for Lori, for her boys, for everyone who has lost someone or is going through this fight.

What is the secret to your 3-Day fundraising success?

First, I have an AMAZING support system of friends and family who don’t turn their back on me even though I ask them for donations year after year. At this point, I think they all know I’m a 3-Day Lifer and will be asking for donations. The key is to ask. Second, the team that formed around Lori, Lori’s Breast Friends, hosts fundraising events like an annual golf tournament and divides the proceeds among the team members each year. The golf tournament is hard work, but it’s always a great time and a great success. There, too, we have loyal participants who show up year after year. We had one team travel from Colorado to Massachusetts this year to make the tournament!

What is your best advice to anyone walking the 3-Day?

The best advice I can give to a 3-Day participant, whether walker or crew (I’ve done both), is to enjoy the journey. The 3-Day is different for everyone because we all have our own story and our own 3-Day. You might walk the entire thing, you might sweep, you might work at a pit stop — it’s all a beautiful journey and part of your story. I’ve actually tried to take a little bit of that philosophy into my non-Pink Bubble life — appreciate the journey.

What’s a fun fact about you?

I am an avid Boston University Men’s Ice Hockey fan. In fact, I usually only post on Facebook about the 3-Day/my fundraising or to share my feelings about how the hockey team is doing. I am a season ticket holder and have taken my nephews to games since they were little. I’m proud that they are all Terriers fans!

What are the most important lessons you’ve learned on the 3-Day?

This goes back to my advice for participants — enjoy the journey. I think that’s a great way we can bring the Pink Bubble to the rest of the world year-round.

Denver 2023 3-Day Event Recap

The Denver 3-Day made its much-anticipated return after a 12-year hiatus! Between August 25-27, the Pink Bubble gathered in the Mile High City to complete 60, 40 or 20 miles over the course of three days. Together, 700 walkers and 225 crew raised a total of $1.9 million for breast cancer research, community health, patient care and advocacy.

Day 1

The Denver 3-Day began with a beautiful Opening Ceremony, an opportunity for walkers and crew to gather for the first time before setting out on the route. The spirit of the Pink Bubble radiated as the room filled with excited participants ready to embark on Day 1 of the 3-Day.

As our first speaker, Tweet B., began her speech, the room fell silent, and hearts felt full while she spoke in her native language to honor the Navajo Nation. On her 12^thjourney in the Pink Bubble, she spoke of her grandmother, best friend, and “sole” sister who have all lost their lives to cancer. She spoke to their legacy and how they taught her what grace looks like under fire, inspiring her to walk year after year. Next, survivor Michele S. took the stage to speak of her sisters and herself who have been affected by breast cancer. Michele continues to walk to honor her sister who passed, her sister who’s a survivor, herself, and her grandchildren. Finally, Beth N. joined the stage to honor those participants we’ve lost to breast cancer this past year. Beth had the privilege of sharing Kim L.’s story as she raised the Promise Flag and we took a moment of silence to remember those who have died from breast cancer. After taking a moment to honor those survivors and thrivers who are part of our 3-Day community, we set out on Day 1.

Walkers found themselves at Coors Field before passing by the Denver Zoo. Here, over a dozen people cheered them on as they walked toward the Lowry District where many walkers were met with a bit of liquid sunshine for the remainder of the day. But, if we know anything about our Pink Bubble community, nothing can rain on our parade! As Day 1 wrapped up and our final walker returned to camp, participants were treated to the well-deserved Bank of America massage chairs before a delicious dinner, a 20^th Anniversary cake-cutting and our Celebration of Champions program!

With Day 1 complete, walkers headed to bed to rest their feet for the next day!

Day 2

This sunny day began with 2-Day walkers checking in and all walkers taking a quick bus ride to Greenwood Village. The Denver Ultimate Event Experience winner Jeanne A. led the way and walkers were greeted by Cherry Creek Cheerleaders who kept spirits high at three different spots along the route. Other cheering stations were lively, including one where a 4-year-old girl, adorned in all of her favorite princess regalia, handed out candy to walkers, including her grandma. Thrilled with her experience in the Pink Bubble, she later recalled it as being the “best day of my life.”

Crew kept it cool with themed pit stops including the groovy 60’s, Grease Lightning, and Denver sports teams. Walkers passed through Greenwood Village and Washington Park before stepping through the streamers to celebrate the halfway point at lunch. Afterwards, the black and pink arrows led our inspired walkers through the Santa Fe Arts District toward downtown Denver where the iconic Big Blue Bear sculpture welcomed us home.

With stomachs full and feet rested, the Honor Ceremony began. Youth Corps kicked things off by sharing who inspires them to participate in the 3-Day, and were followed by speakers Steph S. and Jesse K. As the room went dark, the 3-Day community lit their candles in tribute to the friends and family who inspire their participation.

After sharing many hugs and tears, walkers and crew called it a night and rested up for their final day of the Denver 3-Day.

Day 3

Sunday began by welcoming our 1-Day walkers. With the Denver 3-Day Pink Bubble complete, walkers made their way out on route, ready to show the Mile High City, once again, why we’re back! Walkers enjoyed sunshine and scenic views all day long as they passed through RiNo Arts District, over South Platte River, and ventured into Edgewater. With hungry hearts and stomachs, walkers filled up during lunch at Sloan Lake Park where they were treated to the picturesque landscape. After resting their feet, walkers continued their journey toward the Finish Line Festival at the Tivoli Quad.

It was a warm yet beautiful day and thanks to Mohawk, our walkers were comfortable on Smart Cushions as they waited for the ceremony to start! Additionally, Nature’s Bounty, READY, and Health Images were there to congratulate walkers for their tremendous accomplishments. As the last walker joined the Pink Bubble, the celebration officially began! Our amazing Crew lined the way toward the stage as we welcomed the courageous survivors and thrivers who remind us why we walk. Our hosts revealed that our Crew, Youth Corps, and 1-Day, 2-Day, and 3-Day Walkers at the Denver 3-Day raised a collective $1.9 million for Susan G. Komen®. The funds raised will be used to invest in cutting-edge research that will lead to new, more effective treatments, working in communities across the country to ensure all people can access the care they need, and mobilizing passionate supporters to make certain the voice of the breast cancer community is heard by policymakers. It was a wonderful return to Denver and we can’t wait to do it all over again in 2024!

New England 2023 3-Day Event Recap

We kicked off the 2023 3-Day season in historic New England where members of the Pink Bubble gathered from all across the country between August 18-20 to participate in the momentous event! Together, the walkers and crew of the 2023 New England 3-Day raised a total of $2.1 million in the fight against breast cancer.

Day 1

New England 3-Dayers began their journey doing what they know best: adapting to change and overcoming obstacles! In the early hours of the morning, the skies opened up, resulting in a weather delay and route change. Despite these unforeseen challenges, our determined and courageous participants set out to paint the town pink! We began the day with an exciting Opening Ceremony, where walkers and crew gathered to ring in the first day with cheers and pins (so many pins!). Brothers James and Billy D. honored their late mother and all those who have lost their lives to breast cancer as they raised our Promise Flag for the crowd.

Inspired and well-rested, walkers embarked on the New England 3-Day for a 10-mile walk starting from the beautiful Marriott Copley Place. The sun mimicked the smiles of our walkers and crew, shining through the clouds as the Pink Bubble took to the streets of downtown Boston. Walkers brought the spirit to Brookline and Chestnut Hill where they enjoyed a delicious lunch before turning around toward home base. As walkers poured in, so did the rain! Showers briefly started back up as Day 1 wrapped up and our final walker returned to camp. After relaxing in the well-deserved Bank of America massage chairs, walkers enjoyed a delicious dinner. We even heard that a few committed walkers returned from the route only to head straight to the hotel fitness center to complete their 20 miles!

The Celebration of Champions soon commenced where Bank of America rewarded our Top Fundraisers, Milestone Award Winner, and Crew Impact Award Winners with donations up to $500 for their 2024 3-Day fundraising. New this year, Bank of America hosted a raffle where five New England 3-Day participants won $250 toward their 2024 fundraising efforts. Participants who have participated for 18+ years joined at the stage to cut the 3-Day’s 20^th anniversary cake and celebrate this momentous event. With Day 1 complete, walkers headed to bed to rest their feet for tomorrow!

Day 2

The day started and ended with the sun high in the sky, shining proudly despite the challenges of the day before. Valiant walkers took to the streets of Boston at 7:45 a.m. as Ultimate Event Experience winner Alison R. and her team Cousins 4 A Cure: Twice as Nice led the way!

With spirits high, walkers set out to complete their next 20 miles through the streets of Boston. They snapped some photos in front of the iconic Fenway Park and walked the bubbly streets toward Sam Adams Brewery. The city was alive in Boston Commons, with smiles in every direction and tour guides decked out in historic garb. Walkers experienced other lively pit stops along the way thanks to our beloved crew who offered a glimpse into Beauty and the “Breast”, Pirates of the Caribbean and more!

No Saturday would be complete without a hearty serving of mac and cheese before heading into the Honor Ceremony. Members of the Youth Corps shared their stories as they lit candles in honor of their loved ones who have been affected by breast cancer. The rest of the crowd followed their lead, lighting the way to the remembrance room, a beautiful tribute showcasing the friends and family members behind the “why” of our Pink Bubble family. With hearts full and feet tired, walkers and crew rested up for the final day of the New England 3-Day.

Day 3

Today began with welcoming the 20-mile walkers to join us in the Pink Bubble during a delicious and nutritious breakfast to fuel up before heading out on the route. With the sun shining, walkers spent the day witnessing many of Boston’s historic sites including the Freedom Trail, USS Constitution, and Bunker Hill Monument to name a few. While on route, walkers were greeted at multiple pit stops by lively crew members adorned with Disney themed outfits and décor to keep spirits high. Our National Series Sponsor, XPO, even set up an incredible cheer station with bubbles and candy to inspire our walkers to push through toward the Finish Line Festival!

Walkers took their final strides into the Finish Line Festival where they picked up their New England 3-Day medal, victory t-shirts, and enjoyed a protein bar from Ready Nutrition. With tears of joy and smiles from ear-to-ear, walkers snapped some pictures at the Nature’s Bounty photobooth fully equipped with warrior wings and props… pink of course!

As the last walker made their way across the Mohawk Flooring pink carpet, they were cheered on by the hundreds of walkers, crew, staff, and supporters who were gathered together. When the final walker raised the flag, the Closing Ceremony began with a sea of sneakers in the air while our survivors and thrivers made their way toward the stage. Comradery, love, and support radiated from every single person in attendance as the New England 3-Day came to a close. We can’t wait to see you back in Boston in 2024!

Were you at the New England 3-Day? What was your favorite part?