March Pink Bubble Story of the Month

Nominated by his daughter, Michelle, a longtime 3-Day participant Bill W. shares why the 3-Day and the Pink Bubble mean so much to him.

How did you get involved with the Susan G. Komen 3-Day?

Some co-workers of mine did the Komen 3-Day in 2005. I was interested but didn’t know if I could walk 60 miles. They signed up again in 2006 and I took the plunge and did my first one. I have been involved as a walker, crew, staff or team support every year since then.

How many 3-Days have you participated in?

I have participated in 19 3-Day events as either a walker, crew or staff. I participated in 3-Day Nation in 2021, too.

What’s your story?

I got involved because of my co-workers who did the 3-Day in 2005. I thought it would be a good challenge for me and now I can’t quit. The Pink Bubble gets in your blood. I have made so many friends throughout the 3-Day and have lost some friends, too. One dear friend is the push behind me, Rennie B. We lost Rennie on April 17, 2015. She was no different than a lot of other ladies fighting this battle, but she was a dear close friend of mine. I know she had down days, but she never showed them in public. Her smile and laughter would light up your darkest days. And of course, we all know Mamie, the 3-Day caboose. I met Mamie on a training walk when she was going through treatment and her head was as slick as a cue ball, but she wasn’t going to let this disease get her. She was training to do the 60-mile walk while undergoing treatment. On Thursday night before the Dallas/Fort Worth walk started, our team would have dinner, and I usually had eight to ten walkers spend the night at my house in Plano, because the opening ceremony was in the area. Mamie’s husband, Tom, would always bring her and others over and stay for the team dinner. At dinner, Tom would come up to me with Mamie and place her hand in mine and tell me she was mine for the next three days. On Sunday after the Closing Ceremony I would give Mamie back to Tom. This is how Mamie became my 3-Day wife. I also have to include the RHP, Red Headed Pest, aka Sharon L. Our friendship over the years and miles has grown and grown. We don’t see each other often but we talk several times a week, to keep in touch with each other. These are a few of my Pink Survivor Sisters. There are many more reasons and stories but when I think of the 3-Day, these are the friends I think of first and some of the memories I will always cherish. These memories are what pink dreams are made of! I am very fortunate to not have any immediate family members affected by this disease. My daughter and son-in-law have been very supportive of me in this challenge. After they graduated college, my daughter Michelle wanted to do the walk. She has done several with me, and her husband Stephen has been there supporting us. In 2021, we raised enough money so that Stephen could walk San Diego with us, so we had a family affair ? Stephen, Michelle and I all walked the hills and coastal paths of San Diego.

What does the 3-Day and the Pink Bubble mean to you?

The 3-Day and the Pink Bubble, you can’t separate them. They are part of all these answers, but it is all the camaraderie, the friends, and the experience of so many people coming together for one cause from all over the world. We don’t care what your religion is, where you’re from, the color of your skin ? we are here for one cause and that is to defeat breast cancer. We are all in it together. This isn’t a race, we help each other, we laugh together, we cry together, we walk together, and we celebrate together. We are one big happy pink family. So many of us only see each other one to four times a year, but the love that radiates from this gathering is unreal. You can’t fully explain it to an outsider; you have to experience it for yourself. You can get a taste from the cheering stations, but that is not the full effect of the Pink Bubble. I don’t know if there are words that truly describe the Pink Bubble/3-Day/Pink Family. It is something you dream about and get all warm and fuzzy inside. Before I retired, my co-workers would comment early on in October “It is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; you can tell by how Bill is acting.” I took that as a compliment.

We’ve seen the big pink wig and decorated bra you’ve worn on event before. Is there a story behind those items?

I like to be a little crazy, ok a lot crazy. The first year I participated, I bought a cheap pink Halloween wig on sale the night before the walk started. I have worn that wig every 3-Day. That was the start of what my pink collection is now, and me becoming known as PHG ? Pink Hair Guy. I have had walkers and friends give me wigs and sunglasses. Several years ago, at a Dallas Cowboys game, the one where they honored breast cancer survivors, there was a guy in a pink suit and a big pink afro wig. One of my friends thought it was me and sent me a picture he took. I immediately thought, “I have to have that wig,” and thanks to Google, now I do. It has become a mainstay since 2015, I believe. I would decorate pink bras to wear and would always be looking for something new or different. One day I was walking through Target and spotted some pink cones on a clearance shelf. I got a pair and the wheels started turning on how they would be my new bra. The next year I changed to pin wheels, and I love that they can spin in the wind. What is the reason behind it? Just being crazy and having fun. Yes, it is a job to walk with that on, but nothing like going through chemo! I love it when I surprise a walker with my outfit, the laughter, the smiles, they make it all worthwhile. If my outfits make one walker, crew, or stalker forget the pain they are having for a minute or two, then it has been worth every drop of sweat from wearing the wig.

Why do you think it’s important to raise money for this cause?

We have lost too many people to this disease to not to keep fighting and raising money for the cause. Cancer is the number two cause of death in the U.S. We can’t not continue to raise money to find the cures!

What’s something you want the Pink Bubble to know about you?

Well, I’m pretty transparent, so you get what you see. I hope if you spend time with me, whether it’s walking, crewing, on staff or just sitting around, that I made you smile or laugh a little and left you feeling a little better than before we spent time together. I’m no different than anybody else. We all just want to leave our fellow man a little better off because we were there.

Do you know a 3-Day all-star who should be featured as a Pink Bubble Story of the Month? Nominate them here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PinkBubbleStory. Check out our other Pink Bubble Story of the Month features here.

Winter Training Tips

Training for a 3-Day can be tough, especially during these winter months. But have no fear, we’ve got the best tips for training in cold weather so you can successfully get miles under your belt in preparation for the 2023 3-Day series!

Wear a Small backpack

Wearing a small backpack on your training walks won’t add much weight, and it can store useful items you may need, such as water, electrolytes, snacks and extra layers of clothing.

Pack Layers

Resist the urge to grab your heaviest winter coat before you head out and layer up instead! Start your walk with as many layers on as you wish and then take advantage of that lightweight backpack mentioned above to shed them off as needed throughout your walk.

Walk Inside

If the weather in your area is not ideal for walking outside, check out a local gym or mall! Treadmills are a fine substitute to still get those miles in when it’s raining or snowing outside. Also, malls have plenty of pathways to walk down, and some even have mile markers!

Plan in Advance

The weather app on your phone or computer can be your best friend during these winter months. Planning ahead can help you stay on track with your training goals to find the best time to get outside before weather gets in the way.

Don’t Forget About Your Hands!

Jackets, beanies and scarves may seem obvious, but gloves are a necessity for training in the cold to keep your fingers warm. Bonus points for gloves that work on your phone’s touch screen!

Hydrate

Hydrating isn’t just for warm weather, it’s a necessity year-round. Staying hydrated helps your blood flow! Hydrating goes beyond fluids; lotion and lip balm can also help keep your skin hydrated, especially in colder temperatures.

Space Out Your Mileage

Going on a training walk doesn’t mean you have to go a long distance. If the weather in your area is extremely cold, try going on more frequent training walks but with shorter distances. This way, you can still get your mileage in without having to be out in the cold for extended periods of time.

Stay Alert

Watching out for traffic is always necessary, but staying aware of your surroundings can be extra helpful if you live in an area where you can get black ice and slippery sidewalks.

The Right Pair of Socks

Whether they’re of the wool or compression variety, a quality pair of socks that will keep your feet warm and your blood flowing is a necessity for winter training walks.

A Great Playlist!

Some music makes you want to dance, some music makes you want to go on a training walk and some music makes you want to do both! Having the right playlist filled with positive, up-beat and heart-warming songs can get you through the weather and on your way to being prepared for your 2023 3-Day.

What are your best winter training tips? Let us know in the comments!

*Health, safety and training tips in this blog should not be considered medical advice. Consult with your physician for any medical needs you may have.*

A Breast Cancer Survivor and Her Pink Jeep

What started as a creative idea at a car show has now turned into a full-blown breast cancer-themed Jeep. It’s owner? Denise B., a breast cancer survivor who travels to different cities for the 3-Day as either a walker or a mobile cheering station (with her Jeep in tow, of course).

How did you first hear about the Susan G. Komen 3-Day?

I moved to Riverview, Florida in 2011 and heard about the 3-Day through local advertisements for the Tampa Bay event. I participated the following year, 2012, in the Tampa Bay 3-Day as a one-year breast cancer survivor.

What is your connection to breast cancer?

I had a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer in the ’90s and beat it. Then, six years later, it came back in her lungs, and she ultimately passed away. In January of 2011, I was diagnosed with breast cancer from a mammogram. My cancer was caught very early; even the doctor couldn’t feel it. I had a lumpectomy and radiation.

Why are you motivated to help put an end to this disease?

I don’t want my daughter or anyone else to have to go through the battle of breast cancer or any other type of cancer ever again.

We heard you have a custom Jeep, can you tell us about it? How did you come up with this idea?

I originally had a black and pink Jeep TJ that had a breast cancer theme. That Jeep’s name was Esperanza, which means “Hope” in Spanish. I went to a car show with that Jeep in October of 2018, which was a benefit event for breast cancer. I purchased pink ribbon magnets for people to write names of survivors and stick them on my Jeep during the car show. I ended up winning that car show! A couple years later I decided to buy a Jeep Gladiator and put a wrap on it with names of survivors and in memory of others who lost their breast cancer battle. I worked with a female wrap designer to help me capture what I envisioned. The Gladiator’s name is Pink Virago, “Virago” is Latin for “female Gladiator/Warrior.” The words “Nobody Fights Alone” run along each side of the Jeep. I originally had about 140 names that I had gathered to put on the Jeep, and intended to fill the ribbon that goes down both sides with names, but over time I ran out of room. So, I expanded the space and now put names everywhere on it. Currently there are almost 400 names. Most of these names are for breast cancer, but as I meet people and they give me names, no matter what kind of cancer they have, I put it on my Jeep.

You usually have a friend traveling with you in a unicorn costume. Is there a story behind that?

The unicorn is actually my friend Elizabeth (she has raised over $100,000 for Susan G. Komen). She frequents Dallas/Fort Worth and other cities as the Unicorn, and in past years has shown up in a pink Gorilla or a banana costume. I met Elizabeth at my first 3-Day in Tampa. My sister worked with her and told her I was doing the 3-Day also. She walked with me on my first 3-Day and is the reason I made it all 60 miles. She was also with me in Dallas/Fort Worth this past year when I did my first mobile cheering station. She was my introduction to the Pink Bubble and represents what the Pink Bubble is all about.

What does the Pink Bubble mean to you?

The Pink Bubble is the culmination of diverse people from all over that come together and form a community over three days to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. But ultimately, it’s a group of people who lift each other up, laugh together, cry together and tell their stories. Just like how a bubble forms from water and soap, the Pink Bubble forms from all the people we meet and stories we share. Then at the end of the weekend, we all go back to our normal lives, but we take a piece of the Pink Bubble with us, in the form of new stories, memories and friendships.