1-Day Walker Archives - The 3-Day Blog

Family obligations, coordinating days off from work, fundraising concerns, physical limitations… life comes with obstacles that may pose a challenge for some to walk 60 miles over three days. Fret not, because for the very first time at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® you have the option to walk one, two, or three days in each city! Regardless of your schedule or abilities, you can now become fully immersed in the Pink Bubble in a way that works best for you. You’ve heard stories from our Komen 3-Day Walkers, so we’ve teamed up with Elissa R. and Jenn H., 1-Day and 2-Day Walkers from the 2023 Denver 3-Day, to share what it’s like to be part of the 3-Day® for 20 or 40 miles. If you haven’t registered yet or are considering adding another city to your 2024 3-Day itinerary, these women are here to help you decide which option is best for you.

1-Day Walker: Elissa R.

Breast cancer survivor Elissa R. first participated in the 3-Day in 2018 alongside her sisters in San Diego and has walked five times since, celebrating her 20-year survivorship at the 2023 Denver 3-Day. Elissa walked all three days in 2018 then switched to walking one day in 2019 due to her walking partner’s physical limitations. Every year, they arrive early to cheer the walkers on the first or second day and do some exploring before embarking on their 20-mile journey. Though she’s not walking all three days, she still feels the power of the Pink Bubble whenever she joins the 3-Day. She describes it as a sisterhood of people who want to end breast cancer, where everyone knows someone who’s been impacted or has fought it themselves. The most powerful moment she remembers was the 2021 Closing Ceremony where she walked hand-in-hand with other survivors surrounded by a sea of supporters.

She is looking forward to walking in the New England 3-Day this year as a 2-Day Walker, an option that allows her a bit more flexibility and time within the Pink Bubble. In the meantime, she walks each day sporting her 3-Day attire which often sparks conversation amongst strangers to share their breast cancer experience, learn about the 3-Day, or inquire about donating.

2-Day Walker: Jenn H.

Jenn is a three-time 3-Day Walker who began her journey at the 2018 Philadelphia 3-Day alongside her sister. Having dense breast tissue and a family history of cancer, she walks the 3-Day while she is a healthy individual to make an impact and hopefully create a day where cancer isn’t such a debilitating diagnosis. In 2023, she chose to walk two days in Denver because it was just a short drive from her hometown in Nebraska and was unsure if she would be able to meet the fundraising requirements. Still eager to push herself, Jenn and her sister both decided to shoot for the middle of the road as 2-Day Walkers. Not only did they feel that it was the most flexible option, but it still granted them the opportunity to meet new people, hear their stories, have fun with the crew, and make an impact.

In 2024, Jenn, her sister, niece, and friend all are embarking on the Denver 3-Day as 3-Day Walkers to continue making an even greater impact. They walk to help offset any of the costs for the people who are already struggling to stay healthy and pay their regular bills while undergoing treatment. “People shouldn’t have to choose between paying their bills and getting the treatment and support they need to get better,” she shared. To anybody considering the 3-Day, Jenn provides wise words of encouragement. “It will be the best, hardest thing you’ll do. It’s hard fundraising, hard training, hard getting used to the idea of 60 miles in three days, but it’s the best time and the most fun, hard thing I have done. AND… it’s not harder than cancer.”

Will you be walking one, two, or three days at the 2024 3-Day?

Every year, thousands of philanthropic individuals come together in cities across the country to walk 20, 40, or 60 miles, united by a common goal—making a significant impact in the fight against breast cancer. Amongst those in the ocean of pink this year was Debra E., a breast cancer survivor who participated in her first ever 3-Day this year in Denver, both as a crew member and 1-Day walker. We met with Debra who shared her personal journey, reflecting on how this experience deeply touched her heart.

Last year, Debra heard about the 3-Day on a Facebook post which prompted her to become involved with Susan G. Komen both locally and with the 3-Day. Inspired by her own survivorship, her grandmother and several close friends who have battled breast cancer, she decided to participate in the 2022 Susan G. Komen Denver More Than Pink Walk. Having loved her experience at that event, she signed up for the 3-Day to further contribute to the cause.

As a first-time 3-Dayer and combination crew member and walker, Debra was unsure of what to expect, but was blown away by her experience. She was able to make friends with both crew and walkers, so while walking on Day 3, crew members that she met in days prior were cheering her on along the route and at the finish line. Recounting her first-time laying eyes on the sea of people who were all there to support survivors, thrivers, and those walking for loved ones that could not, the feeling was indescribable. “Everyone had a smile and supportive words, and it was so infectious,” she shared. “Walking was a very supportive experience. Even when I struggled because I had a knee injury, I was still getting encouragement and support from everyone in the Pink Bubble!”

Participating in the 3-Day necessitates both physical and mental preparation. To adequately prepare for the monumental event, Debra took advice that veteran walkers shared on the Facebook pages and during the online Social Hours. She went on training walks and fundraised through social media and by emailing everyone she could think of.

Debra recalls her favorite moments of the Denver 3-Day meeting the incredible walkers and crew members, and that seeing her loved ones as she crossed the finish line was particularly humbling. Her advice to anyone who is hesitant to sign up is “Just do it! It may sound very daunting, but I expect that you will get caught up in the excitement and won’t even notice the miles go by.” Having loved her experience at the 3-Day, Debra has signed up to crew/walk the 2024 Denver and crew San Diego 3-Day.

It’s people like Debra who make the 3-Day possible and such a rewarding experience. It is about so much more than walking, but coming together to do something challenging as we raise funds to advance breast cancer research, treatment, and awareness. In Debra’s very own words, “We [walk to] raise money so that we can eradicate breast cancer FOREVER!”

See previous Pink Bubble Story of the Month blog posts here.