Meet Smokey T. Bear, Honorary 3-Dayer

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“Christa was an amazing human being. She was very giving and loving. She always had a smile and a hug for everyone. She never met a stranger.” —Sharon Ray

Christa Cannon was a part of the 3-Day family starting in 2013. She was an active participant, even through two breast cancer diagnoses, and had signed up to walk all seven cities in 2017. However, Christa sadly lost her battle with breast cancer in June of 2017, before she could walk alongside her pink family this past year. In her honor, all our 2017 seven-city walkers wore her name on their credentials as they crossed their final finish line in San Diego.

Smokey with Jeryl

Also in her honor, a special 3-Dayer came on the seven-city journey Christa had planned on making. His name is Smokey T. Bear.

This small stuffed bear was carried by a different walker in each city, but always had Christa’s photo pinned to his chest.

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His 2017 journey began in Michigan with walker Sharon R., who has been a 3-Dayer in various cities since 2011. She knew the power of Smokey and Christa’s story.

“It was an honor like no other. Being the first person, I had to set the bar for everyone else. It was like Christa was still walking with us. I made copies of her picture for everyone that carried Smokey to have. I think Christa was watching from above.”

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From there, Smokey walked with a new participant in each city, including Melissa W. (at left above) and her other members of Team Shenanigans. It was Melissa who came up with the idea to carry Smokey this year in Christa’s honor, and she said that “support just poured in” as soon as she told a few people about her plan.

Sharon and lots of participants were more than happy to carry Smokey, and “tell Christa and Smokey’s story for all to hear.” Sharon says she is still so grateful to Melissa for “touching so many people with Christa’s story.”

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In addition to the 3-Day, Christa (and Smokey) has watched over Melissa in an MS Society bike ride and an Ironman in the form of a smaller stuffed animal version. Melissa also plans to bring this mini-Smokey on her next Ironman attempt this coming April! Melissa keeps Christa in mind when she needs motivation, and felt that Christa’s spirit helped her in her times of need.

“Christa was a special person. She was very giving and loving. Positive and tough but knew how to make people laugh.”

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If you’re joining us on the 3-Day again in 2018, be sure to keep an eye out for Smokey, and other memories of Christa. Melissa and Sharon are both signed up to Crew in all seven cities and look forward to keeping Christa’s memory alive.

We will carry her in our hearts for years to come.

Melissa says, “I will continue the quest of the memory of my dear friend Christa, my mother in law Delores and of all my other friends who have lost the battle or who are fighting the fight.”

Because we will never quit.

Thank you to everyone who carried, hugged and supported Smokey T. Bear (and his walking buddies) throughout 2017! See more of his memories below.

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Smokey on Bike II

The ABC’s of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, Part 6

Welcome to part six of the ABC’s of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day^®. This special alphabet is made up of 26 people, places or things you’ll encounter on the Komen 3-Day. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Part 1 (Letters A – D), Part 2 (Letters E – H), Part 3 (Letters I – L), Part 4 (Letters M – P), Part 5 (Letters Q-T) and don’t forget to share your ideas for each letter here on the 3-Day blog or with us on Facebook. You can also help us spread the word about the 3-Day^® by pinning these images on Pinterest. The more people who learn about the 3-Day, the more we can make a difference in the fight to end breast cancer forever.

United Susan G Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk
We are all united in the fight against breast cancer. Walking the Susan G. Komen 3-Day is one of the boldest things you will ever do, and we’re thrilled to support you every step of the way.

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Every year, the Susan G. Komen 3-Day volunteers and crew members check-in walkers, put up tents, pick up trash, hang route signage, set up pit stops, cheer on tired walkers and much, much more. We’re always amazed by our volunteers’ spirit and endurance. Visit this link to find out how you can be a part of volunteering on the 3-Day.

Susan G Komen 3 Day Breast Cancer Walkers Walk

Without walkers, there would be no 3-Day. Every year, thousands of people show their support and dedication by fundraising and training to walk 60 amazing miles.

Do you have any other ideas for letters U, V, and W? How about for the last three letters: X, Y, and Z? We can’t wait to see what ideas you have! Share them with us in the comments or on Facebook or Twitter.

The ABC’s of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day – Part 3

It’s time for Part 3 of the ABC’s of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day^®. This special alphabet is made up of 26 people, places or things you’ll encounter on the Komen 3-Day. Check out Part 1 (Letters A – D) here, Part 2 (Letters E – H) here, and don’t forget to share your ideas for each letter here on the 3-Day blog or with us on Facebook. You can also help us spread the word about the 3-Day^® by pinning these images on Pinterest. The more people who learn about the 3-Day, the more we can make a difference in the fight to end breast cancer forever.

Inspiration Susan G Komen 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk Rainbow

On the 3-Day, inspiration is all around you. Every mile is filled with stories, laughter, hope and crazy costumes. From the community cheering stations to the colorful pit stops, from a child on the side of the road holding up a “thank you” sign to the woman walking next to you in a pink “Survivor” shirt – there are so many reasons to keep walking.