Please join us in congratulating our 2018 Philadelphia Milestone Award Winner; Ron MacDonald! The Susan G. Komen 3-Day® Milestone Award is given at each event to a walker or crew member who has an outstanding history of participation in the Komen 3-Day. At the Philadelphia 3-Day camp show, we presented Ron with this special honor.
To his family and friends, Ron is the consummate 3-Dayer, filled with love, compassionate and dedication.
His daughter Darcie said, “When I talked my Dad into walking the 3-Day 9 years ago, I had no idea what his journey would look like. Nine walks later, 540 miles (not counting training), thousands of dollars raised, a tattoo on his arm with our team logo saying “NO More Goodbyes.” I can honestly say finding a cure for breast cancer has become a part of who my Dad is. Even now that he is battling his own cancer his determination to walk with all of you is even stronger. My Dad is a hero who’s love and passion to make a difference is contagious. My Dad walks to END breast cancer. He walks for all of you!”
His grandchild Riley echoed that sense of family pride and love.
“I could not be any prouder of my Grandfather for being the recipient of this award. My Grampy has dedicated so much of his time to help the fight against breast cancer. He supports his teammates who have all become his best friends or as he likes to call them his “girlfriends”. Even in spite of his own discovery of cancer it has never stopped motivating him to fight and help those who can’t. After all his treatments this year all he could talk about is his excitement to walk with his team. My Grampy has never let anything stop him from fulfilling his goal of making a difference and walking 60 miles. My Grampy is a superhero. I am so lucky and honored to walk 60 miles by his side.”
Teammate Suzanne Higgins described what it’s like walking alongside Ron as one full of kindness and laughter. He is “the rock” of their team, and she is proud to call him her friend.
“Ron is the beating male heart of our team. Literally, he’s the only man and he treats us and cares for us as though we were his own daughters.
Ron embodies “Milestone” – he literally puts down his head and pounds out the 60 “miles” like nobody’s business *and* he is the “stone/rock” of our team! […]
Above all, Ron has the biggest, most generous heart. He is fully committed to our team, No More Goodbyes…his pink daughters. And, we love him as the father of our team…our beloved 3-Day Dad.
Teammate Janet Daley said Ron is “a true team player! Whenever any one of us was low on funds he would share his donations with the team. He never wanted his girls to not be able to walk with him.”
Kristina Libby talked about his speed as well as his generosity, and says upon meeting him 9 years go, she was instantly shocked to witness a gentle giant walk so fast.”
Another one of his teammates, Deb Margolis seconded that sentiment, promising that Ron will almost always be at the front of the line. But she says he also never complains. You will “see him with a big smile on his face and hear him by his loud laugh.”
Kristina probably summed him up best when she said, “Ron is a dad, granddad, husband and a fantastic teammate. Everything he does he does with passion. He is determined to find a cure for cancer. For himself, for me, and for all the other men and women who have fought this battle. Ron means the world to me because we mean the world to Ron.”
After all of these amazing expressions of support, we then had to hear from Ron in his own words!
What was your inspiration to do your first 3-Day???
My daughter! She walked and wanted me to walk with her. Unfortunately, I was extremely overweight bracket (350 lbs) and couldn’t do it. She inspired me to lose weight – 175 pounds! That provided me with the inspiration to do the walk.
What has brought you back to the 3-Day year after year?
Mainly the team of girls, No More Goodbyes! They have instilled in me how important the cause is and also the bonding I’ve developed with the team over the past nine years
What is the secret to your 3-Day fundraising success?
A strong sincere letter/email explaining what the 3-Day is what the donations are used for. Our team has raised approximately $500,000 over the past years 10 years.
I also remind potential donors that I am a CPA and that all the money that they contribute to the 3-Day is fully deductible.
What is your best advice to anyone walking the 3-Day?
Have fun, remember to enjoy the experience, pray for no rain and few hills.
What are the most important lessons you’ve learned on the 3-Day?
In spite of the blisters and aching muscles one endures during the walk, it pales in comparison to what those effected with breast cancer experience.
