The Susan G. Komen 3-Day® filled the streets of Dallas and Fort Worth this past weekend. Even when the rain rolled in and led to some minor scheduling adjustments, the Pink Bubble’s spirit remained strong. Together, 800 walkers and crew celebrated raising $2.1 million to support Komen’s vision to end breast cancer forever.
Day 1
At the Opening Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Dallas, participants shared deeply personal stories and their connection to the Pink Bubble community. Bud C. spoke about his wife Julie’s journey with triple negative breast cancer. “Now, five years cancer-free, Julie and I decided there was no better way to celebrate than in the Pink Bubble.”
In a touching moment, Nelia S., who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, rang the bell for her first time. “When I finished treatment, I never rang the bell,” she said. “But today, I ring the bell for everyone who been impacted by breast cancer.”
The Promise Flag was raised in memory of Jess, who died from breast cancer in 2021, just before her 48th birthday. Her teenage son walked the 3-Day for his first time. “Jess believed deeply in Susan G. Komen’s commitment to research. She understood that new treatments meant more time, and Komen-funded research gave her some of that precious time,” said her friend Kim. G. “For that, we’re forever grateful.”
Survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer then led walkers out to the route, spreading Pink Bubble magic through the Government District, Deep Ellum and the Hollywood/Santa Monica neighborhood of east Dallas.
That evening, the Celebration of Champions, sponsored by national presenting sponsor Bank of America, recognized top fundraisers and teams, along with the youngest crew members and fundraisers from the Youth Corps.
Day 2
Saturday brought stormy weather and a few route adjustments to ensure the safety of walkers, crew and volunteers. Buses took walkers to the beautiful city of Fort Worth, where they explored the vibrant Fort Worth Water Gardens, the JFK Tribute and Veteran’s Memorial Park, which is dedicated to the heroes of World Wars I and II. Some walkers even got a little wet.
Although the route closed early due to rain, participants’ enthusiasm never wavered.
Cecilia, a 3-Day walker and breast cancer survivor, walked 11 miles and said the day was awesome: “Everyone loved walking Fort Worth, even with the shortened route.”
Back at the hotel, walkers had the chance to visit the beloved Memorial Mile, honoring loved ones who lost their lives to breast cancer.
At the Honor Ceremony that evening, Patti R. spoke about her sister, Kathryn, who had breast cancer twice and passed away in May. “She went through so much in her lifetime, but she never let it define her,” Patti shared. “Most of the time, she faced it with a smile. When I think of Kathryn, three words come to mind: love, strength, and courage.”
Kamilah G. paid tribute to her mom, Zetta, who was diagnosed with breast cancer three times. “My mom was a teacher by trade, a nurturer by heart, and a fighter by necessity,” she said. “Her love was bold, her wisdom sweet like honey, her faith unshakable.”
After the heartfelt speeches, participants lit a candle as a sign of hope and recited together: “We will never give up.”
Day 3
By Sunday, the rain had passed making way for walkers to enjoy a full final day of the Pink Bubble journey. Walkers enjoyed a scenic walk through Turtle Creek Park, by the Dallas Museum of Art and some even paused for puppy cuddles and photos at Pit Stop 3, which featured adoptable pit bulls. Members of the Dallas Police Department even walked the last mile of the route to show their support for Susan G. Komen®.
At the Closing Ceremony, 11 people were welcomed into the Lifetime Commitment Club after raising over $100,000 each to benefit the 3-Day. The Last Walker Flag was raised, and walkers and their families celebrated through tears and lifted their shoes in honor of every survivor and thriver who made the 3-Day journey unforgettable.
As the weekend came to a close, the streets of Dallas were filled with gratitude and hope. Each dollar raised and each story shared moves the 3-Day community one step closer to a world without breast cancer.
