We wanted to recognize those in the Pink Bubble who continue to show their outstanding commitment, support and care as part of each 3-Day they participate in. We asked our 3-Day coaches and staff to highlight someone, whether walker or crew, who goes above and beyond the call to action. That is what being a 3-Day superhero is all about.
Superhero Barbara:
Barbara’s adventurous spirit is a gift to our 3-Day community. She has participated in 17 events and continues to be up for any opportunity of contributing to help make the event a success. Most recently, Barbara stepped in at the last minute and served on the San Diego Youth Corps Leadership Team. Barbara continues to sprinkle her love and make an impact on everyone she touches in our 3-Day community. I hope you get the chance to meet Barbara this season, she will brighten your day!
What inspires you to go above and beyond for this cause?
In 1971 at the age of 21, I lost my dear Aunt Judy. Back then it was a disease that no one spoke about or had the knowledge or resources that we have today to fight. I knew then that I wanted to do something to help bring awareness, but back in the ’70s it fell on deaf ears. After my diagnosis of breast cancer, 40 years later, I pledged that as long as I am alive and healthy, I will do whatever I can to support finding the cures.
Superhero Karen:
Karen is an inspiration in many ways, but her goal this year to secure a donation for every single day on the calendar is so far above and beyond that it is definitely superhero status! Karen’s outside-the-box thinking is helping her to fundraise for four 3-Day events this year. Besides walking a LOT, Karen keeps herself busy these days creating a beautiful handmade quilt, which she intends to gift in a drawing to her donors. Donors are invited to donate what they can, be it their coffee or lunch money for the day. And when someone donates $20 or more, they earn the right to have their name added to a day on her calendar. Many donate in honor of someone who is fighting breast cancer or someone who has passed. The goal is to have a name on each and every day of her calendar. Go Karen; you’ve got this!
What is your connection to breast cancer?
The year after my first 3-Day, my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, so I continue to walk in her honor. Before my mom passed, she told me how very proud she was of me for making such a difference in the world.
What inspires you to go above and beyond?
I started walking in 2007 after a personal health scare that had me homebound for four months. Being stuck at home and feeling unwell was extremely hard and gave me renewed respect for those who undergo chemo. As soon as I was able, I began to walk — because I could. I had heard of the 3-Day and it became my goal. These days I keep myself motivated by signing up for a variety of walking challenges and the 3-Day has become my passion! Walking in San Diego in 2021 after missing my 3-Day family for more than a year, felt like my first 3-Day — the excitement, the friends, the love!
As the saying goes, “not all superheroes wear capes.” Some wear pink. Thank you to all of you who show insurmountable support and commitment to finding the cures to breast cancer!