Tag Archives: 3-day walker

What it’s Like to Walk 1 or 2 Days at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® 

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? 

A Letter from a First-Time 3-Dayer

Dear 3-Day Family:

3-Day Nation will be my first time ever participating in the 3-Day! My mom and aunt participated years ago in Michigan. My cousin, Rachel, and I decided to take on the challenge and walk in their shoes, literally! Their team’s name was “Treasured Chest,” and we are “Treasured Chest Junior.” Funny, right?

We have been talking about walking for years. We are walking to honor my mom and grandma “Nana” who both have a history of breast cancer. 

Supporting the 3-Day mission has always been important to me, and the inspiration of that importance is my mom. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, recovered, and was recently re-diagnosed spring of 2020. She is my person, and I can’t imagine living this plentiful life without her by my side. I walk for her. Taking on 60 miles isn’t nearly comparable to the hardships she has faced. The personal struggles she has experienced have made her a stronger person, and I look up to her strength in every way.

Raising money for others who are fighting is a newfound passion of mine. Breast cancer is an awful disease and devoting my time to empower other women is something that I cherish. As a first-time participant fundraising for the first time, I am very blessed to have many caring and generous individuals within my life. I started fundraising very early which has helped me to slowly increase funds over time.

Even during these unprecedented times, family and friends were willing to give what they could. All donations I have received, big or small, have helped my goal to end breast cancer forever. 

I wanted to let other newbies know that they can do it! The fundraising tip that I have found most success with is emailing friends and family about my fundraiser. Many people were so excited that I was taking on the 3-Day challenge and were beyond generous in donating to my cause. I emailed around 100 friends, family, acquaintances, past teachers, etc. in order to gain more donors for my walk. Another tip I have is to continue re-sharing your Facebook fundraiser link every few weeks. It is very typical for Facebook fundraisers to get missed in the newsfeed, and sharing your link every few weeks reminds others of your commitment.

3-Day family, I can’t wait to join you for the first time this year.

For now, I leave you with these parting words: The comeback is always STRONGER than the setback!  

Love, Sarah V., First-Time Walker

My Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Story

By San Diego 3-Day Walker, Niki W.

I started doing the 3-Day in 2008 because a few of my fellow teacher friends invited me. I thought it was a perfect way to fundraise money towards breast cancer research, as I had lost a couple friends to this horrible disease. I also thought it would be a great way to spend time with these friends and to get exercise. I walked in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2019. I plan on walking in 2021 as well.

In the midst of everything else that 2020 brought my way, I found a very large lump in November, in my right breast.

I went in two days later, and my OBGYN said it felt too big to be cancer and not to worry about it. She scheduled some tests anyway for December but told me it was probably nothing. I cancelled my appointments and moved them to January because the December tests conflicted with our holiday plans, and I figured it didn’t matter since my doctor had said not to worry.

I finally went in for the tests on January 18 and had a mammogram, an ultrasound, and blood tests. My mammogram came out normal but they were able to see the lump on the ultrasound and my lymph nodes were very enlarged. They scheduled a biopsy for February 3. On February 5, I was walking with a friend on the beach when my OBGYN doctor called and said that I had an invasive carcinoma tumor 7X6 cm that had already spread to my lymph nodes.

I was in shock for several days and stopped sleeping and didn’t have an appetite. The next two weeks were a blur of appointments, scans, and more, as I found out that I needed to start chemo right away for six months, then surgery (double mastectomy) followed by radiation, reconstruction and hormone therapy for five-ten years.

Once I got my test results back and learned that I was only Stage 3 and the cancer had not yet moved to my organs, I was able to get my hope back! I am now continuously leaning on God each day and knowing that he is here with me through this. 

My hair started falling out in early March.  After I couldn’t take it anymore, four of my 3-Day friends arranged an outdoor haircut in my backyard so that I would have support during this traumatic time. I woke up that morning thinking that this would be the hardest day of my life, and my stomach was in knots all morning. However, when they arrived all wearing cowboy boots and hats and blasting country music (my favorite!), I couldn’t help but smile. Throughout the haircut, I was filled with gratitude for these amazing friends being with me during this really difficult time. They turned my sadness into joy, and it became one of the most special, intimate afternoons of my life.

My friends and family (and particularly my 3-Day team) have been amazing and have been here for every step along the way with cards, gifts, flowers, and meals. They even added my name to our 3-Day team logo so that we will now be walking for me as well as many other teachers from our school who have fought the battle and survived! I can’t wait to walk in November and be at the other side of this battle and able to spread my hope to others. 

My message for others is to not give up hope and to rely on your faith, family, and friends to get you through this. You can’t do it alone and you will need their support! Embrace it and don’t reject it. There will be so many blessings if you allow other people in.