We Wrapped Up the 2023 3-Day Season in Costal San Diego!

We wrapped up the 2023 3-Day season in sunny San Diego! From November 17–19, the Pink Bubble returned to pink tents to camp out and walk 60 miles over the course of three days (or 20 miles in 1 day!). Together, 1,500 walkers and 300 crew members raised a total of $5.3 million for breast cancer research, community health, patient care and advocacy.

Day 1

The 2023 San Diego 3-Day kicked off with the sun rising in Del Mar for a packed Opening Ceremony. The entire crowd let out a tremendous cheer when Helen H. approached the stage to share that she walks with and for her sisters and herself, all three of whom are breast cancer survivors. “Never was there a doubt in my mind that I would survive this cancer… My experience with the 3-Day took care of me mentally and physically… As we walk the 3-Day this weekend, remember this: We walk for those who can’t. We walk because we will never give up until we have the cures.” She went on to quote Maya Angelou whose words perfectly describe the Pink Bubble, “People forget what you say, people forget what you do, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

Following Helen, Kristi R., a first-time walker, shared that in 2021 she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer which had spread to her lymph nodes and spine, and was later diagnosed with brain cancer. She walks as a thriver who is undergoing treatment for which she received financial assistance from Susan G. Komen. A living example of why we walk and raise funds, Kristi inspired the crowd as they embarked on their journey with her heartfelt words. “Susan G. Komen’s funding of cancer research has enabled me to start a treatment plan that I’m still on today… none of this would be possible without supporters like you. I feel fortunate to be speaking to you today.”

To conclude the Opening Ceremony, Maggie M. honored her mother Maureen, who was registered to walk in San Diego but passed away just three months ago. Surrounded by her incredible team Wild Women Walking For A Cure, Maggie raised the promise flag adorned with the names of everyone we walk in memory of. Survivors and thrivers then led the way onto the coastal route.

A day filled with sunshine, 3-Dayers passed through Del Mar Village, Torrey Pines, and La Jolla Village where they were surrounded by breathtaking hills. Community support was at every corner in the form of local businesses, restaurants, cheerleaders, and the San Diego Police Department (SDPD). As walkers continued along the coast, they made their way to lunch where they were greeted by Chopper Jr., an adorable puppy who, like his late brother Chopper, rides his very own motorcycle! Before snapping a picture with their new four-legged friend, SDPD led walkers, crew, Youth Corps, and supporters in dancing the Wobble before heading back out on the route.

Walkers passed by supporters wearing unicorn hats, a gnome themed sweep van, and seals resting at Children’s Pool before returning to camp to enjoy the Bank of America massage chairs. Since its inception in 2003, the 3-Day has paraded through San Diego every time we’ve walked with pride, making for a particularly special 20-year celebration. In typical 2023 3-Day fashion, it began raining! To wrap up the evening, walkers enjoyed the Bank of America Celebration of Champions, where they awarded our Top Fundraisers, Milestone Award Winner, and Crew Impact Award Winners with donations of up to $500 for their 2024 3-Day fundraising. New this year, our National Presenting Sponsor also hosted a raffle where five randomly selected San Diego 3-Day participants won $250 toward their 2024 fundraising efforts. What a way to wrap up the evening before getting some shuteye in pink tents.

Day 2

Despite the night’s brief downpouring of rain, walkers awoke from their pink tents to the sun rising on the bayside. They grabbed some hot coffee and enjoyed a nutritious breakfast before lining up on the Mohawk Pink Carpet to embark on the route. Standing at the front of the line was Gemma G., our San Diego Ultimate Event Experience winner who accomplished her 15^th 3-Day this weekend. In the eligible challenge period, Gemma humbly raised an outstanding $13,842, earning her first position out on the route with her two friends Elaine and Nino, amongst other prizes. When given the go-ahead, Gemma led walkers who flooded out of camp creating an immense sea of pink. In typical San Diego style, supporters including the San Diego Police Department cheered them on as they exited camp to enjoy a fun-filled 20 miles.

Walkers passed through Sunset Cliffs National Park and Smiley Lagoon before heading toward South Mission Beach Boardwalk and the infamous Muscle Beach. On the route, walkers were delivered an outpouring of support from community members who decorated their homes, held signs, blew bubbles, and provided treats. At Pit Stop 3 walkers were greeted by a pirate with a real parrot, as well as a mother and her six-year-old daughter who were offering pink ribbon face paint to walkers, crew, and staff. Continuing along the route, at one house two young girls in their pajamas were holding handmade signs adorned with drawings and words of encouragement. Walkers headed over to lunch to celebrate the halfway mark where SDPD Officer Paul led the crowd in dancing the Wobble!

Pit Stop 4 was home to the beloved Cookie Ladies who brought over 2,500 homemade cookies to pass out to walkers as they completed the homestretch of Day 2. They had chocolate chip, gingersnap, gluten free, vegan, and every other type of cookie you could imagine accompanied by dairy and almond milk! These four women led by Marla R., returned to the 3-Day after three years and were a tremendous hit amongst walkers. Marla is a breast cancer survivor, former 3-Day walker, and is currently undergoing treatment for a different form of cancer. She initially had chemotherapy scheduled for the Wednesday before the 3-Day, but when her doctor noticed the date, he quickly moved the session to the Monday after the event so she could participate. She is looking forward to undergoing her treatment with the Pink Bubble so fresh in her mind, reminding her of her inner strength and the support that surrounds her.

Walkers then passed through Memorial Mile where the photos of 94 incredible individuals who battled breast cancer stood proudly. As they made their way into camp, walkers were greeted with the famous 3-Day mac n’ cheese before welcoming in the last walker. A hot chocolate bar, courtesy of Bank of America, opened with countless toppings including marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, peppermint sticks, and more! With stomachs and hearts full, we enjoyed a touching Honor Ceremony which began with words from all thirty members of our Youth Corps. Tears were shed, hugs were exchanged, and we were all unified as we remembered why we walk. Everyone lit a candle to line the way to the remembrance tent before calling it a night and resting up for the final day of the San Diego 3-Day.

Day 3

To kick off Day 3, 20-Mile Walkers grabbed their credentials and white lanyards before heading out on the route. Walkers were met with a drizzle of rain, making sure the San Diego 3-Day followed the tradition of the 2023 season. Just a few miles in, thanks to SeaWorld San Diego, walkers were able to meet an adorable sloth and penguin! Shortly after, the clouds parted, and we were greeted by the beautiful Southern California sunshine.

While out on the route, walkers received an outpouring of community support, cheering them on as they enjoyed one final day in the Pink Bubble. Amongst those keeping spirits high were cheerleaders from San Pasqual High School and our friends from XPO. Continuing along the route, walkers enjoyed Belmont Park and Bonita Cove, a tranquil bay area with stunning views of Mission Bay that is perfect for a 3-Day. From here, they passed through historic Old Town Viewpoint and the culturally rich neighborhood of Little Italy.

Before we knew it, walkers were crossing the Mohawk Pink Carpet into the Closing Ceremony to celebrate their tremendous achievement; 60 miles in three days! After grabbing their victory t-shirt and San Diego medal courtesy of Bank of America, walkers snapped a quick photo in front of the 60 Mile or 1-Day completion signs before scarfing down a Ready CLEAN bar. Nature’s Bounty had a booth sporting drawstring bags, pink sunglasses, and free samples of Hair, Skin & Nail Gummy vitamins. Nature’s Bounty also offered a drawing to win a Lululemon belt bag full of full-sized Hair, Skin & Nail Gummy vitamins, coupons, and a Walgreen’s gift card. Walkers grabbed a Mohawk SmartCushion to rest their feet and take in the gorgeous view of Waterfront Park while eagerly waiting for our last walker.

The last walker entered the sea of supporters and raised the last walker flag one last time before crew members lined the way to the stage for survivors and thrivers. A collection of thousands of sneakers arose, contrasting beautifully with the waterfront scenery. Hand-in-hand, survivors and thrivers walked toward the stage prompting our Closing Ceremony. It was at this time that we discovered that, collectively, the participants of the San Diego 3-Day raised a colossal $5.3 million in the fight against breast cancer. Bubbles were released into the air and the celebration concluded with crying, hugging, and dancing as we look forward to the 2024 3-Day season.

Thank you to all who joined us this year. From walkers to crew to volunteers, your efforts push us closer to the world we dream of. A world without breast cancer. We look forward to seeing you next year!

November Pink Bubble Story of the Month – Debra E.

Every year, thousands of philanthropic individuals come together in cities across the country to walk 20, 40, or 60 miles, united by a common goal—making a significant impact in the fight against breast cancer. Amongst those in the ocean of pink this year was Debra E., a breast cancer survivor who participated in her first ever 3-Day this year in Denver, both as a crew member and 1-Day walker. We met with Debra who shared her personal journey, reflecting on how this experience deeply touched her heart.

Last year, Debra heard about the 3-Day on a Facebook post which prompted her to become involved with Susan G. Komen both locally and with the 3-Day. Inspired by her own survivorship, her grandmother and several close friends who have battled breast cancer, she decided to participate in the 2022 Susan G. Komen Denver More Than Pink Walk. Having loved her experience at that event, she signed up for the 3-Day to further contribute to the cause.

As a first-time 3-Dayer and combination crew member and walker, Debra was unsure of what to expect, but was blown away by her experience. She was able to make friends with both crew and walkers, so while walking on Day 3, crew members that she met in days prior were cheering her on along the route and at the finish line. Recounting her first-time laying eyes on the sea of people who were all there to support survivors, thrivers, and those walking for loved ones that could not, the feeling was indescribable. “Everyone had a smile and supportive words, and it was so infectious,” she shared. “Walking was a very supportive experience. Even when I struggled because I had a knee injury, I was still getting encouragement and support from everyone in the Pink Bubble!”

Participating in the 3-Day necessitates both physical and mental preparation. To adequately prepare for the monumental event, Debra took advice that veteran walkers shared on the Facebook pages and during the online Social Hours. She went on training walks and fundraised through social media and by emailing everyone she could think of.

Debra recalls her favorite moments of the Denver 3-Day meeting the incredible walkers and crew members, and that seeing her loved ones as she crossed the finish line was particularly humbling. Her advice to anyone who is hesitant to sign up is “Just do it! It may sound very daunting, but I expect that you will get caught up in the excitement and won’t even notice the miles go by.” Having loved her experience at the 3-Day, Debra has signed up to crew/walk the 2024 Denver and crew San Diego 3-Day.

It’s people like Debra who make the 3-Day possible and such a rewarding experience. It is about so much more than walking, but coming together to do something challenging as we raise funds to advance breast cancer research, treatment, and awareness. In Debra’s very own words, “We [walk to] raise money so that we can eradicate breast cancer FOREVER!”

See previous Pink Bubble Story of the Month blog posts here.

Honoring Native American Heritage Month with 3-Day Walker Tweet B.

November is federally recognized as National Native American Heritage Month to honor and celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, history, and societal contributions of American Indian and Alaska Natives. This lends us the opportunity to become more educated about Native Americans and increase our knowledge of unique challenges faced by this population, including health inequities. Breast cancer does not affect all women the same and at Susan G. Komen, we believe these inequities must end. We’re striving to make this the moment that changes everything.

We connected with 12-time 3-Day walker Tweet B., a Dine’ woman from the Navajo Nation who walks on Mother Earth. Her heritage, culture, beliefs, and language are core to who she is both on and off the 3-Day route. Throughout all avenues of her life, Tweet has learned to live in two worlds; the Dine’ world, and the “white man” world. From her job to her family, and her friends to her faith, she carries aspects of both worlds in all her thoughts and all that she does. “I was Dine’ (Navajo) before I became American,” she shared.

At the 2023 Denver 3-Day, Tweet shared her reason for walking with a speech at the Opening Ceremony. She began by speaking her native Navajo language, which caused the room to fall silent as she honored her ancestors in such a powerful way. She shared her story as to why she walks in honor of her grandmother, BFF, and “sole” sister who have all lost their lives to cancer. Her commitment to finding the cures began in 1995 when her beloved grandmother Jean passed away, and was amplified when her BFF, Kathleen, passed in 2006. Most recently, a fellow 3-Day walker and “sole” sister died, hitting her hard and deeply.

For all 12 3-Day walks that she’s participated in, Tweet’s immediate family and friends have supported her either in person or through generous donations. She loves seeing her personal cheerleaders along the trail, including her husband and two sons who have grown to love the color pink. However, her biggest source of inspiration at each walk is her 84-year-old mother, MaryAnn, who keeps Grandma Jean’s memory alive. We met with Tweet’s mother on the route this year who spoke to us about the importance of their culture. As we parted ways, MaryAnn bid us Hágoónee, a Navajo farewell which roughly translates to “see you later” since they believe that we will all meet again.

Tweet tries to make trips back to the motherland whenever possible in order to smell the inside of a hogan (a traditional Navajo home), see the landscape, eat the food, hear the language, and get whisked away by the music. “I wish the world would understand our existence in the world,” she opened up to us. “We have always been here, we never left. The indigenous people are more than the history books and what Hollywood portrays us to be. We are people who live simply yet are abundant with culture. We have heroes, we have goals, we have dreams.”

In all her experience on 12 3-Days, Tweet can only remember seeing two other Native women on the pink trail. One was a walker who she never had the opportunity to meet and the other was a survivor, cheering on the walkers. “I often wonder why there are not more Native women on these walks,” she shared with us.

Tweet went on to share that many Dine’ who are diagnosed with breast cancer are usually in the later stages of the disease, likely because they are less educated about the signs of early detection. In fact, in 2021 (most recent data available, though data were limited), American Indian women and Alaska Native women had lower rates of breast cancer screening compared to other women [162]. Tweet also noticed that many people from her culture must travel far distances to medical centers which are located off the reservation, therefore, time and money are obstacles to screening and treatment.

Susan G. Komen found that among women ages 50–74, only 59% of American Indian and Alaska Native women had a mammogram in the past two years compared to 82% of Black women and 76% of white women [162]. One reason for these differences in screening rates may be access to care. American Indian and Alaska Native women tend to live in areas that require traveling a long distance to get health care, including screening mammography [137]. “I would love to see an SGK mammogram trailer on the reservation somewhere, scheduling appointments for free. Early detection can save lives!” Tweet shared.

Since breast cancer is the most common cancer among American Indian and Alaska Native women [155], Tweet hopes to pass on her teachings, her culture, her being, and her strength to her two sons and to increase care to those in her community. She hopes that her legacy is strong and pink.

“I am a Dine’ woman who walks on Mother Earth. I will honor my ancestors who walked before me. I will continue to learn, to teach, to speak, to listen, to grow, to give and to love. My grandmother’s legacy lives within me. She is why I am a pink warrior.” —Tweet B.

To learn more about the racial and ethnic disparities in breast cancer outcomes and Susan G. Komen’s mission to lessen the gaps, visit https://www.komen.org/about-komen/our-impact/breast-cancer/health-equities-initiative/