Debby R. is the 2023 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Milestone Award Winner!

After 10 years and 26 3-Days, Debby R. has raised a lifetime total of more than $65,000 to help find the cures to breast cancer. Affectionately known as Mama Bear by her team Angels for the Cure, Debby is one of the most creative fundraisers that the Pink Bubble has ever seen. Her beloved teammate Bill W. shared that “It does not matter if you are on another team, you can train or fundraise with Angels for a Cure!” She fundraises with car washes, Sonic car hopping, Dippin’ Dots, Muddin’, Rednecks with Paychecks and beyond, always coming up with fun ways to help everyone achieve their fundraising goals. “I was always in awe and sometimes jealous of the ideas and ways she came up with to raise money… she is there to win this fight and to help anyone who needs help to get their money raised,” boasted her friends Donna W. and Sharon R.

Get to know Debby a bit better as we honor her as our 2023 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Milestone Award Winner!

What was your inspiration to participate in your first 3-Day???

My mom was first diagnosed [with breast cancer] in 2002 and started her treatments in 2003. I heard radio advertisements about the 3-Day for a couple of years, but I was first scared away in 2005 when the Dallas/Fort Worth event was in June and I had a 6-month-old. Then in 2006, I was scared away because I was intimidated by the fundraising goal. At the beginning of 2007, my mom sent me an email (an email, really???) to let me know her cancer was back and had metastasized to her lungs. I knew then I couldn’t sit on the sidelines anymore, so I went to an info meeting and signed up for my very first event!

What has brought you back to the 3-Day year after year?

Like so many others before and more to come, I was terrified that first year that I wouldn’t be able to walk all 60 miles. I waited until the last minute before making the decision to sign up again, but being in the Pink Bubble for three days, meeting new friends and hearing their stories, passing through the cheer stations, getting hugs from a stranger as a thanks for helping to save his wife’s life, how could anyone walk away from all of this? The first walk was for my mom, but every walk afterwards has been for my future, my daughter, my nieces, my sisters, my friends, my Pink Bubble family, and for the next person diagnosed, to give a glimmer of hope for a future.

What is the secret to your 3-Day fundraising success?

I come up with a lot of ideas and sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. I just keep trying and stick with what works well for me and my team.

What is your best advice to anyone walking the 3-Day?

Train and fundraise with a team. It could be your team or join an existing one, but when you train and fundraise with others, it’s a better experience.

What’s a fun fact about you?

One time at band camp… yes, I was in band. I was on the flag corps and drill team while in high school for football and concert season. I played the auxiliary percussion instruments (cymbals, bass drum, triangle, bells, xylophone) because I could count and couldn’t read music… LOL

What are the most important lessons you’ve learned on the 3-Day?

You are never alone on the 3-Day. We are all on the same team to eradicate breast cancer.

Explore the Coastal Route Before the San Diego 3-Day!

Year after year, the 3-Day returns to San Diego where the sun shines as bright as the Pink Bubble, and the community support is all-encompassing. It’s a place where sunny skies meet sandy shores, and the ocean breeze carries the promise of adventure with each step. As you soak it all in, find yourself in the best of San Diego’s seaside splendor as we walk through some of the city’s most iconic and breathtaking locations. From Del Mar to Old Town, this journey promises to be a memorable exploration of Southern California’s coastal paradise.

Day 1

Our journey begins in Del Mar, a charming coastal city known for its pristine beaches and upscale ambiance. Start your day with a stroll along the coastline as you soak in the mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean. You’ll find yourself enchanted by the soothing sound of the waves and the warm embrace of the sun.

The real highlight of Day 1 awaits you at the Torrey Pines Natural Reserve, a state park boasting rugged cliffs, diverse plant life, and stunning ocean vistas. Though a challenging terrain, the sea of cheering supporters will help you reach the top of the hill! As you hike the trails, keep an eye out for the rare Torrey pine trees, which can only be found here and on Santa Rosa Island. As you venture further south, you’ll arrive in the picturesque town of La Jolla. Here, you can explore the vibrant village that is adorned with boutique shopping and delectable local seafood restaurants. Next, make your way to La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove. These spots are famous for their crystal-clear waters, making them ideal for taking in the natural beauty of the sea.

Day 2

Day 2 is filled with beach vibes and ocean bliss as we continue our journey south, starting with the breathtaking Sunset Cliffs National Park. The name says it all — this spot is renowned for its stunning sunset views, making it the perfect place to breathe in the ocean air. Venture toward Smiley Lagoon, a serene coastal inlet that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle before heading toward South Mission Beach Boardwalk. This vibrant area is perfect for people-watching, beachcombing, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of a classic California beach town.

Head toward Muscle Beach, known for its outdoor fitness equipment and exercise enthusiasts, making it an entertaining place to visit and watch others showcase their strength and skills. Even if you’re not into working out, the strength of those working out emulates the strength possessed by each 3-Dayer. Inspired and strong, wrap up 40 miles as you return to camp for the Honor Ceremony.

Day 3

Our final day of exploration welcomes a visit to Belmont Park, a historic amusement park that’s been entertaining visitors since 1925. It offers a peek into the 20^th century and is home to the iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster. Feel an adrenaline rush as you stroll past and snap a picture on the historic beachfront boardwalk. Next, venture to Bonita Cove, a tranquil bay area with stunning views of Mission Bay that is perfect for a leisurely stroll. It’s a tranquil and relatively secluded spot compared to some of the more bustling areas in Mission Bay Park, making it a great place to reflect on your reason for walking the 3-Day.

History buffs will appreciate the visit to the Mormon Battalion Historic Site, where you can step back in time and learn about the role of the Mormon Battalion in San Diego’s development. From here, our journey boasts a visit to the Old Town Viewpoint, offering panoramic views of San Diego’s historic heart. Here, you’ll gain a new perspective on the city’s evolution and maybe even reflect on your own evolution over the past three days. Lastly, don’t forget to explore the vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood of Little Italy before the Finish Line Festival.

San Diego’s coastal cities and attractions offer a diverse range of experiences, from natural wonders to commemorated sites and vibrant neighborhoods. The 3-Day takes you on a memorable journey through the heart of San Diego, allowing you to immerse yourself in its unique blend of maritime beauty and urban charm. So, lace up your walking shoes, embrace the ocean breeze, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in America’s Finest City.

Joel R. is the 2023 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Crew Impact Award Winner!

Joel R. is a beloved member of the Route Safety Crew and can be described as compassionate, generous, patient, and respectful. A radiant being with supreme character, Joel’s “leadership and work on crew isn’t just a day of volunteering… it’s an attitude of service,” says his friend Barbara B. “He dares to soar by taking on any task asked of him… one of his greatest talents is showing that nothing is impossible.” He truly embodies the spirit of the Pink Bubble and what it means to be a 3-Dayer, bringing his positive attitude to all 33 events that he’s participated in throughout the past 11 years.

Joel was awarded the Crew Impact Award at the 2023 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day and shared a few words with us as he prepared for the event.

What was your inspiration to participate in your first 3-Day?

I was introduced to the world of breast cancer back in 2011 when one of my very close friends was diagnosed as having stage 4. Back then, I had been looking for a way to tie my enjoyment of riding a motorcycle with serving others but hadn’t been looking at charities or big events. I just knew that I wanted to find a way to help others that didn’t involve just writing a donation check or volunteering at church. One Sunday, my friend approached me and was so excited to share the experience she and her husband had at a breast cancer event the previous weekend. She told me about these “guys on motorcycles, all decked out in pink that were having a lot of fun” and how they were really encouraging and helped her make it through the weekend. She was talking about the Route Safety Crew at the Chicago 3-Day. I was intrigued and, after deciding to give it a try, was lucky enough to join the Route Safety Crew the following year.

Unfortunately, my friend battled through a couple of remission/return cycles over the next few years and passed away in January of 2017. My wife and I had the privilege of being able to spend time with her and her family and help wherever we could. Often, that just meant being at their house during treatment cycles just in case she or her family needed anything. We spent a lot of time listening to her and her husband share their emotional and familial struggles. Your heart naturally goes out to someone diagnosed with cancer, but the toll on the rest of the family really showed me how much more broad-reaching the effects of breast cancer are.

What has brought you back to the 3-Day year after year?

It’s the camaraderie between Crew and the many smiling faces of participants. You can’t help but form lasting friendships with those you’ve worked hard alongside for so many hours. Who wouldn’t want to be around an event where the math just doesn’t add up? I’m there to encourage the walkers, but I go away feeling like I’m the one who received a blessing.

What is your favorite aspect of crewing the 3-Day?

Hugs and smiles! I also have to mention how much fun it is to play in traffic! The more challenging the intersection, the better. ?

What is your best advice to anyone crewing the 3-Day?

I think it’s really important to take time to assess how you’re doing at regular intervals. The Crew is here to serve and we can do our best only when we’re not worn out or hangry. Take time throughout the day to pause for a minute and ask yourself, “If someone wiser than me came along, would they tell me I need a break?”

What’s a fun fact about you?

One of my favorite things to do is people-watch. I could sit in one spot for hours at a mall and not get bored. I’m also an introvert and basically don’t talk to my family for the few days leading up to and after the 3-Day since I have to prepare for three days of heavy social interaction. ?

What are the most important lessons you’ve learned on the 3-Day?

Always take more water than I think I’ll need with me to an intersection. The 3-Day also continues to reaffirm that serving others brings a much longer lasting joy than just receiving from others.

“His generosity is beyond compare and I could go on for pages about how generous Joel is. He is giving from his heart, without any thought to receive anything in return. He gives of his time, his knowledge, his friendship, his caring, he gives from his own wallet, he goes out of his way to help those in need and those that are even just in want. He freely uses his own resources to help in any way possible. He literally will give the shirt off his back.” —Barbara B.