October Pink Bubble Story of the Month — Sandra G.

Sandra’s journey with the Susan G. Komen 3-Day began in the bustling streets of Manhattan, with a simple yet powerful step. While in remission from breast cancer, she was walking a 5K and found herself yearning to make a more profound impact. It was at this event when Sandra met a man whose wife was walking the same 5K while in the midst of her battle with breast cancer. Noting her own health and this woman’s bravery, Sandra began researching what more she could do, when she stumbled upon the 3-Day.

With a clean bill of health, Sandra registered to embark on her 3-Day adventure in 2020, which was unfortunately delayed due to COVID-19. The following year, she found herself with a Stage IV breast cancer diagnosis and ended up participating in her first walk while fighting the disease. For the past three years, her motivation to continue walking has been deeply rooted in the incredible community support and the substantial funds she and her team have raised. As she faces the challenges of Stage IV breast cancer, Sandra remains steadfast in her resolve to participate in the 3-Day, not only to raise funds for herself but to stand alongside others who share her experience. With each step, she strives to make a difference that extends beyond her own story, so that future generations don’t have to endure the tumultuous path she has endured. This year, she’s taking her mission to the Pacific coast as she walks in San Diego, continuing once again on the path of hope and healing.

Among the myriad of memories Sandra cherishes from her past 3-Day walks, one stands out as a testament to the remarkable connections forged during this saga. Two years ago, she found herself climbing a challenging hill, her determination slightly waning. However, a fellow walker approached her and struck up a conversation, asking about her story. Their interaction and shared purpose propelled her to conquer that hill, proving the incredible power of human connection in overcoming obstacles.

Sandra’s commitment to raising funds for breast cancer research is unwavering, fueled by her personal experiences. As she puts it, “no mother, daughter, son, husband, etc., should ever have to go through what I have been through,” referencing the years of chemotherapy, radiation, and emotional toll the battle has put on her and her loved ones. Her conviction is a driving force that motivates her to push her limits and inspires others to join her cause.

When asked about the best piece of advice she’d ever received regarding the 3-Day, Sandra emphasized the importance of taking care of one’s feet by wearing proper shoes. It’s’ a simple yet crucial reminder that speaks to the physical demands of the event (and a great opportunity to buy a cute pair of sneakers).

For those who are contemplating joining the 3-Day but have yet to take that leap, Sandra offers a message of hope and reassurance: “It is an inspiration and, in the end, not as hard as it seems. The cause is worth it.” Her words echo her own experience, showing that the path to making a difference is accessible to all who are willing to embark on it. While hard, she notes that walking 60 miles is not as hard as what she has been through in her fight against breast cancer. She wants to show people it can be done, and that walking is worth the effort to find the cures.

In closing, Sandra reflects on her extraordinary journey, one that began amidst challenges and uncertainty. Her inaugural walk, postponed due to the pandemic and undertaken after her Stage IV diagnosis, stands as a testament to her unwavering spirit and determination. With a sense of pride and hope, Sandra reveals that, in just three years, her efforts have contributed to raising around $100,000—a sum that serves as a beacon of hope for the future. As she continues her journey with the 3-Day, Sandra’s story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the phenomenal impact that one person’s dedication and determination can have on a cause that touches so many lives.

Congratulations to Our Top Fundraisers of the 2023 Chicago 3-Day!

The 2023 Susan G. Komen Chicago 3-Day boasted 700 walkers and 180 crew members who collectively contributed $2.1 million in the fight against breast cancer. To wrap up Day 1, our top fundraisers were recognized Friday evening at the Bank of America Celebration of Champions. This year, Bank of America is celebrating the accomplishments of our 3-Dayers by donating a collective $42,000 to the top fundraisers to jump start their 2024 fundraising efforts. Join us in congratulating these teams and individuals for their incredible achievements and contributions!

We kicked off the ceremony by recognizing our Rookie of the Year, Cynthia S., who raised $36,505.40 for her first ever 3-Day, also making her the Top Individual Fundraiser of the Chicago 3-Day! The crowd applauded her for her incredible contributions as she posed for a picture with Bank of America’s very own Kim Hamstead who delivered her two $500 donations to kick off her 2024 fundraising.

Angels for Angels was then awarded with our Small but Mighty Team award after their eight-person team raised a whopping $53,708.74. Team Capitan Rina W. was awarded a $500 donation and each of her teammates received $60 to kick-start their 2024 fundraising. We’re always so impressed by our Small but Mighty Teams!

Our Top Fundraising Team, Hakuna MaTaTas, was recognized for the $66,842.84 they teamed up to raise. With 35 members, they also stood as the largest team of the event and were captained by Christina Z. who walked alongside a very special guest, her doctor. Christina humbly accepted her $500 donation courtesy of Bank of America and her 34 teammates were each awarded $60 toward their 2024 fundraising. In their two years as a team, Hakuna MaTaTas have raised a collective $100,660.81 to help end breast cancer.

With our walkers accounted for, it was time to congratulate our incredible crew members, who collectively raised $72,276.44 in the Windy City! From Pit Stop 4, our Top Individual Crew Fundraiser, Sara Z., was honored for the $8,680.00 she raised this year for her 17^th event. The Pit Stop 4 Crew Team not only brought an incredible beach theme, but also rang in as the Top Fundraising Crew Team with nine members raising a collective $17,214.84!

We then honored our youngest fundraisers from the Chicago 3-Day, Youth Corps, who altogether raised $4,934! Ava H. participated in her second 3-Day and raised $944.80 this year, making her this event’s Top Youth Corps Fundraiser. Ava will be receiving a customized Hydro Flask courtesy of Bank of America which she can use with pride. We are so grateful for and proud of our Youth Corps who continually remind us of the future we fundraise to improve.

Whether you were a top fundraiser or hit your own fundraising goals for the 2023 Chicago 3-Day, the work that you do and the funds that you raise are ever important. We are so grateful to each and every one of you for making our departure from Chicago so memorable and impactful. On behalf of Bank of America and Susan G. Komen, thank you for all that you do to help fight breast cancer.

Fundraising From Start to Finish: Fundraising During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in a world where breast cancer impacts hundreds of thousands of people each year, initiatives to research and treat the disease often hinge on financial resources. Your commitment to raising $2,300 (or more!) as a 3-Day participant provides critical funding for research, care and advocacy so that we lose fewer of the people we love to this terrible illness. As you work to make positive change in peoples’ lives across the world, there’s much more to fundraising than meets the eye. Let’s dive further into the art of fundraising, exploring the strategies, challenges, and rewards of mobilizing collective efforts to empower change.

Understanding the Importance of Fundraising

Fundraising plays a vital role in filling the financial gaps that public and private funding may not cover entirely. Since 2003, the 3-Day has raised $889 million to help support more than 2,700 research projects and more than 500 clinical trials.* Great progress has been made in drug development, including Kadcyla® and many other cancer-specific drugs. Without a pipeline of resources to continue this life-saving work, such progress will come to a halt.

The Art of Storytelling

Here at the 3-Day, every step is a story. Though it may bring up complicated emotions, being authentic with donors is the best way to connect and raise funds to fight against breast cancer. By sharing your personal story, you are more likely to motivate and inspire your donors to give. In addition, share this infographic to show them how funds are actively helping us get closer to finding the cures for breast cancer and assisting those receiving treatment. Other powerful resources to share with potential donors include the 3-Day Impact Since 2003 and Komen Research Programs.

Setting Clear Goals and Objectives

With a goal to raise at least $2,300, oftentimes the biggest struggle is understanding where to start. We recommend getting the ball rolling with a donation to your own fundraising account to solidify your commitment to the 3-Day. Map out how much time you have to complete your fundraising efforts and work backwards. Check out this handy guide on Raising $2,300 in 2 Months!

Be sure to continually check back into your fundraising progress and see if you can push further. Need some motivation to kick it up a notch? Check out our 2023 fundraising rewards.

P.S. Our 2024 fundraising rewards will launch next spring!

Diversifying Fundraising Strategies

An effective fundraising campaign should employ a variety of strategies to engage different audiences. Lean into your skills and interests. Are you a fitness fanatic? Contact your local gym to see if an instructor would be willing to volunteer their time to teach a donation-based class. Maybe you’re a foodie and you can connect with your favorite restaurant to host a fundraiser where a portion of the proceeds goes towards your fundraising. Are there services you can provide in exchange for a donation (babysitting, grocery shopping, etc.). Take a peek at these 101 Fundraising Ideas and get inspired!

Check in with your job to see if they provide corporate matching, which can double your fundraising efforts. And ask every donor if they work for a company that matches. Go to The3Day.org/Matching for more information. Remember that matching gifts can take 4 to 6 weeks to post to your account.

Harness the Power of Social Media

There’s no arguing that social media has revolutionized the world around us… and fundraising is no exception! Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and beyond provide 3-Dayers with powerful tools to reach a global audience. Maybe you met someone on vacation who you friended on Facebook last year or your middle school classmate follows you on Instagram. Personally ask people in your network if they will donate to your participation in the 3-Day, and then ask if they can help you spread the message. Download the Komen 3-Day app, share your personal fundraising page link, and post photos of your training walks whenever possible. Take advantage of the extended reach and get to posting! Remember, fundraising via social media should be one part of a multi-channel approach you use to fundraise, not the only way you ask for donations.

Engaging Donors and Building Relationships

Fundraising is not meant to be a one-time transactional event. Building lasting relationships with donors is essential for sustainable fundraising efforts. Express gratitude with handwritten cards, provide updates on how their contributions have made a difference, and involve them in the organization’s activities to help foster a sense of ownership and commitment to the cause. Also consider how you can involve them in your event experience. You can ask your donors for the names of the people in their lives who have been impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis. During the event you can carry or wear something with those names. Knowing that your steps will be dedicated to those your donors love as well will make the event even more impactful for them. And increases the likelihood that they will become repeat donors.

Overcoming Challenges

Fundraising is not without its challenges. There are times where you may struggle, but by staying adaptable, maintaining transparency, and effectively communicating the impact of contributions, you can overcome these obstacles. Keep track of your progress with our Journey to the Goal Worksheet and be kind to yourself every step of the way. And remember that you must follow-up with your donors. You will not get a donation the first time you ask from everyone you’ve asked. A good fundraising strategy means you have to ask more than once! There are so many resources available to you, including your 3-Day coach, who are here to ensure you meet your fundraising goal.

Celebrating Success

A successful 3-Day is not just about walking 60 miles. It’s about coming together to fight against breast cancer and doing your part for the community. No matter how much you raise or how far you walk, your fundraising efforts, this month and every month, are making a difference.