Thank You to Our Top Fundraisers of the 2023 Denver 3-Day!

The 2023 Susan G. Komen Denver 3-Day boasted 700 walkers and 250 crew members who collectively contributed $1.9 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, Terry W., who raised $13,997.60 for her first ever 3-Day! The crowd applauded her for her contributions as she posed for a picture with Bank of America’s very own Kim Hamstead and Cynthia Solis who delivered Terry a $500 donation to kick off her 2024 fundraising where we hope to see her on her second 3-Day!

Julie C. was then recognized as our Top Individual Fundraiser for raising $26,331.37 and was also rewarded by Bank of America with a $500 donation for her 2024 3-Day fundraising. For the past eighteen years, she has walked and raised a collective $336,985.51 to fund breast cancer research and treatment. Julie is also captain of The Keepers, our Small but Mighty Team award winner whose team raised $33,847.70 this year with just three team members. Bank of America awarded Julie with an additional $500 donation and her teammates received $60 to kick-start their 2024 fundraising.

The Top Fundraising Team was our largest team, The AwareWolves, who raised $63,661.80 amongst their 21 members. The whole crowd gave a celebratory wolf howl as team captain Linda L. accepted her $500 donation courtesy of Bank of America and her 20 teammates were awarded with $60 toward their 2024 fundraising. In their eleven years as a team, the AwareWolves have raised a roaring $503,711.10 toward finding the cures for breast cancer.

With our walkers accounted for, it was time to congratulate our crew who raised $75,403.55 in the Mile High City! Our Top Individual Crew Fundraiser from Pit Stop 2, Mark N., was honored for the $5,001.40 he raised this year on his 21^st event, with a lifetime contribution of $82,742.18. Speaking of crew teams, our Top Fundraising Crew Team captained by Julie S. and Michele O. raised $12,885.32!

We then honored our youngest fundraisers from the Denver 3-Day Youth Corps who collectively raised $13,958.74! Mollee M. participated in her fourth 3-Day and raised $1,862.80 this year, making her this event’s Top Youth Corps Fundraiser. We are so grateful for and proud of our Youth Corps who continually remind us of the future we’re striving to improve.

Whether you were a top fundraiser or hit your own fundraising goals for the 2023 Denver 3-Day, the work that you do and the funds that you raise are ever important. On behalf of Bank of America and Susan G. Komen, thank you for all that you do to help fight breast cancer.

Congratulations to our 2023 New England 3-Day Top Fundraisers!

The 2023 Susan G. Komen New England 3-Day boasted 650 walkers and 200 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 celebration by recognizing our Rookie of the Year, Marilyn M., who dove right into the Pink Bubble by raising $15,392.40. The crowd applauded her for her contributions as she posed for a picture with Bank of America’s very own Kerryn Ludwig who delivered Marilyn a $500 donation to kick off her 2024 fundraising where we hope to see her on her second ever 3-Day!

Laura P. was then recognized as our top individual fundraiser for raising $50,784.60 and was also rewarded by Bank of America with a $500 donation toward her 3-Day fundraising in 2024. This is her third year as a walker and, in that short time, she has raised a whopping $119,148.12 toward breast cancer research and treatment.

Mimicking the tenacity of our top individual fundraisers, our Small but Mighty Team Award was presented to Walkers for Knockers, a team of eight who together raised $45,370.84. Captained by Beth M., Walkers for Knockers proves that it doesn’t take a huge team to make a huge impact. Beth was rewarded with a $500 donation and each of her teammates received $60 courtesy of Bank of America for their 2024 fundraising efforts.

If the 3-Day teaches us anything, it’s that teamwork makes the dream work, and that’s exactly what our top fundraising team did this year! Their first time as a team, the 18 team members of Kim’s Krusaders together raised $55,633.98 and brought the spirit of the Pink Bubble with every step they took. Their captain, Jeff C., was presented by Bank of America with a 2024 donation of $500 and each team member received a $60 donation.

With our top fundraising walkers accounted for, it was time to congratulate our top individual crew fundraiser, Sharyn E., who raised $6,108.60 this year! Over 15 years and 33 events, Sharyn has raised a total of $92,010.57 and is on the Sweep & Shuttle team. Collectively, all 15 members of the Sweep & Shuttle Crew, captained by Ryan and Melissa A. raised $16,826.72 this year, making them the top crew fundraising team.

It’s never too soon to start doing something good in the world and our 3-Day Youth Corps is a testimony to that fact. Our New England top youth corps fundraiser, Genevieve A., participated in her first ever 3-Day at the age of ten and was able to raise an impressive $4,544.80. Honorable mentions go to our second and third highest youth corps fundraisers Celia J. and Charlotte R. who raised $926.92 and $819.60 respectively.

Whether you were a top fundraiser or hit your own fundraising goals for the 2023 New England 3-Day, the work that you do and the funds that you raise are ever important. On behalf of Bank of America and Susan G. Komen, thank you for all that you do to help fight breast cancer.

September Pink Bubble Story of the Month: Rowena K.

Every 3-Day walker has a reason behind why they partake in this momentous event. Some walkers join the Pink Bubble to do some good in the world while others walk in honor of a loved one or their own survivorship. No matter the reason, every step has a story. Discover Rowena’s incredible testimony as she embarks on her fifth 3-Day in New England.

In 2009, Rowena observed the dedication and passion that her sister exuded while walking the 3-Day. Her sister’s courage and determination to raise awareness, gather donations, and complete the 60-mile mission left an indelible mark on her own spirit. However, it wasn’t until a profound personal loss struck her closest circle that Rowena’s call to walk grew even stronger. Her best friend, Laura, valiantly fought a four-year battle with cancer and tragically passed away at the tender age of 45. Witnessing her sister’s experience during the 3-Day and subsequently losing Laura ignited an unyielding resolve within Rowena to embark on this meaningful journey. Sadly, another heartbreaking loss came in 2019 when her sister-in-law, Beverly, lost her fight against breast cancer at the age of 57, leaving behind a loving husband and three beautiful young daughters.

With her heart heavy, Rowena took her first steps on the Susan G. Komen 3-Day in 2010. Year after year, she walked with renewed determination, participating in subsequent events in 2011, 2012, and 2021. For her fifth year in this empowering journey, Rowena walked in the 2023 New England 3-Day alongside her three nieces, Raney, Ryann, and Roxsan, to whom she will pass the torch. Walking with the next generation, she felt a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that the legacy of compassion and determination will continue.

Reflecting on her previous experiences, she cherishes countless memories that have touched her soul. Each 3-Day that Rowena has participated in has brought her the gift of new friendships, profound stories of strength, and moments that she will hold close for a lifetime. She shared that the camaraderie and support she found amongst the fearless people she’s met along the way have forever changed her life, leaving an enduring imprint of gratitude within her heart.

When asked about the best advice she’s received regarding the 3-Day, Rowena highlights the significance of preparation, injury prevention, and staying hydrated. From training tips to walking techniques, she emphasizes the importance of setting goals and wearing proper shoes to ensure a comfortable and successful walk.

Additionally, Rowena feels strongly that the importance of raising funds for this cause cannot be overstated. She speaks to how her efforts have enabled the provision of vital education on breast health, free resources & screenings, and a compassionate hand to hold for those navigating the complexity of combatting breast cancer. Furthermore, these funds offer essential emergency assistance to underserved breast cancer patients facing financial crises while undergoing active treatment. By supporting this cause, Rowena feels that she is making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families who need it most.

To those who may be contemplating joining the 3-Day but have yet to take the leap, Rowena urges you not to hesitate. She assures that the 3-Day is an empowering way to show your support and that you will never regret making this commitment. The impact of participating in this event extends far beyond yourself as it has the power to transform countless lives. By participating in the 3-Day, you can become an agent of change, advocate for hope, and a beacon of support for those affected by breast cancer.

She described this year’s experience as unforgettable. She and her nieces had time to bond, laugh, cry, and celebrate as they walked together through the streets of Boston. Although this most likely marked Rowena’s final 3-Day as a walker, she looks forward to participating as a crew member, volunteer, or cheering supporter, because her commitment to this cause remains as strong as ever. She looks forward to passing the 3-Day Walker torch to her nieces in 2024 as she takes some time to let her body rest, heal and recover. Rowena truly embodies what it means to be a member of the Pink Bubble. Brimming with unwavering determination, we can all find the strength to stand beside those affected by breast cancer and raise our voices while we walk. Together, we can bring about a world free from the clutches of this devastating disease as we walk to find the cures for breast cancer.

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

Every walker has their story. What’s yours?