Cathy M. has been part of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® for more than 20 years and still shows up each November ready to walk all 60 miles.
She has collected the names of 180 people impacted by breast cancer—names she now wears on a pink cape as she walks.
“The names are of people diagnosed with breast cancer, those we have lost and the names of inspiring survivors,” Cathy said. “I walk for them. The real heroes.”
Cathy first discovered the 3-Day while sitting at a traffic light in Southern California, where she watched a sea of walkers moving down the coast. Something about that moment stuck with her. Even though she didn’t yet have a personal connection to breast cancer, she felt drawn to be a part of it.
Years later, that connection became deeply personal when her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, and Cathy wanted to offer her support.
“My sister didn’t even tell us about her cancer until after her surgery,” Cathy said. “After that, I got my rear off the couch and signed up.”
Cathy walked her first 3-Day in 2003 in San Diego at the age of 51 and hasn’t missed a year since.
Since then, she’s become a resource for “newbies” taking on the Komen 3-Day, even writing her own survival guide—playfully titled 60-Mile Walk Survival Guide From an Old Lady Walking— to pass along advice based on her experience. She shares it for free on Facebook.
“I like to think I get smarter with each event under my feet,” Cathy said with a smile. “The guide is just what has worked for me and my hope is that something in there could help the new walkers.”
While Cathy has never had breast cancer, she said she has spent years reflecting on what keeps her coming back to the 3-Day.
“It just puts life in perspective,” Cathy said. “It grounds me and reconnects me to the Pink Bubble. The people, the atmosphere, it’s so positive. I love meeting everyone and hearing their stories. It really is more than just a walk.”
When she’s not walking in the 3-Day, Cathy is a caregiver to her 103-year-old mother in Boise, Idaho, a role that reflects the same strength and compassion she brings to the walk every year. Her sister, Terry, is a more than 20-year breast cancer survivor, and Cathy continues to walk in her honor.
Cathy also shares her 3-Day experiences through a personal blogand has written a book inspired by her journey in the Pink Bubble. For Cathy, the 3-Day is more than an event, it’s a lifelong connection to the people and stories that continue to guide her steps.
After 21 years of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®, we’re looking back at 2024 with tremendous joy and gratitude. This year, the Pink Bubble gathered in four cities, boasting a total of 3,900 walkers and 970 crew members who raised a staggering $13.2 million in the fight against breast cancer. For the very first time, walkers could partake in 20, 40 or 60 miles in each city where we made incredible connections, remembered those we walk for at the Honor Ceremony, and celebrated our momentous achievement at the Finish Line Festival. It is because of you that 2024 has taken us a step closer to finding the cures for breast cancer.
First and foremost, we would like to thank each and every one of you who joined us as a walker, crew, volunteer, or supporter. With each step, donation or hours crewed, you have provided critical funding for research, care, and advocacy so that we lose less of the people we love to breast cancer. We would also like to thank our National Presenting Sponsor Bank of America who awarded our top fundraisers and raffle winners with over $33,000 for their 2025 fundraising! Lastly, thank you to our National Series Sponsors XPO, Walgreens, Mohawk, and Nature’s Bounty for showing up in our fight. From transporting those incredible massage chairs, to offering soft cushions to sit on at lunch and incredible giveaways at Finish Line Festival, everyone at the Komen 3-Day is grateful for your support.
That being said, let’s recount the incredible 2024 3-Day® season hosted by the lovely Cati Diamond Stone, Beverly Kruse and Lori Maris!
New England
We kicked off the 2024 3-Day season on August 23rd in historic Boston where 800 walkers and 190 crew members of the Pink Bubble gathered to participate in the momentous event! Together, the walkers and crew raised a total of $2.3 million in the campaign against breast cancer. Walkers spent three days enjoying sunshine along the Boston route, experiencing historic sites, beautiful suburbs, and unique landmarks that make the city so special. We honored our New England 3-Day Top Fundraisers and celebrated our Crew Impact Award winners and Milestone Award winner for their incredible achievements and contributions to the breast cancer cause. Bank of America hosted a raffle to reward five randomly selected participants with a $250 donation for their 2025 fundraising efforts!
For a more in-depth recap of the 2024 New England 3-Day, click here.
Denver
From the coast to the mountains, the 3-Day made its way to the Mile High City for September 27–29, where the Pink Bubble collectively raised $2.3 million in the name of breast cancer treatment and essential services. 700 walkers and 220 crew came together to experience the scenic Denver route with a day in Boulder. In Boulder, walkers got to experience a never-before-seen route through the beautiful city with unbelievable views of the Rocky Mountains.
Next up, the Pink Bubble headed down south to the Lone Star State on November 1–3 to paint Dallas/Fort Worth pink! Together, 625 walkers and 220 crew raised a total of $2.2 million for breast cancer research, community health, patient care and advocacy. Through rain and shine on the route, our courageous walkers persisted with smiles on their faces and passion in their hearts. We also took a moment to recognize long-time 3-Day walkers Ralph and George, who hung up their walking shoes this year after many years with the 3-Day. In the days following the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day, Ralph passed away and the Pink Bubble will continue to honor and celebrate his life.
We wrapped up the 2024 3-Day season in San Diego on November 15–17, where 1,850 walkers and 340 crew members raised $6.4 million! We were joined by an outpouring of community support along the San Diego route by the San Diego Police Department, local businesses, high school cheerleaders, and more! We spent Friday evening celebrating our Top Fundraisers, Crew Impact Award winner, and Milestone Award winner before Bank of America raffled off a $250 donation to five more participants for their 2025 fundraising efforts!
36 participants were adorned with gold lanyards after participating in the 3-Day in all four cities this year! Those who could be spotted wearing their well-earned swag were Melissa M., Julie J., Jeannie A., Leslie T., Carolyn P., Karin E., Nancy S., Kathryn L., Carol B., Kathy H., Susan T., Beth N., Glen D., Peggy P., Karen R., Jim H., Nancy M., Janet S., Kat C., Kris D., Jennifer S., Suzanne S., Mary C., Barbara B., Patricia A., Rob I., Stephen Y., Brooke K., Karen S.-N., Marilyn F.-S., Davida T., Nancy S., Daniel T., Johanna B., Andrea S., Travis S. We wrapped up the season amongst the beautiful palm trees at the Closing Ceremony and reminisced about all the incredible memories made at the San Diego 3-Day.
Thank you for making the Pink Bubble a part of your year and we look forward to seeing you again in 2025!
From delicious treats and family traditions to twinkly lights and falling snow, the holidays are a great time to kick back and enjoy the small things in life. As we gather around the fireplace and cozy up to our favorite films, we must always remember that we can take small actions each day in the fight against breast cancer. We must continue to advocate, raise awareness, and garner donations to aid in treatment and advance research until we finally create the ultimate holiday present: a world without breast cancer. That being said, it’s no easy feat to blend holiday spirit with support for breast cancer awareness. To help, follow along on our Twelve Days of Hope which are full of creative ways to support the Susan G. Komen® mission this holiday season.
Day 1 —Share a Survivor’s Story: Encourage your supporters to share an inspiring story of a breast cancer survivor on social media or in their holiday newsletters to spread hope and awareness.
Day 2 — Organize a Holiday Walk: Host a two-mile holiday themed walk either in person or virtually and invite those around you to remind them why we walk while repping their favorite holiday apparel.
Day 3 —Donate in Honor of a Loved One: Suggest giving the gift of a donation in someone’s name and provide customizable e-cards for that special acknowledgment.
Day 4 — Pink Holiday Sweater Day: Have fun with a virtual “Ugly Pink Sweater” contest. Encourage participants to post pictures in their pink sweaters to help spread awareness.
Day 5 —Raise Awareness with Holiday Cards: Share your holiday greetings and include a short note about the importance of early detection or research and include a blurb about the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® to encourage donations during the season of giving.
Day 6 — Breast Cancer Awareness Gift Wrapping Service: Organize a gift-wrapping service at your local mall, home, or a holiday market and collect donations for your services.
Day 7 — Pink-Themed Cookie Exchange: Host a virtual or in-person pink cookie exchange. Make a contest for the best breast cookie to spread awareness and encourage donations in a fun, seasonal way.
Day 8 — Sponsor a Thriver’s Holiday: Share stories of breast cancer survivors, encouraging supporters to send thoughtful holiday messages or care packages to someone actively going through treatment.
Day 9 — Decorate for the Cures: Grab a gingerbread house and some pink icing to create the ultimate Komen 3-Day gingerbread house. Share photos on social media to spread awareness.
Day 10 — Share the Pink Bubble: As we all know, the Pink Bubble goes far beyond those 60 miles. From a quick smile to a grand act of kindness, spread positivity and community in any way you can.
Day 11 — Pink Tree of Hope: Encourage supporters to create their own pink “Tree of Hope” at home or online, decorating it with messages of hope, awareness facts, and ribbons in honor of loved ones.
Day 12 — New Year’s Resolutions for Awareness: Inspire readers to set a resolution to promote breast cancer awareness throughout the year. Offer ideas like hosting educational events or encouraging friends and family to get screened.
As we soak up the last bit of 2024, remember all you have accomplished and the difference that you are making in the fight against breast cancer. We can’t wait to see you next year at the 2025 3-Day®!
