2024 Susan G. Komen Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Event Recap!

The Pink Bubble traded their cowboy boots for walking shoes as we headed to the Lone Star State for the Susan G. Komen Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day. From November 1-3,625 walkers and 220 crew members raised a total of $2.2 million for breast cancer research, community health, patient care and advocacy.

Day 1

Walkers began at the Opening Ceremony where we welcomed our new Susan G. Komen 3-Day® host, Beverly Kruse, a breast cancer survivor. Karen D. shared her incredible story as a 44-year-old breast cancer survivor following her diagnosis in April 2024. She is walking in honor of herself, her aunt who passed away from the disease, her friend who is a six-year thriver, and in hope that her stepdaughters and niece never have to hear those four daunting words “you have breast cancer.” “It’s the least I can do for all women and girls,” she shared. Following, Kelley H. shared that in 2004 her best friend Kim was diagnosed with breast cancer, saying, “I remember her son asked one time ‘Why do you have to have cancer?’ and she said ‘Why not? Why not me?’” So, when Kim asked Kelley to walk in 2007, she quickly said yes, walking every year since. In 2014, Kim was diagnosed again, this time with metastatic breast cancer and with her grit and determination she underwent rigorous treatments and participated in countless clinical trials. Ten years later, at the 2024 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day, Kim walked as a thriver hand-in-hand with her best friend Kelley, who sported a stunning bedazzled cane. Both Karen and Kim joined the sea of survivors and thrivers to lead the way out on the route across the Mohawk Flooring Pink Carpet.

Throughout the day, walkers got to experience an abundance of what the city has to offer as they passed by the JFK Memorial, the Giant Eyeball sculpture, and T. Boone Pickins Cancer Center, a prominent cancer treatment and research center where groundbreaking medical advancements are achieved. Pit stops were decked out with themes from Ducks to Toy Story, where walkers were greeted with all of Andy’s favorite toys, a photo booth, and music reminding us that we’ve all got a friend in the Pink Bubble! As they continued their journey, walkers got to pass by the stunning White Rock Lake and Cattle Drive Sculptures, before returning to camp to rest their feet and enjoy all that Bank of America brings to the Komen 3-Day!

The beloved Bank of America massage chairs were a hit as we geared up for the Celebration of Champions where our National Presenting Sponsor awarded our Top Fundraisers, Milestone Award Winner, and Crew Impact Award Winners with donations of up to $500 for their 2025 3-Day® fundraising. They also hosted a raffle where five Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day participants won $250 toward their 2025 fundraising efforts; talk about generous! To wrap up the evening our 3-Day hosts Beverly and Lori taught a dance before walkers and crew rested up for the next day!

Day 2

After enjoying a delicious breakfast and welcoming our 2-Day Walkers, the Pink Bubble went mobile as we hopped aboard buses to Fort Worth. Our Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Ultimate Event Experience winner, Jessica M., led the way, accompanied by her 17-year-old daughter Gianna, who reminds us of the next generation we walk for. During the qualifying period, Jessica raised over $7,000 with a good old fashioned bake sale!

Once in Fort Worth, walkers were able to enjoy the Meg and May Mural, Fort Worth Water Gardens, and Sundance Square Plaza before being greeted by a large cheering station outside of Paddock Park. Here, walkers were welcomed by 4-year-old Aspen who was working hard to draw in chalk and hand out lollipops to walkers who passed by. With a sweet treat in hand, they could play a bit of hopscotch and receive a rating from one of our supporters; everyone seemed to get a perfect 10/10! Another supportive family had flown in from all over the country to cheer on walkers, including their loved ones. Walkers continued toward the Museum District where, outside of the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, the beloved father/son duo of Moose and Dan cheered on every single walker. With big smiles on their faces, walkers made their way toward the Raining Tacos Mural and TCU Campus before hopping aboard a 3-Day bus back to camp.

Once returned to camp, walkers were greeted by Youth Corps, crew, and supporters who cheered them straight to the buffet where they could get a hearty helping of mac ’n’ cheese. We welcomed back our last walker before Youth Corps kicked off the Honor Ceremony by sharing their reason for participating. After speeches from two participants, the entire room lit candles and wrote on luminaria bags to honor those who they walk for, placing each reason for walking in front of the stage. With a sea of light shimmering in the dark, we remembered that this is why we walk; because we must.

Day 3

After departing the hotel, walkers passed through Dealey Plaza, known as the “birthplace of Dallas,” the unassuming brick-paved square that has borne witness to many pivotal moments in Dallas and American history. From here, walkers were able to get a glimpse of the House of Blues, Oak Lawn Rainbow Gateway Sign and Legacy of Love Monument, and Pay It No Mind mural. We met with an XPO employee, Turstacy, who was a 1-Day Walker walking in honor of her mother, a breast cancer survivor, and for everyone else. Though she arrived alone for her very first 3-Day, she quickly made friends in true Pink Bubble fashion!

As walkers continued along the route, the skies opened up and participants were instructed to shelter in place for their safety for a bit until the storm passed. As the sun began poking back out, walkers passed through the AT&T Discovery District as they made their final strides into the Finish Line Festival at Reunion Lawn, boasting a stunning view of the Dallas skyline. As we welcomed in all of our walkers, everyone was able to enjoy the festivities including a photo at the Nature’s Bounty wings, free samples, and a chance to meet Marnie, the artist who designed the booth and bags gifted to the participants.

As our last walkers came in, the Pink Bubble gathered to cheer them on until the Last Walker Flag was raised. The Closing Ceremony began and we welcomed our incredible crew before raising our shoes to celebrate and honor the survivors and thrivers who joined us over the last few days. United in spirit, it was revealed that the 2024 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day raised an outstanding $2.2 million in the fight against breast cancer, prompting a well-deserved dance party to close out the tremendous event.

Thank you to everyone who made the 2024 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day what it was, and we can’t wait to see you back next year!

Explore the Dallas/Fort Worth Route Before the 3-Day

The 2024 3-Day will take you on an unforgettable journey through Dallas/Fort Worth’s most iconic landmarks and lesser-known gems. Jump into those cowboy boots and prepare to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and captivating sights of the Lone Star State!

Day 1

After an inspiring Opening Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Dallas you’ll head out on the route, which takes you past the Giant Eyeball, an unexpected and quirky art installation that is sure to leave you amazed. This incredible work of art will stare back at you as you make your way through the city! Measuring about 30-feet in height, the massive structure of fiberglass and stainless steel embodies the city’s eclectic art scene.

Venture toward the T. Boone Pickens Cancer Center and take a glimpse into the groundbreaking medical advancements achieved at this prominent cancer treatment and research facility. You’ll also be greeted by the Baylor University Medical Center where breast cancer detection, treatment and clinical trials occur each day. Next, we’ll bring the Pink Bubble over a few miles to the Swiss Avenue Historic District, a residential neighborhood in East Dallas. Its eclectic mix of homes, spanning a 2.5-mile stretch, represents virtually every popular residential design style of the day, including Mediterranean, Spanish, Spanish Revival, Georgian, Mission, Prairie, Craftsman, Neoclassical, Italian Renaissance, Tudor and Colonial Revival. Originally ideated by Robert S. Munger in the late 19^th century, this area has evolved from one man’s unique experiment in planned urban development to a living testament to America’s architectural diversity. Snap a photo in front of The Langford and Aldredge Houses, which are both significant homes known for their architectural beauty and rich historical value. Built in 1930 and 1917, these are beloved and well-preserved pieces of architecture boasting Colonial Revival and Georgian Revival styles.

With cheering stations to keep you motivated, spend a few miles walking along White Rock Lake, a popular urban park and reservoir located northeast of downtown Dallas. Witness The Pump Station, originally built in the 20^th century, that has since been decommissioned as a functioning water facility and now stands proudly as a preserved structure that is part of the scenic attractions around the lake. Snap a photo in front of the man-made White Rock Lake waterfall and enjoy the peaceful sound of flowing water before passing through the Willis C. Winters Park Trailhead, a well-known access point of the lake area.

After connecting with nature surrounding the lake and nearby areas such as the Historic Deep Ellum District, you’ll return to Downtown Dallas where 49 bronze longhorn steers and three cowboys sit on horseback in a 4.2-acre green space known as the beautiful Cattle Drive Sculptures. Created by artist Robert Summers, these sculptures celebrate the cattle drives that were crucial to the city’s economic history in the 19^th century. Before returning to camp, you’ll pass by one more symbolic sculpture called The Pegasus, which has been part of the city’s skyline for nearly 100 years. Return to camp at the Hyatt Regency Dallas for an exciting Celebration of Champions and rest those feet for Day 2!

Day 2

On the second day, a bus ride will take you into Fort Worth to dive into the city’s western heritage and cowboy culture. Established as an army outpost in the mid-19th century, this metropolis boasts a wealth of history and architecture at every corner. Shortly after starting out on the route, you’ll pass by the UT Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at Moncrief Cancer Institute where Isaac Chan, M.D., Ph.D. accompanied by graduate student Isabella Terrazas, was awarded the 2024-2025 Susan G. Komen ASPIRE Grant to promote inclusion in research. They are investigating the role of a type of immune cells called natural killer cells during immunotherapy treatment. Furthering our understanding of natural killer cells may pave the way for developing new breast cancer immunotherapies that target natural killer cells.

Continue by walking through the Fort Worth Water Gardens, a stunning urban oasis with serene pools and cascading waterfalls. Feeling refreshed? Head to Sundance Square, a vibrant entertainment district buzzing with restaurants, shops, and cultural events for visitors and locals alike. For a taste of the Wild West, venture toward the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame where the spirit of the cowgirl mirrors that of the Pink Bubble. This renowned museum is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the achievements of women who have demonstrated exceptional courage, resilience, and trailblazing spirit. Continue your journey through Fort Worth feeling enriched and empowered by the courage of these pioneer women. Mosey on over to the Cultural District, where you’ll encounter a dazzling display of urban artistry like the playful Raining Tacos Mural which will undoubtedly add a splash of color to your day.

Pass through Veteran’s Memorial Park, established in 1923 to honor U.S. military veterans, before strolling past Texas Christian University. This campus not only has a nationally recognized football team but a strong school spirit and a supportive community that is perfect for the 3-Day! Finally, wrap up Day 2 in the Fairmount-Southside Historic District where you’ll see the M.A. Benton House, one of the oldest homes in Fort Worth. Built in 1898, this Victorian-style cottage embodies southern values as it remains well-preserved and proudly owned by descendants of the Benton family. From here, a bus will take you back to our 3-Day camp at the Hyatt Regency Dallas for a touching Honor Ceremony before resting up for the last leg of the 3-Day.

Day 3

Begin your final day by leaving our hotel campsite for Dealey Plaza, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993 as part of the Dealey Plaza Historic District. Known as the “birthplace of Dallas,” this unassuming brick-paved square has borne witness to many pivotal moments in Dallas and American history. As you walk by, you may notice an “X” painted on Elm Street denoting where John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, a permanent memorial to the 35^th President. As you honor the lost president, continue toward the House of Blues, a well-known live music venue and restaurant located in the heart of downtown. Part of the larger House of Blues chain, which is recognized for hosting a variety of music genres, with a focus on blues, rock, and soul, this location also incorporates elements of Southern culture and cuisine. With music running through your veins, continue toward Turtle Creek Park, home of the Kalita Humphreys Theater, a historically preserved theater that has been hosting performances since its opening in 1959.

Don’t miss the vibrant Oak Lawn Rainbow Road, home to the Pay It No Mind mural, a powerful tribute to the LGBTQ+ community. In true Pink Bubble spirit, the message of inclusivity and acceptance radiates from this colorful art installation. Walk with pride as you continue toward Southern Methodist University where you’ll walk past Gerald J. Ford Stadium and Turpin Stadium, home of the Mustangs. With a hearty helping of Texas sports culture, you’ll soon approach Cole Park which offers a serene green space perfect for relaxation and fresh air. Make your way toward the Dallas Museum of Art before you wrap up your day in the heart of downtown Dallas at the AT&T Discovery District. Covering several blocks near the AT&T headquarters, the company created this immersive entertainment and retail destination to showcase their latest technology, products, and services. Take out that smartphone and capture a few photos before making your way to the Finish Line Festival.

One of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, Reunion Tower, will be the backdrop for our Closing Ceremony. “The Ball,” as it is affectionately known by locals, has been a staple of the Dallas skyline since 1978. With 259 exterior LED lights, there is truly no better location for you to shine after completing the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day.

Are you walking the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day? Let us know what you’re looking forward to the most.

Congratulations to our 2024 Denver 3-Day Top Fundraisers!

The 2024 Susan G. Komen Denver 3-Day had 700 walkers and 220 crew members who raised $2.3 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 donating $33,000 to the top fundraisers to jump start their 2025 fundraising efforts. Join us in congratulating these teams and individuals for their incredible achievements and contributions!

We kicked off the celebration by recognizing our crew, who raised a combined total of $99,000 at the 2024 Denver 3-Day! Our Top Individual Crew Fundraiser, Alison G., raised over $3,700 this year at her 31^st event, with her lifetime total surpassing $75,000. She was rewarded with a $500 donation toward her 2025 Susan G. Komen 3-Day® fundraising thanks to our National Presenting Sponsor, Bank of America! Next up, the incredible Hotel crew was recognized for the more than $10,000 raised by all 36 members captained by Clay R., making them the Top Crew Fundraising Team.

The Denver 3-Day Youth Corps showed us that it’s never too early to make a difference, surpassing an outstanding $13,000 in the fight against breast cancer. Our Top Three Youth Corps Fundraisers demonstrated their commitment to spreading awareness and raising funds to end this disease once and for all. Finnegan B. raised over $1,500 by the fundraising deadline (and at the time of publishing this blog , he’s surpassed $2,000!) at his first event and will receive a Komen 3-Day branded Hydro Flask as a token of our appreciation and to spread awareness wherever he brings it. First timers Baily S. and Liora N. were also celebrated for raising over a commendable $1,400 and $760, respectively. We are constantly blown away by Youth Corps’ commitment to the breast cancer cause.

With our crew accounted for, we continued by celebrating our Rookie of the Year, Dawn S., a breast cancer survivor who entered the Pink Bubble with gusto, raising more than $5,300 for her first 3-Day®! Bank of America then gave her a head start on her 2025 fundraising with a $500 donation. The crowd applauded Dawn for her contributions and tenacity to raise such a tremendous amount of money at her first event. We hope to see her back in the Pink Bubble next year!

We then recognized our Top Individual Fundraiser, Laura P., for raising more than $57,000 who, in her four years walking the 3-Day, has single-handedly raised over $176,000 toward breast cancer research and treatment. This year, Laura formed a team, Miles for a Cure, co-captained by Mary Ann I., which was awarded our Small but Mighty Team Award and Top Fundraising Team Award as their trio raised more than $94,500 in their first year as a team.

Whatever your fundraising goals for the 2024 Denver 3-Day, the effort you put in and the funds you raise are essential to ending this disease. On behalf of Bank of America and Susan G. Komen®, thank you for all that you do to help fight breast cancer!