View from the 3-Day Crew: Looking Back with the Michigan 3-Day Crew

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The 3-Day Crew is an integral, amazing and appreciated part of the 3-Day family. We simply could not do it without them! They work tirelessly for long hours to make sure that every step of our walkers’ 60-mile journey is a wonderful one. And they do it all with a smile on their face!

That’s why we are honored to be featuring a few members of our Michigan 3-Day Crew. These ladies are all-stars and have made such a difference in our community. As 2018 fades into the past, it’s people like these that are already getting us excited for the 2019 Michigan 3-Day!

Let’s hear it for all the Michigan 3-Day Crew!

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Monika Schmidt on Camp Support knows that her job is hard work because this group of Crew members are up very early and go to bed very late to make sure every walker can camp in comfort. But she says that being on Crew is like having a really big family, so she never minds the hours!

“I love my pink family! It can be exhausting work, but its oh so rewarding. I love to see everyone coming back to Crew year after year. We are crying together and laughing so hard. I would not miss it in the world.”

She was also a part of our Opening Ceremony in 2018 and was humbled by the honor! But she says her favorite memory every year is to see all those lovely walkers coming back to camp each day ?

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Becky Jo Beverly, a long-time Crew member, echoes that 3-Day love.

“There are so many things to love about the 3-Day – the pink bubble is legit! If the rest of the world was as strong, kind, accepting, loving and GOOD as the 3-Day world, it would be a better place.”

She has so many wonderful memories from her time on the Michigan Crew, everything from tons of grahamwiches, tutus on peoples’ heads, pink fountains, problems with air mattresses, accidental strobe lights and “so. many. dance. moves.”

Even with those laughs and fun times on her mind, Becky Jo and the Michigan Crew all take their “duty to serve and care for our walkers (yeah, I said OUR walkers … we love them that much) very seriously. For those three days, they are our whole world. We. Love. OUR. Walkers.”

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And they’re thankful for them, too!

“Thankful. That is the best word I can come up with when I think of this event. I am thankful for the people that work behind the scenes to use the funds raised to make a difference in this war we are waging. For the experiences I have had along the way (blisters, dehydration, sunburns and all) that have made me stronger. For the people I’ve met that have made me a better person. I am thankful for the pink bubble that proves again and again that this world is full of beautiful potential. I am Blessed beyond measure to be part of the pink family … and I am forever thankful.”

We are also forever thankful for Becky Jo, Monika, our 3-Day Michigan Crew….and our 3-Day Crew across the country. You motivate our steps and make our journey even more special

Michigan Crew sound off! What are some of your best 3-Day memories? What memories do you hope to make in 2019?

Remember, if you register at The3Day.org by TOMORROW 12/6, you’ll automatically get 50% off your registration fee—no special codes required! Come join us and make new amazing memories in 2019!

Tips for 3-Day First Timers from 3-Day Past Participants

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Whether it’s your first 3-Day or your thirtieth, there’s a bunch of small ways that you can greatly enhance experience on the 3-Day. We polled our Facebook community to find out their top tips before our Philadelphia 3-Day this weekend, and we think new 3-Dayers will find these especially helpful. Let’s hear what they have to say!

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“Change socks at lunch every day! Enjoy the walk and meet new people while listening to their inspiring stories.” – Laura Miehls

“Walk at the same pace you train. If you are on the route all day – awesome! And if you are back to camp by 1:00, awesome! You do you!” – Melissa Polma Loder (*Note below*)

“Take the leap and meet three people every day. The stories will be humbling and some friendships life-long.” – Chris Lynn Reed

“Moleskin is your friend! And don’t be afraid to visit the Medical Tent. There are amazing people working there!” – Micki Mathiesen

Day 1 of the Susan G. Komen 3day walk in Novi, Michigan on August 4, 2017.

“It’s not a race, it’s a walk… enjoy the time with your fellow walkers, everyone has a story. Remember, even if you are a solo walker, you are never alone in the pink bubble.” -Tiffany Thomas

“Have a blast! Journal. It will be fun to look back. Be ready for amazing memories to be made and your heart to grow!” -Tara Anne Hart

“Listen to your body and do what’s best for you. There is no right or wrong (well, within reason and as long as you are observing the three Rs); so don’t hesitate to make the event everything you’d like it to be.”  -Anne Moss

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“Your Route Safety crew loves to dance while we wait with you for traffic lights to change! Oh and we love hugs and high-fives too!

“But, listen to them as well. We know where the bad intersections are and are there to keep you safe. We step out into the streets before you do. Help us keep safe as well.

“And above all have a good time. Laugh, cry, hug, dance, reflect, remember.” – Kristian Kauker

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“Talk to strangers and take candy from strangers. Do what your mother told you NOT to do!” -Joanne Gregory

“Don’t be in rush. Go slow and enjoy all the love and support.” – Pam Ater

NOW – if you’re a 3-Day veteran what would you add? 3-Day first timers; any questions for us? We can’t wait to see you in Dallas/Fort Worth or San Diego this year, or next year!

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Note: All pit stops have designated opening and closing hours, timed to keep you moving along the route at a safe pace and to ensure that you complete your walking while it is still light out. If you reach a pit stop before it opens, you will be asked to stop and wait. If you reach a pit stop after it closes, you will be transported to the lunch stop (or camp, if you have already passed the lunch stop). A “caboose” will be following the last walker on the route. If you are falling behind schedule, you will be given the option to take a sweep van to the next pit stop if you cannot increase your pace. Read more about cabooses, sweeps and route hours on our blog.