Tag Archives: Atlanta

Introducing the 3-Day Series Walkers – Part 1

Anyone who steps up to the challenge of participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® is making an incredible commitment. The months spent on fundraising strategy and execution, training plans and schedules, prepping, packing and traveling almost make it feel like the Komen 3-Day is your second job (good thing it’s a job you love!).

That’s why it’s especially remarkable when we meet a walker who makes the extraordinary decision to walk in every 3-Day® event in one year. In the past, there have been one or two walkers each year who dedicate themselves to walking the “full series,” but in 2014, we are honored to have eight amazing people taking on the full series and walking in all seven 3-Day events.

Today, let’s meet two of the series walkers, and we’ll introduce you to the rest over the next few days!

Nicole H.

susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk blog full series walkers all seven events nicole hercules

Nicole and her primitive pink friend

  • What’s your name and where are you from? – My name is Nicole Hercules and I am from St. Peters, Missouri
  • What is your 3-Day history (how many events have you walked/crewed?) – I began walking the 3-Day in 2010. Last year I completed my 6th event as a walker with the 3-Day.
  • How/why did you first get involved with the 3-Day? – I became involved with the 3-Day because I lost my mom to breast cancer in 2004. In 2009, I also discovered that I am considered high risk. Those were my main reasons in 2010, now in 2014 there are too many to even count.
  • Are you part of any teams in 2014? – I am on a team for every 3-Day except for Twin Cities.
  • What made you decide to do all 7 events this year? – My dad was diagnosed with lung cancer a few days before I left for the Cleveland event last year. He passed away on November 5, 2013. I have now lost two parents to cancer. I will turn 40 in August, and it will be my 10th birthday without my mom. I figured if there was a year to do it, this would be the one.
  • What are your go-to fundraising strategies? – Ask anyone and everyone. All they can say is no. Also don’t be afraid to try new things. You never know what might take off.
  • What are you looking forward to the most with your walks this year? – Making a difference and meeting new people. I want to show others that anything can be done if you want it bad enough. There isn’t much in the world that I want more than a cure for cancer.
  • Is there anything that you’re nervous about? – Not really. Maybe back-to-back 3-Day events; I haven’t ever done those before. Oh and that crazy long bridge in Seattle.
  • What 3 words would you use to describe the 3-Day? – Hope, Cure, and Love

 

Melissa P.

susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk blog full series walkers all seven events melissa province

Yeah. Melissa looks ready. 🙂

  • What’s your name and where are you from? – Melissa Province – Minneola, Kansas
  • What is your 3-Day history (how many events have you walked/crewed?) – 2011 – walked Dallas (with broken foot!); 2012 – walked Dallas; 2013 – walked San Diego [Correction: Melissa walked Seattle in 2013!]
  • How/why did you first get involved with the 3-Day? – Shortly after my step mother Marcy faced her 2nd diagnosis of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, I decided I wanted to be more actively involved with advocating, awareness and early detection. My grandmother, a breast cancer survivor and one of my biggest motivators, had a huge influence on my decision to get involved with the 3-Day. After all, I had 2 amazing examples of fighters, 2 inspiring stories of hope, and 2 perfect examples of the importance of early detection right before my eyes.
  • Are you part of any teams in 2014? – I am so excited about my teams this year! In Michigan, I have the honor to walk with Cleveland Cleavage. Twin Cities, I am available if anyone needs another walker to join their team! Philly, I have the privilege to be part of an amazing team known as Breast Friends of Pennsylvania. Seattle is exciting because I will get to walk with my awesome friends as part of Team Tracy! Atlanta, I am joining the Atlanta Alliance. Dallas, I am walking with the Wonder Boobs! San Diego, I get to be reunited with the every so classy and super sassy team that I love with all of my heart, Saving Private Tatas.
  • What made you decide to do all 7 events this year? – I am a dreamer, so since 2012 I knew that someday I would walk all of the 3-Day events in one year. I like to set insane goals and then go out there and grab them. I wasn’t really sure that this was the year – until my Sole Sister, Nicole [Hercules, a fellow 2014 series walker] called me with the news of her father passing from lung cancer. My immediate response was “I have to walk all 7.” She agreed that she had to as well. We quickly went on a registering spree, and here we are!
  • What are your go-to fundraising strategies? – The best way to raise money is to simply ask. When people know that you are only “so much” short of a goal, they want to help you. If I am $100 short of hitting the 70% mark, I post that to Facebook. Personally, I think that people enjoy knowing that they were responsible for getting you to the next mile marker. When all else fails, you tell people that your gigantic husband will paint his toenails pink when your account reaches $100, dye his beard pink at $500, dance in a tutu at $1000 and cook pizza in your restaurant all weekend long in a tutu once your reach $2300. It will freak your kids out, but your account fills up pretty quickly!
  • What are you looking forward to the most with your walks this year? – I love people, so I am most looking forward to making new friends. I am also looking forward to camping in a hot pink tent, and the Macaroni and Cheese.
  • Is there anything that you’re nervous about? – Nervous, I am! I am absolutely freaking out about hitting my fundraising minimum for all 7 cities. It is such a huge dedication, and I don’t want to fail anyone because I fell short of the fundraising requirements.
  • What 3 words would you use to describe the 3-Day? – Motivational, Inspirational, Sensational!

 

Come back to the 3-Day blog tomorrow to meet two more of our full series walkers!

June 2014 Meet-up Round-up!

It’s hard to believe that 2014 is halfway over! Here in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® world, this means that we’re even closer to the start of the event season, and Komen 3-Day walkers and crew members are busy preparing with training walks, meet-ups and clinics. The 3-Day® will be here before we know it! Take a look at some of our local events from June.

Michigan

Members of two of Michigan’s largest teams, The BC Babes and the Hines Pink Pathers, joined forces to get to know each other a little better on a beautiful June training walk. susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk june training michigan

Twin Cities

Twin Cities walkers came out on June 28th to attend a Packing Workshop held at TC Running Co. in Eden Prairie. They learned some tips to make their 3-Day camping experience easy, comfortable and fun! New friendships were made, tenting partners were found and all enjoyed some delightful discounts off clothing and gear. They are ready to go!Komen_3Day_june_twin cities_get packed clinic

Seattle

The Komen Puget Sound Race for the Cure took place on Sunday, June 1 at Seattle Center. There were over 7,000 participants this year, and 3-Day coaches Aubrey and Jon saw lots of 3-Day faces there. The weather held out and we had a beautiful event with lots of sunshine and plenty of friends. susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk june seattle puget sound race for the cure

Atlanta

Stone Mountain Park – the site of the Atlanta 3-Day Opening Ceremony – was the setting for a beautiful morning training walk. Coach Tara enjoyed some company with a great group of motivated ladies who walk there almost every weekend. susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk june stone mountain training walk

We discovered a new Walk & Talk path and some wonderful new walkers to join us. It was a very humid night, but we all made it and even enjoyed getting some training in on the hills. susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk june atlanta training lawrenceville

Dallas/Fort Worth

Coach Gayla rocks her signature selfie at this Walk & Talk in Richardson. susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk june dallas fort worth training

Eight walkers showed up for a Get Prepped Clinic in Rockwell, hosted by our friends at New Balance.susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk june get prepped clinic dallas fort worth rockwall

Nothing could dampen the spirits of Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day team Pink Soles in Motion, who trained right through the North Texas flooding rains on June 22nd. On their walk, they met a young woman who was holding a rummage sale to raise money for her friend who was recently diagnosed. It was a poignant reminder of why they walk.susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk june dallas fort worth pink soles in motion rain trainingsusan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk june dallas fort worth pink soles in motion rain training rummage sale

We had a great casual meet-up with new and veteran walkers at The Londoner in Frisco.susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk june dallas fort worth meet up londoner frisco

San Diego

Thirty-five wonderful walkers attended a Walk & Talk with Cliff’s Crew and friends in Fullerton. susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk june san diego fullerton cliffs crew

San Diego 3-Day coach Kim hopped in on a training walk in Daley Ranch. As Kim put it, “Sometimes we just want some dirt under our feet!”susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk june san diego daley ranch training

We had a great Walk & Talk in Encinitas – gorgeous day, 6 amazing miles and 15 fabulous people. susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk june san diego encinitas training walk

Bonus Meet-ups!

Chicagoland – As a special thank you for their dedication to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, coaches Jennifer and Eileen hosted a Chicagoland 3-Day gathering on Thursday, June 5th in Park Ridge, IL. It was a night of fun, friendship and laughs. We had a wonderful time celebrating with our Chicagoland 3-Day community.susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk june chicagoland reunion

Tampa – Atlanta coach Tara ventured further south to the Sunshine State for a Walk & Talk with some Tampa Bay walkers, including members of Team 211. It was a morning walk along the Bayshore with 20 amazing women, and the morning included a beautiful sunrise, muffins, stingray sightings and a surprise birthday party for Team 211’s captain Sylvia—cake included, of course! Tara shared, “This team really is family, and I was so honored to be welcomed in and even invited back. They are working hard to keep the Tampa walkers engaged and excited to make their travels to other 3-Day cities.”susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk june tampa team 211susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk june tampa

 

Looking to find a meet-up in your area? Check out the 3-Day calendar of events here.

May 2014 3-Day Meet-up Round-up and Tweet Chat Recap

The beautiful month of May brought us face-to-face with so many of our amazing Susan G. Komen 3-Day® participants and supporters. The warmer weather provided wonderful conditions for our many Komen 3-Day Training Kick-off Events, as well as other meetings and get-togethers. Come see where we’ve been!

Michigan

In Michigan, new walkers gathered at a California Pizza Kitchen to share a meal and get advice from some seasoned 3-Day veterans. Michigan 3-Dayers also had some fun with wine at Michigan By The Bottle, and got their families involved at the Maybury State Park Family Meet-Up. Some of these events will be happening again in June, so check the calendar and don’t miss out!

Twin Cities

The Twin Cities Training Walk Kick-off event was on May 3rd. The 20+ participants in attendance started the morning off with a 3-mile walk around beautiful Lake Harriet, followed by a training workshop led by New Balance Outfitter, GEAR Running Store. The walkers were even supported by an awesome group of crew members/volunteers who set up a pit stop back at the store. Lots of 3-Day excitement!susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk twin cities trainingsusan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk twin cities training pit stopsusan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk twin cities training

Seattle

Training walk leader Sandra led this group of Seattle participants on a fun and informative 3-mile Walk & Talk to Pioneer Park and back to Wanna Cupcake for a delicious ending. Check the June calendar at The3Day.org/Calendar for more Seattle training events and meetings. susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk seattle training walk and talk

Atlanta

On May 3rd we had the Training Kick-off event for the Atlanta 3-Day. Nearly 40 gathered at the New Balance store, excited about the perfect walking weather that morning. They had the choice of an 8-mile or 4-mile route (most opted for the full 8), and once the walkers were out, a few wonderful crew members and coaches set up a pit stop, complete with water, oranges, bananas, bagels, and of course some Snickers. Back at the store after the walk, the coaches hosted a packing workshop while the New Balance folks helped with lots of shoe fittings. By the end, walkers were already asking about having another Training Kick-Off event at the 16 week-out mark. susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk atlanta trainingsusan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk training atlanta pit stopsusan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk training atlanta

 

Dallas/Fort Worth

3-Day coaches, walkers and crew members gathered for a Meet & Greet at The Vintage House, a charming 100+ year old home/shop in Historic Downtown Carrollton which is famously known as “The Pink House” – how perfect! susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk training dallas fort worth vintage house pinksusan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk training dallas fort worth vintage house pink

 San Diego

Like so many other 3-Day cities, San Diego kicked off its 24-week training schedule with a bang! Nearly 50 walkers and volunteers met at the Encinitas New Balance store. A representative from the local Susan G. Komen® affiliate gave an inspirational talk before the walkers were off on a 3- or 7-mile training walk (most jumped right in for the full 7!). They were even supported by two Route Safety crew members on bikes, and treated to a seaside pit stop along their route. susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk training san diegosusan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk training pit stopsusan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk training san diego

The 3-Day at the Race for the Cure®

Local Race for the Cure® events were held in a few of our 3-Day cities this past month, and the 3-Day coaches were on-hand to support the racers and say hello to our 3-Day family in attendance.

Saturday, May 10 – Twin Cities Race for the Cure  susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk twin cities race for the curesusan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk twin cities race for the cure

Sunday, May 11 – Philadelphia Race for the Cure  susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk philadelphia race for the cure

Sunday, June 1 – Puget Sound Race for the Curesusan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk seattle puget sound race for the curesusan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk seattle puget sound race for the cure

 

What? You missed out on these events in May? Well don’t you worry, because June is bursting with more meet-up opportunities in every 3-Day location. Find out where to find us at The3Day.org/calendar.

 

Wait, there’s more! We even met up in cyberspace!

On May 29, the 3-Day hosted its very first Tweet Chat. We joined with dozens of 3-Day walkers and crew members on Twitter and spent over an hour swapping fundraising tips and advice. It was fast paced, fun and inspiring to see so many 3-Day participants sharing their ideas with each other in this virtual meeting room. We’ve posted some highlights below, but you can see the whole conversation by visiting the 3-Day Twitter page (www.twitter.com/the3day), or searching for the hashtag #the3day, then scrolling to the May 29 posts. And of course, keep your eye on the 3-Day social networking sites for announcements about our next Tweet Chat, coming soon….