“Let yourself be present, every step of the way!” boomed Dr. Sheri’s voice into the early morning around the Seattle Center. “We’re ready!” answered the crowd of 1,100 Susan G. Komen Seattle 3-Day walkers and over 300 crew members and volunteers. The emotional Opening Ceremony with breast cancer survivors and those who helped family and friends with the disease wrapped up with the sun rising over the Space Needle and a flood of pink-clad participants ready to begin a three-day, 60-mile walk that would end in raising $3 million to help find a cure for breast cancer.

Besides the Seattle Seahawks drumline and the crowd of cheerleaders, the Seattle Police Department had gone all out, decorating their bicycles with pink ribbons, pink tires, and pink flags. (They also provided safety over all three days, along with some extraordinary dance moves throughout the weekend.) The walk through the city via 5th Avenue was brisk and exciting, albeit a bit slow for some who found the window shopping somewhat distracting! The pit stops before and on Mercer Island had great views, as did the walk along the I-90 bridge. Spirits were high through the comfortable weather on Friday on the 22.9-mile route to camp at Marymoor Park.

After some local entertainment and dinner, tributes were paid to the top fundraisers and a special award, the Milestone Award, was given to Loretta Englishbee, for her dedication to the breast cancer cause and her influence on so many people, both in fundraising and in emotional and physical support of the 3-Day®. Thank you Loretta! She has raised over $303,000 over an eight year period and has helped so many more in reaching their personal goals on the 3-Day. Survivor Carol S kindly shared her experiences with breast cancer, a humbling and touching speech.

After surviving some overnight rain, the camp arose early for breakfast before continuing the journey at 7 a.m. back onto the streets of Redmond and into Pit Stop 1, with its gorgeous views of Lake Washington. The hills brought the challenges on Saturday’s 20.9-mile route, but the local crowds and businesses that came out to cheer on the participants very much helped the day.  Again, there was great weather to walk in for Seattle with partly cloudy skies and some excellent sunshine! Those at the Camp Show were treated to the stories of co-survivor Dawn R and the young survivor Mandy C. What inspirations! Presenting sponsor Bank of America entertained with its famous money cube game and sponsor New Balance bestowed some lucky walkers with shoes and swag.

For being in Seattle, the 2013 Seattle 3-Day was more than blessed with some excellent walking weather. Sunday, and the last 16.3 miles of the journey came with some rain.  After some sprinkles through the scenic GasWorks Park, showers began as the walkers moved through the Ballard Locks and down the final stretches back to the Seattle Center. But, nothing stops the 3-Day walkers! With ponchos, plastic, and foil wraps, the wearied group entered the Seattle Center hands held high in victory over the elements and physical trial. As family and friends gathered to congratulate the walkers, the weather improved for the Closing Ceremony, where stalwart crew members and participants entered Memorial Stadium and the celebration of such wonderful accomplishments. The Survivors Circle gathered to raise the flag “We Will Never Give Up” amid the cheers of the gathered crowd. Thank you Seattle! Looking forward to 2014!

What were your favorites memories from the weekend?