“What Can I Do To Help?”

George N. of Clawson, MI starts his 30th Susan G. Komen 3-Day® in Cleveland, OH

George N. of Clawson, MI starts his 30th Susan G. Komen 3-Day® in Cleveland, OH

Most walkers, crew, and volunteers have a very close relationship to breast cancer. Not George N. from Clawson, MI.  He had just retired from his construction/electrician work in 2001, and he remembered the President’s speech. George stood at Dock 32 this morning at the age of 81 and paraphrased: “Do some good in your neighborhood . . . help a shut-in . . . walk across the street to a neighbor in need and say ‘what can I do to help you?'”  George then saw an ad in the newspaper that talked about the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® and decided this was his way he could help.

After 29 successful walks, he stood front and center this morning as a gorgeous sunrise illuminated the heartland of America: Cleveland, Ohio.  The zumba instructor pumped the crowd and George was right in step.  “This is a very hard thing,” declared George, “but it is worth it!”  He remarked on the many friendships that he has enjoyed in retirement through the Komen 3-Day and specifically wanted people to “take the time to talk to people.  If you’re racing, then you’re missing the whole point.”

George N. cruises in Pit Stop 1 on the Cleveland 3-Day

George N. cruises in Pit Stop 1 on the Cleveland 3-Day

Before turning away toward the music, he flashed a smile: “Oh. One more thing.  Train hard!”

Best of luck on your 30th 3-Day, George!

Crafting the Perfect Fundraising Letter

Each summer, I eagerly anticipate the announcement of the next year’s 3-Day event series schedule. When the 2014 3-Day schedule was posted today, I was happy to see that the 2014 San Diego 3-Day will take place on the same weekend in November that I have come to love. My 2013 event is 109 days away and I am ready to start fundraising for 2014!

As a 3-Day coach, I hear from participants who tell me they don’t know what to say in their fundraising letter. My response is always, “Tell me why you became a 3-Day walker.” It‘s amazing how easily the words then flow. Inspired, tearful or celebratory, I love hearing what motivated them, and after listening to their story, I tell the walker, “Congratulations. You just wrote your fundraising letter!”

One walker who needs no help writing his fundraising letter is Burt Lipshie. Burt started his 3-Day journey in 2004 in San Diego and has not stopped walking since! Burt completed his 15th 3-Day in Boston this past weekend, and is preparing for his 16th and 17th 3-Day journeys in Chicago and Dallas. I asked him to share the secrets of his fundraising success. Continue reading

The Wild Women Originals

Wild Women Originals Await Opening Ceremonies

“Wild Women Originals” Await the Opening Ceremony

There are many “newbies” out on Day 1 of the Susan G. Komen Boston 3-Day, but no one as new as me! I was invited to photograph and write about the Komen 3-Day Series this year, and I could not be more humbled. We started out this morning with a drizzly, tent-huddling check-in, but warmed up quickly to the rousing Cupid Shuffle and stretching! Continue reading