Tag Archives: breast cancer treatment

The Power Behind Every 3-Day Donation

An embrace at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day

When you donate to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®, you might wonder where your dollars go. With every donation, they embark on a powerful journey, one that brings hope where there is uncertainty, comfort where there is fear and progress where there is urgent need.  

Every dollar raised through the 3-Day could become the research breakthrough that leads to lifesaving treatment. From a call to the Patient Care Center at just the right moment to financial help that aids a patient in getting to chemotherapy to advocating for state and federal policy change to ensure all people have affordable access to the care they need – every dollar carries the weight of possibility. 

Read more at Komen.org. 

Where Your Dollars Go 

  • $25 helps scientists find new ways to prevent, detect and treat breast cancer. 
  • $100 provides emotional support, breast health information and educational resources for one person through our Patient Care Center navigators. 
  • $150 pays for one week of groceries for a person undergoing treatment. 
  • $400 supports an early-career scientist for a day as they develop breakthroughs for aggressive and deadly cancers. 

Your generosity can drive research, provide assistance and make a tangible difference in the lives of those impacted by breast cancer.  Every contribution, no matter the amount, moves us closer to a world without breast cancer. 

Hydration and Physical Activity Tips for the 3-Day Community

National Hydration Day, observed every June 23, is a timely reminder of just how essential water is for overall health and well-being. For those who are navigating a breast cancer diagnosis, or life after treatment, staying well-hydrated coupled with physical activity is vital in the healing and recovery process.

At the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®, hydration is a top priority for the Pink Bubble community. Walkers are encouraged to drink about 4-5 ounces of fluid per mile, alternating between water and a sports drink to help maintain sodium and electrolyte balance.

Kirstin B., a registered nurse and medical crew volunteer, sees firsthand how dehydration affects participants.

“We often treat walkers for headaches, dizziness and digestion problems. All signs of dehydration,” Kirstin said. “We usually start rehydrating patients at the 3-Day with water or Gatorade, but sometimes IV hydration is needed. It’s critical for participants to be drinking a lot of water while walking during the event and while training.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, staying well-hydrated helps reduce the risk of developing kidney stones, urinary tract infections and constipation, and supports improved digestion, better sleep and energy levels.

So, how much water should you be drinking?

Hydration supports every system in the body, from digestion to blood circulation and brain function.

  • Daily water needs vary based on factors like age, sex, pregnancy status, activity level and breastfeeding status. The CDC recommends speaking with your doctor to determine the right amount for you.
  • You can also boost your hydration with water-rich foods including lettuce, cucumbers, watermelon and celery.

Just as hydration is important, physical activity is a powerful tool for your health. It helps maintain a healthy weight and lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. In the breast cancer space, research shows that women who exercise regularly have a 10%-20% lower risk of breast cancer than women who are inactive. This benefit applies to both premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Research also shows breast cancer survivors who are more had better survival. For example, one study found that physical activity equal to a 30-minute brisk walk several times a week improved survival.

Whether you’re training for the 3-Day or looking to improve your overall wellness, staying hydrated and moving your body are two of the most powerful habits you can do for your health. Start today by setting a daily hydration goal and taking a short walk.

Tips to Stay Hydrated:

  • Drink 64 oz. (8 cups) of water the day before a walk
  • Drink 16 oz. (2 cups) of water before walking
  • Carry a refillable water bottle
  • Add lemon or cucumber slices to flavor your water
  • Choose water over sugary drinks
  • Drink a glass of water before each meal or snack
  • Rehydrate after a walk or exercise with both water and electrolytes
  • Remember you may need to drink more fluids in hot or humid weather

 Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their health care provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment. 

 

How to Use Social Media to Fundraise for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day

Fundraising for breast cancer through social media is an incredibly powerful method. With millions of people connecting daily on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, you can tap into these networks to raise awareness, inspire support, and meet (and hopefully exceed!) your fundraising goals. Here’s how to get started and make the most of social media’s potential.  

The Importance of Building Community Through Social Media

Beyond the technical aspects of setting up a fundraiser, social media is an invaluable tool for building a supportive and engaged community around your cause. Here’s how it helps: 

Create a Sense of Belonging 

Social media platforms allow you to connect with people who care about breast cancer awareness, whether they’re survivors, current patients, or supporters. By sharing your story, updates, and educational content, you create a sense of shared purpose that motivates people to act. When followers see others contributing, they feel a part of something bigger, which encourages more involvement. 

Offer Real-Time Updates 

Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow for instant updates, so you can share real-time progress on your fundraising efforts. People feel more connected when they can see immediate impacts, whether it’s reaching a new milestone or hearing from someone directly impacted by the cause. 

Amplify Your Reach 

Social media allows your message to spread far beyond your immediate network. When someone donates or shares your post, their friends and followers see it too, creating a ripple effect. This amplification is invaluable, especially when working toward a fundraising goal. 

Foster Meaningful Engagement 

Through comments, messages, and shares, you can interact with your audience, answer questions, and deepen the relationship between your cause and your supporters. This dialogue not only helps raise funds but also builds long-term relationships that continue beyond the current campaign. 

The Technical Side: How to Set Up Fundraisers on Social Media

Social media platforms make it easier than ever to set up and manage fundraisers. Here’s a guide to using Facebook for your breast cancer fundraising efforts: 

Facebook Fundraisers 

Facebook has built-in fundraising tools that allow you to directly raise money for your chosen cause. Here’s how to set one up: 

Step 1: Log in at The3Day.org to go to your Participant Center. 

Step 2: Look for the big blue box that says “Raise Money Directly on Facebook” and click the link to edit your fundraiser content. As default, your Facebook fundraiser will have the same content as your personal 3-Day fundraising page, but you can customize it during this step. 

Step 3: Click “Save and Connect Fundraiser to Facebook.” 

Read our Facebook Fundraiser FAQ here. 

Instagram Fundraisers 

Though Instagram has a direct donation feature, this WILL NOT link to your 3-Day fundraising account. Instead, add your personal 3-Day fundraising link to your Instagram bio and share it via stories.  

Content Strategies

Content is the heart of your social media fundraising efforts. Whether it’s a compelling story, an eye-catching image, or an engaging video, what you share can inspire people to act. Authentic, well-crafted content helps build trust and foster emotional connections with your audience. Consider sharing personal experiences, facts about breast cancer, and updates on your progress to keep your supporters engaged. Use a mix of formats like posts, videos, Instagram Stories, and Reels to create dynamic content that raises awareness and encourages donations. The more authentic and creative your content, the better it will resonate with your audience and motivate them to contribute.   

Instagram Stories and Reels are quick, engaging ways to share your message and reach a wider audience. 

Stories 

Post frequent updates to show the progress of your fundraiser and add fun elements like polls, questions, or countdowns. You can even directly link your fundraising page on your stories through the features button on the top of the page.  

Reels 

Create short, inspiring videos explaining why breast cancer fundraising is important. These can feature personal testimonials, stats about breast cancer, or behind-the-scenes content of you organizing the fundraiser. 

Creative Ideas for Social Media Fundraising 

To make your social media breast cancer fundraiser stand out, it’s important to think creatively. Here are some ideas to help engage your followers and encourage donations: 

Personal Storytelling 

Nothing resonates more than personal stories. Whether you’re a survivor, a friend, or a family member, sharing your personal connection to breast cancer can deeply move others to donate. Use captions, videos, or Instagram Live sessions to tell your story and explain why fundraising for breast cancer is important to you. 

Host a Live Fundraising Event 

Leverage Facebook Live or Instagram Live to host a real-time event. This could be a virtual workout class, a cooking tutorial, or a Q&A with a breast cancer survivor or medical professional. During the event, remind viewers to donate using a link to your personal page and encourage them to share it with others. 

Create a Challenge 

Social media thrives on challenges! Create a breast cancer awareness challenge, like posting a pink-themed photo or doing 30 push-ups a day for a week and ask participants to donate or share the challenge to raise awareness. Use hashtags like #BreastCancerChallenge or #PinkChallenge to unify posts and grow momentum. 

Launch a “Tag and Donate” Campaign 

Encourage your followers to donate and tag three friends to do the same. This creates a fun, interactive chain effect that can multiply your reach and fundraising efforts. 

Incorporate Milestones  

Set fundraising milestones and offer rewards or incentives when they’re met. For example, promise to cook meals for a homeless shelter, dye your hair pink, or walk a certain number of miles if you hit a fundraising target. Sharing this on social media can motivate people to contribute just to see you reach that goal. 

Thank Your Donors Publicly 
Post regular updates thanking and tagging your donors. Everyone appreciates a thank you, and the public recognition will inspire the friends and followers who have not given you a donation yet to give, so they can get that recognition, too! 
 

Social media fundraising is an effective way to support breast cancer awareness and raise funds for research and patient care. By understanding the technical aspects of setting up fundraisers, fostering a sense of community, and using creative ideas to engage your audience, you can leverage the power of social media to make a meaningful impact in the fight against breast cancer. 

Get started today and inspire others to join the cause by sharing your story, connecting with your network, and spreading hope and support.