Tag Archives: breast cancer walk

July Pink Bubble Story of the Month: Beth B. 

Beth B.: My Story— 4 Words Plus 1  

“A lot can happen in three days” has been running on a continuous loop through my head over this past week. May 12th was my first Mother’s Day without my mom. May 13th was the day phase 2 of treatment began. May 14th was the one-year anniversary of John’s death. It was an incredibly difficult three days for me, exacerbated by radiation burns in my throat which have made it very difficult to swallow and to eat. Thankfully, that has started to ease. 

I never wanted to become the story, but when I was originally diagnosed in 2011, I let myself become the story. I thought it was a way to show people what it’s like to have cancer, to live with cancer, and to live beyond a cancer diagnosis. It also lit a fire in me; a fire to fight, survive, and pay it forward. Every. Single. Day. Publicly sharing your story is daunting for many people [but] it is empowering for me. It puts cancer in its place. Everyone [with cancer] has a story [and] if telling my story helps just one person, then it’s worth it. It is all worth it. To anyone facing a cancer diagnosis, tell your story; tell one person, tell a friend, a stranger, tell me, tell ten people, tell 10,000 people… just tell it. Telling your story prevents cancer from being something sacred or secret and puts the power back in your hands. It also introduces you to all us survivors and thrivers. We are here and we can’t wait to meet you.   

My original story began on November 4th, 2011, with 4 words, “You have breast cancer.” 

“You have a lump.” 

“We found something suspicious.” 

“You have breast cancer.” 

“Lumpectomy, mastectomy, chemo, reconstruction.” 

“You are a survivor.” 

For the last 12+ years, I have lived my life as a survivor. I went to all my follow-up appointments, followed all the rules, I walked and walked and walked, raised money for the cause, [and] lived my life out loud. But there was always a sword hanging over my head because breast cancer is never truly gone. It hides. It lurks. It may stay hidden, [or] it may burst back into sight. It is a dirty, sneaky beast. 

On April 13, 2024, my story became 4 words plus 1, “You have METASTATIC breast cancer.” 

“There is no cure.” 

“There are treatment options.” 

“There are clinical trials.” 

“I will fight this.” 

“We will fight this.” 

“I am a thriver.”  

There are an estimated 168,000 women in the US living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and the 5-year survival rate continues to improve, thanks to advancements in treatments that help people like me live longer, and with a better quality of life. Kisquali, the drug I started taking last week, was approved by the FDA in 2018. To anyone who questions why I walk, why I have walked since 1997, why I will always walk (including this November in San Diego), why together we have raised close to $250,000, why Susan G. Komen 3-Day® participants have raised close to $1 billion—this is why. The money we raise goes to fund research [which leads] to clinical trials [which leads] to better treatment options. While there currently is no cure for MBC, people are living longer, better lives with the current drug options.  

I’m sure you’re asking where I am now.  

On May 6th, I completed 10 rounds of radiation to shrink the tumors on my spine. Memorial Sloan Kettering completed blood work which included genetic mapping of my tumors and determined I have no genetic mutations which means I do not qualify for clinical trials. My treatment was transferred up to Albany to my original oncologist and his team. On May 13th, I began phase 2 of treatment which consists of hormone therapy shots of Fulvestrant every three weeks. My current pathology is identical to my original pathology which means this is treated as breast cancer even though it is in my spine, liver and lymph nodes. Kisquali is an oral medication that blocks certain enzymes that feed my cancer which I started this last week. I take three pills a day for 21 days then I get a week off and start all over again. This will continue for the rest of my life or until another protocol is developed. I will also get Prolia injections every three months to strengthen my bones which can be impacted by these medications. This treatment protocol will be so much easier than chemo and with far fewer appointments. 

With this diagnosis, I will continue to live my life out loud. I do this for those who don’t want to, or just can’t tell their stories. This diagnosis is so much harder, but I want and need people to know I’m here if they need me. I want people to understand what MBC is and what it means, to see us Thrivers living with this chronic, not terminal, disease; and we will NOT back down.  

Camping at the San Diego 3-Day

When the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® began in 2003, each evening concluded with walkers pitching their pink tents and setting up camp alongside one another. Participants would decorate their campsite and mingle with one another before calling it a night under the stars. It was an experience unlike any other; an opportunity to soak up the Pink Bubble every second of the day. The community spirit was unending from the Opening Ceremony to the Finish Line Festival. Over time, the Komen 3-Day has evolved to moving camp inside a hotel, which comes with perks of its own, but there’s really nothing quite like the original camping experience. Luckily, the original Pink Bubble experience consisting of a sea of pink tents on the waterfront with amenities galore is still an option at the San Diego 3-Day®. While there are benefits to staying in a hotel, the pros of camping far outweigh the fears that you may have when deciding where to call it a night in San Diego.  

For starters, the San Diego campsite is in a beautiful place on one of the city’s many beloved waterfront properties. In the mornings, there may be kayakers on the water or locals out for a paddle; it’s a very San Diego zen way to start your day! Plus, you can sleep for an extra 30 minutes in the mornings, waking up right where you need to be. No need to take a shuttle – you can walk over to the dining tent, enjoy breakfast and ease into your morning as the day’s hustle and bustle starts.  

Ultimately, you’re located where everything is happening. After you finish walking on the route, you can eat, shower, enjoy your home-away-from-home and spend time talking with other participants. You don’t need to hurry to a shuttle line, decide if you’ll come back to camp for dinner and evening festivities, or choose between comfort and convenience. You can take your time, do some stretching, visit the Remembrance Tent, enjoy your meals, and soak in every second of the Pink Bubble spirit. Many people add their own flare by decorating their tents with twinkly lights, flags, posters, or a fun theme, turning nighttime exploration into an adventure. As the evening activities end, and the hum of conversation quiets down, you can sit under a space heater, enjoy the view of lights across the water, then tuck yourself into your own personal pink tent for the night. 

You’ll have the chance to interact with many more crew members and walkers than you otherwise would. From those who serve your meals to those loading your gear bag in and out of the truck, you have the chance to get to know more people in the 3-Day community. It lends you the opportunity to connect with crew members and walkers who all have a powerful story to share – just like you! Plus, you’ll earn yourself a badge of honor for having experienced the 3-Day the way it all began. 

“We strongly believe that every first-timer should experience camping at the San Diego 3-Day! The camaraderie and unique atmosphere at camp, from waiting in line for showers to making midnight visits to the porta-potties, are invaluable. The sound of chatter and laughter echoing from the dining tent adds to the sense of community and shared purpose that defines the event. It’s an integral part of the 3-Day journey, fostering connections and memories that endure long after the event is over.” —Sarah B. 

The Center of the Pink Bubble: The 3-Day Crew 

The Susan G. Komen 3-Day®?Crew is an integral part of what makes the Pink Bubble possible! Whether you’re in a cozy massage chair at camp or miles into the route, these participants are at the core of your Komen 3-Day experience. They are the backbone of the 3-Day® and serve up delicious food, ensure your safety, provide medical attention, and much more throughout the weekend. Whether you’re walking or are thinking of being a crew member, you may be wondering what the different positions entail and how it all comes together. We’re going to cover all sixteen positions which fall under the categories of camp teams, road teams, medical teams, and others.  

CAMP TEAMS 

SUPPORT SERVICES — Works closely with the Command Center Support Services team to transport non-emergency injured participants to/from Quick Care, the hospital or back to camp, as well as executing various support services responsibilities. 

HOTEL OPERATIONS?(Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver and New England 3-Days only) — Supports all facets of hotel operations such as driving hotel shuttle vans, staffing the information table, serving in the 3-Day Lounge, luggage collection, transport and/or retrieval, scanning walkers in/out each day, managing hydration tables and managing participant traffic.  

“I love working with the amazing Hotel Operations crew because it is so much fun getting to create an amazing experience for all the walkers and crew members on event. Whether it is staffing a table on Main Street or cheering people on at walk-in/walk-out, my crew and I bring the party and hope that everyone enjoys the comforts of their 3-Day home.” —Kevin Y. 

CAMP SERVICES?(San Diego 3-Day only) — Set up, manage and break down the service areas in camp including the 3-Day Lounge, check-in, Pink Information tent, shower area, and traffic stations.  

CAMP OPERATIONS?(San Diego 3-Day only) —Work behind the scenes to create a great experience for others and is central to building and maintaining camp and producing a warm, cozy and clean atmosphere during the event.  

FOOD SERVICE?(San Diego 3-Day only) — Serves a hot breakfast and dinner to all participants.  

GEAR & TENT?(San Diego 3-Day only) — Transports gear and tents to camp and provides protection of the participants’ gear, campsite and vehicles. 

ROAD TEAMS 

EVENT SUPPORT — This team consists of experienced 3-Day Crew who are ready to step in wherever needed. They may assist with pit stop support, ceremonies, managing shuttle transport, relocation, and serve as extra route safety. 

PIT STOP, GRAB & GO, LUNCH — Sets up and runs one of the many pit stops along the route, which provides water, sports drinks and snacks or a Grab & Go which only includes a hydration tent. 

“I’ve been part of the lunch crew in three cities and the one thing that doesn’t change from city to city is the joy we receive from walkers as they eat lunch and enjoy whatever decorations or fun we have come up with. I’ve met people and built relationships that have changed my perspective and brightened my days well beyond the 3-Day. At lunch, we work hard and play harder!” —Deena D.  

ROUTE MARKING — Marks the route with directional signage, picks up signage after the route has closed each day, and repairs signage as needed. 

“There is so much I enjoy about crewing at the 3-Day; the camaraderie and talking with everyone because we all have different stories as to why we crew, so I enjoy learning about them. I enjoy being a part of the backbone of the walk itself, because the crews together make up the foundation of each 3-Day. It is knowing I’m one person amongst many who provides services and support to assist the walkers in being able to do their part; to walk, to fundraise, to help Komen be a leader in cancer research and medical advancements.” —Vivian O. 

ROUTE SAFETY — Patrols the route on bicycle or motorcycle to ensure safety while stationed at intersections or where traffic may be an issue. 

ROUTE SUPPORT —?Drives from pit stop to pit stop loading and delivering snacks, hydration, and ice, packs up route supplies and removes all waste materials from each route site.  

SWEEP & SHUTTLE?— Drives passenger vans and picks up walkers between pit stops with fatigue or medical issues and transports them to the nearest pit stop. 

“Being a member of the Susan G Komen 3-Day Sweep and Shuttle crew team is an honor and privilege. Though we have long days, this crew job is still one of the most popular because of the interaction we have with walkers. Each van is staffed with two crew members, usually trading off as driver and navigator. Our goal is to pick up walkers wanting a ride and lift their spirits while moving them forward along the route. We create a theme to decorate our van and wear costumes and often have some sort of giveaway for the walkers who ride with us. Being part of the 3-Day Sweep and Shuttle team is a highlight of my year!” —Janet K. 

PARKING SIGNAGE?(San Diego 3-Day only) — Removes “no parking” signage from each day’s route and sets up/removes event equipment as needed and corrects any no parking signage issues that may arise.  

MEDICAL TEAMS 

MEDICAL — Doctors, PAs, NPs, RNs, LVNs/LPNs and EMTs (basic and paramedic) provide medical assistance and evaluation for minor injuries.  

SPORTS MEDICINE — Athletic trainers, physical therapists and chiropractors that provide services related to the prevention, evaluation, and management of minor injuries.  

OTHER TEAMS 

YOUTH CORPS LEADER?— Works closely with the Youth Corps Captain to ensure the team’s guidance in the months leading up to the event and directly oversees this youth team during the event weekend. 

“The cool thing about being a Youth Corps captain is that the kids help you grow too. Where else do you get to be silly, goofy, and let your inner child run free without judgement? No one faults you for messing up the Wobble ten times in a row. Instead, they giggle with you until you all have a side ache! When you cry at the Closing Ceremony, you end up in the middle of a giant, yellow-shirted group hug. Being a Youth Corps captain allows you to see the 3-Day from a different perspective—that of the next generation.” —Missy G. 

If you’re not on your ideal crew team because the team was full when you selected your assignment, fill out a Crew Wish List Form (2024 Crew Wish List Form) to let us know which crew teams you are interested in being a part of this year.