Denver Awaits: Join Us for the Impactful 3-Day

Blush skies over the city of Denver which hosts the Susan G. Komen 3-Day(R)

This summer, the beautiful city of Denver will be the first stop in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® series, and we want YOU to be a part of it. When you arrive on Aug. 1, you’ll be immersed in the Pink Bubble, a vibrant community well known for its spirit of hope, remembrance and celebration.

The 3-Day is an up to 60-mile journey where participants walk for themselves, for loved ones or for people they may not know but whose experience with breast cancer they want to honor.

While Denver can see temperatures in the summer reach the 90s, Nancy Partridge, a breast cancer survivor and advocacy ambassador for the Komen Center for Public Policy, says the Mile High City is the perfect backdrop for the 3-Day’s memorable experience.

“In Boulder it’s a real treat. It’s a quaint, quirky, little college town that is set up against the Flatirons, which is some of the most beautiful mountains that you will see up close and personal,” Nancy, who lived in the city for 20 years, explained. “Denver is shaded by high rises, and in Boulder, most of the route is shaded by trees. So, when you feel the sunshine on your face, it feels good.”

Nancy and her teammate, Andrea Casillas, at the Denver 3-Day.

However, with Denver’s high altitude (5,280 feet above sea level), Nancy emphasized the importance of being prepared. “It’s important for walkers to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and eat foods high in potassium like avocado and cantaloupe.”

The Denver 3-Day isn’t just about the walk; it’s also about the impact. In 2024, 700 walkers and 220 crew members gathered in Denver and raised $2.3 million to support breast cancer research, education, advocacy and patient support services. Tracey Bahlo has participated in the 3-Day more than 20 times to honor her sister, a two-time breast cancer survivor, as well as others touched by breast cancer. She says it’s an incredible experience.

Tracey Bahlo has walked the Susan G. Komen 3-Day 22 times.

“It raises money for meaningful research and support, and provides hope,” Tracey said. “Every year at the San Diego 3-Day, there’s a woman with a sign that reads, ‘People like you saved me.’ That’s why I walk.”

Whether you’re a Colorado native or visiting for the first time, the 3-Day offers a new perspective on Denver. The route highlights some of the city’s most scenic spots—from Boulder’s hilly streets to iconic landmarks like Coors Field and the famous 40-foot blue bear at the convention center.

Nancy and her friend, Kate Ahnen, who met at the Denver 3-day.

With warm weather likely in August, Tracey recommends some tips to stay cool: “Start walking early and wear a long sleeve, light weight shirt. The sun on your skin will be hotter. And don’t forget to wear an ice wrap around your neck!”

Since it began in 2003, the 3-Day series has welcomed more than 500,000 participants and raised more $915 million. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this amazing journey. Visit the 3-Day today to register for Denver!

Inside the Role of a 3-Day Coach

Staci and her daughter walking hand-in-hand at the Susan. G Komen 3-Day in Seattle.

Staci and Coach Alex at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day.

Many of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® coaches have a personal connection to breast cancer, which drives their unwavering commitment to supporting participants. Having walked in the events and fundraised themselves, 3-Day coaches understand the challenges participants face and are passionate about helping them power through.

Their dedication as coaches is far-reaching. They are mentors, who guide walkers in training, fundraising and everything in between.

Coach Staci, the San Diego 3-Day coach since 2004, explained, “Most of us as 3-Day coaches have a connection to breast cancer. We care deeply about our participants and their journey because we have experienced it in our own ways.”

Coach Staci’s experience with breast cancer is personal, stemming from her mother-in-law’s journey.

“She was diagnosed in 2002 with breast cancer and passed away in 2007,” she recalled. “That was six weeks before my older daughter and I walked in Seattle at my second 3-Day, and it was also my oldest daughter’s 16th birthday.”

But Staci’s role as a coach is centered on supporting others. As the primary point of contact for San Diego 3-Dayers, she has mentored hundreds of walkers and steps in to support her counterparts who coach events in Denver, New England and Dallas/Fort Worth.

Staci and her daughter at the 3-Day in Seattle.

The role of a 3-Day coach is multifaceted. Coaches are there to answer all types of questions from logistical concerns like what type of food will be served at the event to offering practical advice on fundraising strategies, adjusting training plans for medical challenges and simply encouraging walkers to stay the course and enjoy the journey.

“I tell the walkers that I coach that the event is their reward. It’s their time to celebrate what they’ve accomplished,” Staci said. “It’s the ice cream on top of the cake.”

The relationships between coaches and participants are unique and meaningful. Staci has dedicated over 20 years to coaching participants of the 3-Day. Both of her daughters have walked twice, her husband is a five-time 3-Day walker and Coach Staci herself has walked four times and raised over $10,000.

“Because of my mother-in-law’s journey, I worry for my daughters,” Coach Staci said. “But being a coach, I also get to hear the great stories of people who are 20-year survivors, and that gives you that hope to offset the fear.”

Through dedication and guidance, the 3-Day coaches have a longstanding history of playing a crucial role in helping participants achieve their goals while facilitating a sense of community along the way.

The 2025 Komen 3-Day events will be held in Denver (Aug. 1-3), New England (Aug. 15-17), Dallas/Fort Worth (Oct.24-26) and San Diego (Nov. 14-16).

To register for one of our 3-Day events, visit the 3-Day.

12 Days of Hope: Creative Ways to Support Breast Cancer Awareness This Holiday Season

From delicious treats and family traditions to twinkly lights and falling snow, the holidays are a great time to kick back and enjoy the small things in life. As we gather around the fireplace and cozy up to our favorite films, we must always remember that we can take small actions each day in the fight against breast cancer. We must continue to advocate, raise awareness, and garner donations to aid in treatment and advance research until we finally create the ultimate holiday present: a world without breast cancer. That being said, it’s no easy feat to blend holiday spirit with support for breast cancer awareness. To help, follow along on our Twelve Days of Hope which are full of creative ways to support the Susan G. Komen® mission this holiday season.

Day 1 — Share a Survivor’s Story: Encourage your supporters to share an inspiring story of a breast cancer survivor on social media or in their holiday newsletters to spread hope and awareness.

Day 2 — Organize a Holiday Walk: Host a two-mile holiday themed walk either in person or virtually and invite those around you to remind them why we walk while repping their favorite holiday apparel.

Day 3 — Donate in Honor of a Loved One: Suggest giving the gift of a donation in someone’s name and provide customizable e-cards for that special acknowledgment.

Day 4 — Pink Holiday Sweater Day: Have fun with a virtual “Ugly Pink Sweater” contest. Encourage participants to post pictures in their pink sweaters to help spread awareness.

Day 5 — Raise Awareness with Holiday Cards: Share your holiday greetings and include a short note about the importance of early detection or research and include a blurb about the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® to encourage donations during the season of giving.

Day 6 — Breast Cancer Awareness Gift Wrapping Service: Organize a gift-wrapping service at your local mall, home, or a holiday market and collect donations for your services.

Day 7 — Pink-Themed Cookie Exchange: Host a virtual or in-person pink cookie exchange. Make a contest for the best breast cookie to spread awareness and encourage donations in a fun, seasonal way.

Day 8 — Sponsor a Thriver’s Holiday: Share stories of breast cancer survivors, encouraging supporters to send thoughtful holiday messages or care packages to someone actively going through treatment.

Day 9 — Decorate for the Cures: Grab a gingerbread house and some pink icing to create the ultimate Komen 3-Day gingerbread house. Share photos on social media to spread awareness.

Day 10 — Share the Pink Bubble: As we all know, the Pink Bubble goes far beyond those 60 miles. From a quick smile to a grand act of kindness, spread positivity and community in any way you can.

Day 11 — Pink Tree of Hope: Encourage supporters to create their own pink “Tree of Hope” at home or online, decorating it with messages of hope, awareness facts, and ribbons in honor of loved ones.

Day 12 — New Year’s Resolutions for Awareness: Inspire readers to set a resolution to promote breast cancer awareness throughout the year. Offer ideas like hosting educational events or encouraging friends and family to get screened.

As we soak up the last bit of 2024, remember all you have accomplished and the difference that you are making in the fight against breast cancer. We can’t wait to see you next year at the 2025 3-Day®!