Tag Archives: breast cancer

Denver Crew Impact Award Winner: Carolyn H. 

Meet Carolyn H., our 2024 Denver Crew Impact Award Winner!  

Since her first Susan G. Komen 3-Day® 14 years ago, Carolyn has participated 27 times and has raised a lifetime total of over $20,000. Not only is she one of the most selfless individuals you may ever meet, but she does it all as a thriver with the hope of creating a future without breast cancer.  

“Within the Pink Bubble there lies a special glue which makes us shine a little brighter, lifts us up a bit higher, and brings grace to everything surrounding us; this glue is Carolyn. She is the best of the Komen 3-Day, and her compassion and kindness are legendary. She is there for all of us, all the time, and manages her teams with a savvy style and a unique, joy-filled spirit. Carolyn is a true asset to everyone here, especially me, and the world truly is a better place with her in it. We are a better event with her as a part of it, and I can’t imagine my world or the Pink Bubble without her.” —Kit L.  

What was your inspiration to participate in your first 3-Day®??? 

I was asked by my friend Mary M. to co-captain a sweep team for the Denver event in 2010. I had no idea what the 3-Day was, let alone a sweep team, but I was game to learn and looking forward to spending time with Mary. That was it; I have been hooked on the Pink Bubble ever since. The people, the atmosphere, the stories of survival as well as the tributes for those who didn’t survive.   

Although I am a thriver of breast cancer, I do not do this for me or that recognition; I do it so others, including my children and yours, won’t have to walk down that same breast cancer path. I have seen in the past 25 years great strides in the diagnosis, treatment and survival rate for breast cancer and how it trickles down to other cancers as well.   

What has brought you back to the 3-Day year after year?  

The people and the positive culture of the 3-Day; that Pink Bubble, as they say! I have the most incredible friendships with so many people I have met along the way including walkers, crew and staff. These people are my family, (especially my “Sistas” Mary & Janet) and if they need me for anything, I’m there at their beck and call and vice versa. I call the 3-Day the great equalizer; EVERYONE at the event is there to support, cheer, hug, and give love to everyone else. There is no distinction between our many differences. It’s how we want the world to be.  

What is your favorite aspect of crewing the 3-Day?   

I love helping walkers and my crew team to have the best experience of their life by giving them encouragement, understanding, and a lot of fun. Knowing I brought a smile or a sense of belonging to someone’s day is the best reward and I’m perfectly happy being behind the scenes.  

What is your best advice to anyone crewing the 3-Day?  

Be you, let go, and remember you are in a safe place. Have fun, be silly, cry, cheer, hug, and make a new friend each day; I can guarantee they will be lifelong friendships. Again, everyone is there for you, and you are there for them. Also, keep a Sharpie in your pocket, wear closed-toed shoes and a wide mouth water bottle is your friend as well.  

What’s a fun fact about you?  

Anyone on my crew team knows that singing is not my hidden talent, but that doesn’t stop me. I also grew up on a farm/ranch in Nebraska, ergo I learned how to double clutch tractors, combines and grain trucks. Although I now live in Denver, my husband and I have ownership in a herd of bison in Nebraska. 

What are the most important lessons you’ve learned on the 3-Day?  

I’ve learned a lot about leadership and teamwork including how to be flexible and handle unforeseen circumstances. I’ve learned that each person has their own individual journey they must travel, and I must be understanding, compassionate and accepting of that journey. 

“At this moment, you are probably trying to slide into the background. But let the light shine on you for a few minutes just as your light has shined brightly for the 3-Day for many years.” —John H.  

Congratulations, Carolyn! We are honored to have you as part of our Pink Bubble family. 

Fundraising During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Throughout October, an outpouring of attention is brought to breast cancer, survivors, thrivers, and ongoing research efforts. From media outlets to football games and everything in between, communities are rocking pink in support of the cause all month long. Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings people together with shared stories, pink ribbon campaigns, and community events, making it easier to garner support. While the magnifying glass is on the fight against breast cancer, it’s the ideal time to rally to raise both awareness and funds to create a future free from this disease.  

People are more likely to engage in charitable activities and donate when they see others around them participating and notice an emphasis on the cause. To maximize your contributions in the fight against breast cancer, we highly recommend joining the pink wave this fall whether you’re fundraising for the 3-Day in 2024 or 2025.  

Start by clearly identifying why you participate in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®. Did you or someone you love battle breast cancer? Has Susan G. Komen had a personal impact on your life? Regardless of your reasoning, clearly communicating why you walk will significantly impact your donors’ contributions. From here, understand how Susan G. Komen uses these dollars and show your donors how their donation could help, the Komen 3-Day’s impact since 2003, and why Komen. Together, this knowledge can help someone finalize their donation to your walk and the breast cancer cause.  

Next, choose your fundraising format. Will you be hosting a donation-based workout class on the weekends, or a pink-ribbon bake sale after school hours? Will you utilize social media or dress up in all pink and trick-or-treat for donations? There are countless opportunities to raise money, and, during the month of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, people are more likely to give. Reach out to local companies, as many participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month by donating a portion of sales, providing items for auctions, or sponsoring events. Their involvement can significantly boost your fundraising efforts and increase your visibility. Regardless of how you choose to fundraise, it’s helpful to have a team of close friends or family to share responsibilities with who will support you along the way.  

Finally, plan your timeline to ensure your hard work pays off! Begin your outreach and preparation early in the month and host events midway through. Throughout the month, consider offering a small incentive like a wearable pink ribbon or social media shout-out to thank your donors for their contributions. Use a countdown to build a sense of urgency amongst donors and, at the end of the month, individually thank each donor and report on your progress toward your fundraising goal. If not for their contributions, we wouldn’t be able to make the strides we do in the fight against breast cancer. 

No matter how many donations you bring in, utilize Breast Cancer Awareness Month to share the impact that breast cancer continues to have on people throughout the world. Encourage your friends and family to get a mammogram, share their personal stories, and spread awareness whenever possible. With advocacy and fundraising, we can end breast cancer together.  

September Pink Bubble Story of the Month: Vivian O.

In 2005, Vivian O.’s beloved Mom lost her fight with breast cancer. In her grief, Vivian discovered the power of the Suan G. Komen 3-Day®. Her journey with the Komen 3-Day started in Tampa Bay and has continued for more than 30 events since 2006. In the last 18 years, she has traveled to various cities, walked many ‘Komen miles,’ worked on different crews, met hundreds of people, camped out, used port-a-potties, and found a safe place amidst all the pink to heal and grow.  

Vivian and her mother, Adela, 1997

“Twenty months. That was all the time my mom had after her diagnosis before the cancer took her. I was left with emotions and feelings I didn’t know what to do with. When I saw an advertisement for the Tampa Bay 3-Day, I decided to join as a crew member. That one decision helped in a way I will forever be grateful for because it gave me a purpose, a way to honor my mother, and a way to help in the fight against breast cancer. So, what does the 3-Day® mean to me? It means community, it means belonging, it means commitment. It means cheering the last walker into camp, 3-Day macaroni and cheese, route arrows, and seas of pink. However, the most important thing the 3-Day gives me is an outlet to process my grief with people that understand my loss in a way others do not. Cancer takes a toll on families and grieving the loss of someone important is hard and lonely, but the 3-Day taught me it doesn’t have to be done alone and there are moments when all you can do is walk. So, if you find yourself in a similar situation, my advice is to find yourself a 3-Day and start walking! 

“Over the years, I have been both a walker and a crew member and have enjoyed both experiences immensely. As a crew member, I have been on different road crews, including route safety (motorcycle), route hydration, sweep and for the last several years, I have focused on route marking, which is the crew that lays down the route the walkers will take each day. There is so much I enjoy about it—the camaraderie, talking with and learning about each person, and hearing everyone’s stories as to why they crew. I enjoy being part of the walk’s backbone because all the crew teams together make up the foundation of any 3-Day. I love knowing that I’m one person amongst many that provide services and support to assist the walkers in being able to do their part in walking, fundraising, and helping Komen be a leader in cancer research and medical advancements. I enjoy the physical nature of crewing, the hard work, and having a singular goal for the duration of the 3-Day. I enjoy the energy that is put out by the Pink Bubble, with the traditions and structures that are so familiar and dear to me after so many years and events. And with each mile I walk, each dollar I fundraise, and each time I crew, I’m doing something, no matter how small, to help in the fight against breast cancer and bringing critical services to people that need it. In doing so, I honor my mom and that is what I’m most proud of. 

“My mom was from Spain, and so I will leave you with a saying she used to tell my sisters and I all the time, and considering what the 3-Day does, I felt it was appropriate. ‘Pisa con el pie derecho’ which translates to ‘step with your right (best) foot forward.’ 

“There is strength in walking with a group of people in the same direction for the same cause, because EVERYONE deserves a lifetime. So, whether you’re a walker or a crew member or support someone, remember to always step with your best foot forward, one ‘Komen mile’ at a time.”