Debby R. is the 2023 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Milestone Award Winner!

After 10 years and 26 3-Days, Debby R. has raised a lifetime total of more than $65,000 to help find the cures to breast cancer. Affectionately known as Mama Bear by her team Angels for the Cure, Debby is one of the most creative fundraisers that the Pink Bubble has ever seen. Her beloved teammate Bill W. shared that “It does not matter if you are on another team, you can train or fundraise with Angels for a Cure!” She fundraises with car washes, Sonic car hopping, Dippin’ Dots, Muddin’, Rednecks with Paychecks and beyond, always coming up with fun ways to help everyone achieve their fundraising goals. “I was always in awe and sometimes jealous of the ideas and ways she came up with to raise money… she is there to win this fight and to help anyone who needs help to get their money raised,” boasted her friends Donna W. and Sharon R.

Get to know Debby a bit better as we honor her as our 2023 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Milestone Award Winner!

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

My mom was first diagnosed [with breast cancer] in 2002 and started her treatments in 2003. I heard radio advertisements about the 3-Day for a couple of years, but I was first scared away in 2005 when the Dallas/Fort Worth event was in June and I had a 6-month-old. Then in 2006, I was scared away because I was intimidated by the fundraising goal. At the beginning of 2007, my mom sent me an email (an email, really???) to let me know her cancer was back and had metastasized to her lungs. I knew then I couldn’t sit on the sidelines anymore, so I went to an info meeting and signed up for my very first event!

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

Like so many others before and more to come, I was terrified that first year that I wouldn’t be able to walk all 60 miles. I waited until the last minute before making the decision to sign up again, but being in the Pink Bubble for three days, meeting new friends and hearing their stories, passing through the cheer stations, getting hugs from a stranger as a thanks for helping to save his wife’s life, how could anyone walk away from all of this? The first walk was for my mom, but every walk afterwards has been for my future, my daughter, my nieces, my sisters, my friends, my Pink Bubble family, and for the next person diagnosed, to give a glimmer of hope for a future.

What is the secret to your 3-Day fundraising success?

I come up with a lot of ideas and sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. I just keep trying and stick with what works well for me and my team.

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

Train and fundraise with a team. It could be your team or join an existing one, but when you train and fundraise with others, it’s a better experience.

What’s a fun fact about you?

One time at band camp… yes, I was in band. I was on the flag corps and drill team while in high school for football and concert season. I played the auxiliary percussion instruments (cymbals, bass drum, triangle, bells, xylophone) because I could count and couldn’t read music… LOL

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

You are never alone on the 3-Day. We are all on the same team to eradicate breast cancer.

Explore the Chicago Route before the 3-Day

The 3-Day is coming to the Windy City! Known for its stunning architecture, cultural landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods, Chicago offers an endless array of experiences to explore on foot. Together, we’ll get to explore the city’s iconic attractions, beautiful suburbs, and hidden gems. Lace up your walking shoes and let’s embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Chicago.

Day 1

To kick off the 3-Day, we’ll delve into the heart of downtown Chicago and take in its stunning skyline, lakefront trails, and cultural landmarks. From the hotel, we’ll begin at the renowned Shedd Aquarium, where you can immerse yourself in the wonders of the underwater world. Make your way to the picturesque Lakefront Trail which offers breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, for the perfect opportunity to enjoy the refreshing breeze and admire the city skyline. It’s a perfect spot for a selfie!

Cross the Chicago River and bear witness to the city’s famous bridges and the lively activity on the Riverwalk. Capture stunning photos and embrace the energy of the city as you head north to the Magnificent Mile, a shopper’s paradise featuring upscale boutiques and department stores. Marvel at the architectural splendor as you walk along this bustling stretch of Michigan Avenue.

Venture north to Lincoln Park, a sprawling urban oasis offering lush greenery, beautiful gardens, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Take a moment to relax and recharge in this serene environment before continuing onward; this is what it’s all about! End your day at Wrigley Field, the beloved home of the Chicago Cubs. Even if it’s not a game day, soak in the atmosphere and snap a photo in front of this historic ballpark before resting up for Day 2.

Day 2

With the 3-Day in full swing, we’ll explore a never-before-seen route on Day 2! Step outside the bustling city center and start your day with a short bus ride to the quaint residential area of Highland Park. Filled with boutiques, restaurants, and local shops, you can browse through the unique offerings and savor the small-town charm. From here, make your way to Glencoe where you’ll see Skokie Lagoon, a hidden gem nestled within the forest preserves. This sanctuary provides an opportunity to reconnect with nature and enjoy the peaceful surroundings despite being just steps outside of the busy city.

Continue through the picturesque suburb of Winnetka, where you’ll marvel at the historic homes and serene ambiance on the shores of Lake Michigan. In fact, one home in particular may bring a bit of nostalgia to movie fanatics. Standing proudly in this quintessential community is the notable house from the film Home Alone. This is the perfect chance to steep yourself in the magic of the film and capture memorable photos with this beloved cinematic landmark. Be sure that you don’t accidentally leave behind any of your teammates!

Wrap up your day at the architectural masterpiece that is the Bahai House of Worship in Wilmette. Known as the “Temple of Light,” this spiritual hub boasts stunning gardens and intricate designs. Visitors from all walks of life are welcome at this breathtaking temple, where you can absorb the principles of unity, harmony, and the advancement of social progress. What an enlightening way to finish Day 2!

Day 3

To wrap up our 3-Day journey in Chicago, we’ll explore some of the Midwest’s most eclectic neighborhoods which offer a blend of history, culture, and vibrant energy. We’ll start in the trendy West Loop neighborhood, known for its culinary delights and artistic flair. Full of art galleries and renowned eateries, these lively streets are sure to inspire you on your final stretch to 60 miles. With motivation in tow, continue your trek to Wicker Park, a hotspot of creativity and hipster culture. This trendy neighborhood offers a diverse mix of independent shops, street art, and cozy cafes.

Soon, you’ll find yourself back at the Chicago River where you can absorb the picturesque views of Chi-Town once more. Take a final moment to appreciate the city’s architectural marvels, the dynamic atmosphere surrounding the waterway, and reminisce on the incredible journey you’ve partaken in. Finally, no visit to Chicago is complete without a stop at Millennium Park where you can admire the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, affectionately known as “The Bean.” Capture some incredible pictures in front of this landmark and take in all of the charm that this city has to offer before heading to the Finish Line Festival.

All in all, Chicago is an incredibly captivating city to explore on foot! These 3-Day walking routes allow you to experience the best of downtown Chicago, its beautiful suburbs, and high-spirited neighborhoods, ensuring an unforgettable journey through the Windy City. So put on your walking shoes, embrace the urban charm, and create lasting memories in the dynamic city of Chicago.

Let’s Keep It Going! Beginning Your Fundraising Journey for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day

Welcome to part two of our fundraising how-two series!

This week, we’ll be talking about how to start your fundraising. By the time you’re reading this, the New England 3-Day, our very first of the 2023 season, is exactly 64 days away, with Denver and Chicago close on its heels. Although that may seem like plenty of time, it’ll be here before you know it. That said, a sense of urgency is your best friend as you work to meet or exceed your fundraising goals. But where to begin?

Spotlight: Check out this handy guide on Raising $2,300 in 2 Months!

Whether this is your first walk or your 101^st, The3Day.org can serve as your central hub for help. The fundraising page hosts a wide range of invaluable resources to help orient you on this journey. Trying to utilize social media for your campaign and want to know what to post? Check the Fundraising page. Need 101 different appeal ideas, or are you attempting to meet your $2,300 goal in one month? Fundraising page. Searching for sample solicitation letters to get in touch with a local business? Fundraising page. From outreach templates to thank you notes and everything in between, the 3-Day fundraising page serves as a comprehensive online resource, along with all of the tools in your Participant Center.

If you’re like some participants, fundraising for the 3-Day could be the first time you’ve ever raised money for an event. Not to fear! Taking care of things early means you can free up mental space and energy to focus all of your attention on training. Approaching your fundraising with strategy and careful planning can make all the difference. For example, rather than asking a potential donor, “Hey, I’m walking the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day in October, would you like to donate?”, be as specific as possible! “I’m aiming to raise $3,000 [or whatever your fundraising goal is — name a specific amount] by the end of July. Can I count on you to make a donation of $60 today?” Do you have 23 family members that you can ask for $100? Are there 46 friends who could support you with $50 each? Asking for a specific amount, and asking big, is the best way to get you to your goals faster. Whatever the denomination and whomever the patron base is, thinking critically about how to best navigate the landscape can be just the move to put the winds in your sails.

Regardless of your preferred methods or how you choose to space out different milestones, the biggest stride you can take toward success is simply getting started. Go for that initial ask, make your first donation follow up, and don’t be afraid to tap into your network. While there are many people just waiting to support you, life can get busy! Even with the best intentions, your donors can forget to revisit Facebook fundraisers, or lose track of email requests. You will have to ask more than once or twice. Be brave in how you approach family, friends, and community members, and just as you push your body to cover more and more ground each week during training, you can push yourself more and more to march toward your fundraising target.

The money we raise is invaluable to the individuals and their loved ones supported by Susan G. Komen. Your efforts are instrumental in the funding of research, as well as patient care and advocacy, all of which help us in the fight against breast cancer. These real efforts impact real people and are fueled by the fundraising dollars you raise!

Stay tuned for our July post as we dive into part three of our series and, in the meantime, check out part one. As always, feel free to share your thoughts and drop a comment below!

To recap:

Tip #1 — Check out the fundraising page. If you’re in search of creative ideas or need a bit of structure, this resource is sure to act as your starting point and guide you in the right direction.

Tip #2 — Stick to your plan. The equation for donations is pretty simple: your solicitations + support from your community = you hitting your goal! Take a moment to map out the time you have, the people you know, and the dollars you need. If you do your math correctly, your solution will come that much easier.

Tip #3 — The best way to build momentum is by moving! If you don’t know who to start with, consider your last call or text message. Chances are, you were just speaking with someone who’d love to help you on your quest.