2016 Michigan 3-Day Opening Ceremony Speakers—We Are the 3-Day

The 2016 Susan G. Komen 3-Day® began this morning in Michigan with a beautiful and stirring Opening Ceremony. Walkers, crew members and supporters joined their hearts and hopes in the shared promise of bringing about the end of breast cancer, one footstep at a time.

As part of the Ceremony, we were honored to welcome some special 3-Day participants to the stage, where they shared their own inspirations—both heart-warming and heartbreaking—for being part of the 3-Day. #WeAreThe3Day

“This morning, I carry the ‘My Father’ flag in memory of my dad, who I lost last week. I inherited so much of my character and drive from him, so while I walk in remembrance of those we have lost to breast cancer and in honor of those who have survived, I dedicate this 3-Day to my dad. I’m Cathy and I AM the 3-Day.”

“This is my sixth 3-Day. I walk in memory of my friend Jenny and my mom’s friend Kathy. I walk to continue the battle our friends have lost, and to honor all the friends everywhere who have traveled the same journey. I’m Heidi and I AM the 3-Day.”

“My aunt. My mom. My aunt again. My cousin. My mom again. Then my cousin again. I can’t stand the thought of the next generation of my family going through this and losing more than they already have. My cousin’s 48^th birthday would have been last Friday and that is why I am here today. I’m Amy and I AM the 3-Day.”

“I walk for those who can’t walk. I walk for my coworker, a breast cancer survivor of 17 years. I walk for the sister of a coworker who has breast cancer. I walk in memory of my cousin, who passed away at 37. I walk to bring awareness to women and men, young and old, everywhere I go. I’m Charmaine and I AM the 3-Day.”

“When I was young, I promised my mother that when I was old enough, I would join her on the 3-Day. This year is that year! The 3-Day has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. Now I can finally take part in this incredible journey as her teammate. I asked to carry the My Children flag today, in the hope that one day, any children I might have can live in a world without breast cancer. I’m Logan and I AM the 3-Day.”

“I am walking this year because my mom passed away on March 19^th. I’m walking to honor her strength and grace and to raise money to help others. I’m Blake and I AM the 3-Day.”

Together, we are strong. Together, we can defeat breast cancer. Together, we are the 3-Day.

The Michigan 3-Day Coaches Talk About…The Michigan 3-Day Coaches!

They’re the helpful cheerleaders on the other end of the phone call or email when you have questions or concerns. They’re the smiling faces welcoming you and your teams at meet-ups and workshops and building up community excitement for the 3-Day. They’re the guiding hands leading the crew captains and teams to greatness. That’s right, they’re your Susan G. Komen 3-Day® coaches!

As we get ready to return to each of the seven splendid 3-Day locations, we wanted to take a minute to catch up with the coaches from each event. You’ve gotten to know them pretty well over the past couple of years on the 3-Day blog and this year, instead of letting them talk about themselves, I asked their fellow coaches to do it for them!

The Michigan coaches—Ann, Jennifer and Gina—are up first! Click here to see what we knew about them already. And keep reading to see what they had to say about each other.

(L-R) Gina, Jennifer, Ann

Ann (Michigan Local Events Coach)

“I’d describe Ann as nerdy, smart, and so much fun to be around! She’s great at her job because she was involved with the Michigan 3-Day for years as a participant before becoming a coach so she knows this event inside and out. Last year I was staffing the Seattle 3-Day and Ann was walking. I offered to share my hotel room with her so she didn’t have to tent it. When I checked into the hotel I requested two beds but all that was available was a room with one king bed. But we just rolled with it! It was pretty funny and I think it was Saturday night when we shared chips and salsa in bed and managed to NOT spill any salsa. Honestly, any time I am with Ann we have fun and laugh, a lot!” – Jennifer

“Ann is fun-loving, loyal, and compassionate. She has walked the walk and talked the talk. She has been a Michigan participant so she knows the community and is genuinely invested in this event.” – Gina

Jennifer (Michigan Participant Support Coach)

“I would describe Jennifer as spunky, thoughtful, and honest. Jennifer forms amazing relationships with the participants. She takes the time to get to know them, help them, and in turn, and they love Coach Jennifer!” – Gina

“Jennifer is absolutely dedicated to the participants. She will do everything she can to make sure they are having the time of their lives. We spend a whole bunch of time together leading up to the Michigan 3-Day and on-event (usually in a rented minivan) so there is a tendency for us to get a little slap-happy. There is no shortage of shenanigans when we are set loose on the route!” – Ann

Gina (Michigan Crew & Volunteer Coordinator)

“Gina is always positive, her smile is infectious and her love for the crew is tremendous! I don’t get to see Gina on event as much as Jennifer, so I love those moments when we get to team up. Usually, it’s when we’re setting up or tearing down camp, so hilarity is always an option! Sometimes we steal her and take her out on the route with us so that she can join in the craziness.” – Ann

“How would I describe Gina? She is kind, caring and has a huge heart. Gina has a calmness under pressure that is perfect for this event and for working with the crew. So many things can change on this event at the last minute and Gina just handles it, calmly and without showing any signs of being worried or stressed. Gina has moved around a bit and for a few years was a coach for a different city where we both live, so we have spent more than our fair share of time together on the route and most especially with Street Team Day. We made a great team, she can handle a roll of tape like a pro!” – Jennifer

Do you know the Michigan coaches? How would you describe these fabulous ladies?

Susan G. Komen Mission Webinar Recap and Full Video!

Earlier this year, the 3-Day held a series of Komen Impact Forums in 10 cities across the country. The forums were hosted by Chrissy Mathews, the 3-Day program manager for Susan G. Komen, and she was joined by other members of the Komen leadership team, as well as grantees in each city who have received funds from Komen. The goal of the Impact Forums was to initiate a dialogue between Komen and the 3-Day community, addressing common questions and concerns and allowing the 3-Day participants to hear first-hand from the doctors, caregivers, patients and advocates in their own communities who have benefited from Komen funding.

In that same spirit, Komen held its first ever Mission Webinar in early June with the goal of reaching even more of its supporters, no matter where they live. Like with the in-person Impact Forums, the webinar was an opportunity for people (especially those who support Komen through their participation and donations to the 3-Day) to learn a little more about how Komen funding works and hear directly from a researcher, Dr. Justin Balko, whose work has greatly benefited from the money raised by the 3-Day and other Komen efforts.

Dr. Justin Balko is an extraordinary young researcher (his list of titles is remarkable in itself) whose lab is making tremendous discoveries in the field of immunotherapy as a treatment option for triple negative breast cancer. If that sounds overwhelming, don’t worry; Dr. Balko is also a teacher and does a wonderful job of explaining his very complex work in a way that anyone can understand.

We invite you to take time to view the recording of the Komen Mission Webinar and learn about these exciting advances yourself.