How the 3-Day® Inspires this San Diego Police Officer

Each year, the San Diego Police Department attends the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® to provide support and safety along the costal route. Many officers cherish volunteering at this event where they get to join the Pink Bubble and sport their favorite pink accessories, including Paul S. who served 30 years on the force. Best known at the event for his elaborate hair styles, 2023 marked Paul’s 12^th year as a volunteer at the Komen San Diego 3-Day. His iconic look began when he decided to dye his hair pink and shave in the breast cancer ribbon to add a bit of joy for those taking on the tremendous feat of walking 60 miles in just three days. As time progressed, walkers began seeking out Paul along the route to see which unique design he etched into the side of his head that year.

He first discovered the 3-Day® through a police department announcement and knew that he wanted to participate after learning how inspiring the event was. As the years of volunteering have grown, his desire to participate only increases with the tremendous relationships he builds, the support he receives, and the safety he’s able to provide. “[Everyone] treats us police officers as rock stars… It is great to have so many people love you for what you do day in and day out, but most of all I am there for [the walkers],” he shares. “I lift their spirits and they lift mine. Those years when I was a full-time police officer, it was what recharged my batteries so that when I went back to work, I knew that I was loved for who I am and what I do. There is no feeling like being there in uniform, seeing the look in the walkers’ eyes, and feeling the love they have for us… They treat us like we walk on water, but honestly, we officers do not come close to how special the walkers are.”

Paul has always had a tremendous appreciation for the survivors and thrivers. The first year that he volunteered he was blown away by how inspiring the participants are. However, this year, he felt an even closer connection to the walkers as he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer on June 10^th, 2023, which had metastasized to his lungs, liver and spine. Just a few months before the 2023 San Diego 3-Day, Paul underwent six and a half hours of surgery and began treatment, including medication and radiation. In October of 2023, he had a CT scan when the doctors discovered a saddle pulmonary embolism in his lungs for which he was immediately admitted into the emergency room. After his release from the hospital, Paul decided that the best way through this was to remain positive and keep busy with his volunteer work, including coaching high school football, working at a PGA golf tournament, and, of course, the 3-Day.

The following month, Paul was back in his favorite place: the Pink Bubble. “I was so happy to be alive every day and had a positive attitude about my journey. I wanted to help others keep their positive attitude… more than ever, and I wanted them to help me continue my positive attitude,” he beamed. “I wanted to let them all know that anything is possible if you just stay positive.” After the 2023 3-Day, Paul’s spirits have never been higher, and he shares that he walked away a better person for being there and for participating in the incredible event. He finds solace in his family and friends, through volunteering at events like the 3-Day, and by reminding himself of how much good he’s been able to do throughout his career. Since beginning his service in 1988, Paul was able to lead, mentor, and give advice to countless officers and detectives, and takes tremendous pride in helping them achieve their goals.

He expresses a tremendous amount of gratitude to the San Diego Police Department for allowing him to participate in the 3-Day all these years. “But most of all I want to thank all the walkers I have known over these years for being there and for allowing them to touch my life and make it have more meaning.”

The 3-Day community is endlessly grateful for all that the San Diego Police Department has done for us throughout the years. Their support and service are integral to what makes the San Diego 3-Day such a momentous event each and every year. We extend our positivity to Paul as he continues to battle this journey and hope to see him again in 2024.

Cynthia S. Recounts her Battle with Breast Cancer and First Time at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®

By Cynthia S., 3-Day Walker

I had always taken my breast health seriously. On my father’s side of the family my great grandmother, grandmother and great aunt were all diagnosed with breast cancer in their fifties. Mammograms started yearly at age forty for me. I realized the importance of these screenings as I was called back at different times for more images to be taken to ensure all was clear. This was comforting to me as I knew mammograms worked and I was being checked over carefully for anything that could look suspicious.

One year after the extra images were taken it came to be known that I had atypical cells that needed to be removed through surgery as they could potentially turn into cancer cells. I continued to follow through diligently every year with my mammogram hopeful that I would continue to get that letter in the mail that everything looks good and no abnormalities.

In July of 2011, I received a call that I needed to go in for a biopsy. Then after a few days of anxious waiting I was told that I had breast cancer. I still remember the words ringing in my ears as I was listening to my trusted gynecologist on the other end of the line. Soon after that day we were on our family vacation at the lake with our three young daughters and both sets of our parents. My husband and I would go into town each day because of the limited cell service and make several phone calls to make sure I had all the necessary appointments in line for when we returned home. It was not until after we knew exactly what the prognosis was that we explained what was going on to our children.

I was diagnosed with invasive ducal carcinoma of the left breast. My oncologist recommended I get the BRCA gene test urgently because of my family history and having three daughters. He also recommended a new cutting-edge test at that time called Oncotype DX to determine my treatment plan after surgery. In the end those tests suggested the most effective path for my treatment, two surgeries, and a lumpectomy. My treatment plan included six weeks of radiation, oral medication for five years, and six infusion treatments of Zometa for the strengthening of my bones.

During this challenging time, I felt so much support and love from my family, friends, and community. I had a friend tell me, “The good thing that will come out of this difficult experience is the outpouring of those who want to help and be there for you in any way they can.” She continued with, “There will be people you may not even know, but they will come, and your life will be different because of their kindness and encouraging words.”

This past September, I participated in the Susan G. Komen Chicago 3-Day with two of my three daughters, Lauren and Bella. My youngest, Sophia, is still in college and cheered us on as we trained and prepared for the special weekend. I had been wanting to participate in the Komen 3-Day and this seemed to be the perfect opportunity as the stars aligned to join the Pink Bubble for the weekend to raise money, share experiences, and meet new friends and support each other. My middle daughter, Bella, spoke at the event as a co-survivor, which brought tears to my heart. Looking back, you are very scared as an adult, but in a child’s eyes nothing is scarier than the unknown and having a mom with cancer. She and her sister connected with the other co-survivors that weekend which was comforting in so many ways for them.

It’s hard to describe the special weekend in the Pink Bubble as you have so many emotions. You laugh, cry, give hugs and smiles, you learn of other people’s stories and the importance of this community of people coming together for a special cause. My girls and I were honored to be there amongst such strong warriors. As you walk the route you are taken by the hand the hand the whole way by either a car driving by honking [and cheering] “Let’s go!” or several of the volunteers meeting you at each stop dressed in fun pink attire. At times we were even greeted by complete strangers that want to encourage you and give you candy or fun tattoos! We really enjoyed the photo opportunities along the way! Super fun and such a great memory! This is an experience like no other and we are all doing it together for the fight to end breast cancer!

Fundraising Tips Straight from the Top

Fundraising is a vital part of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® that sometimes involves a whirlwind of emotions. It can be daunting to set goals, determine how to start, what methods to use, or even who to ask. To help you out, we’ve teamed up with some of our Top Fundraisers from 2023 to share all the wisdom that’s boosted them straight to the top of the leaderboards. From simple emails to elaborate golf outings, these trailblazers share the methods that have propelled them to the summit of fundraising excellence. They’ll spill the beans on what works best for them and reveal their tips and tricks to help you achieve your fundraising goals this year.

Laura P.: Top Fundraiser ? New England: $50,000+

For the past three years, Laura has been walking the Komen 3-Day in honor of her mom and best friend who have both battled breast cancer. Determined to prevent herself and her nieces from having to combat this tremendous disease, she takes fundraising very seriously. She raises most of her money through word of mouth, Facebook, and email, including updating the signature on her work email to include the link to her fundraising page. Laura acknowledges that fundraising can seem formidable, but notes that, from her experience, many people want to donate, especially when someone they know is doing something big like the 3-Day®.

“Tell everyone what you are doing, don’t be shy. When I send out the email, I include all the people who previously donated, all my friends, some co-workers, and I have included my parents’ friends too. I have been amazed at how many people have been touched by breast cancer or support me due to my mother.” Laura also emphasizes the value of reminder emails and asking people about their company’s matching gift policy. Her brother’s company does a double match one day a year, so he always donates on that day, and a friend of hers works at a company that always does a double match. “It is amazing when you can turn a $50 donation into $150 or $100 into $300.”

She also emphasizes the importance of sending out thank you notes to everyone who donated. After the walk, she sends a card with pictures from the walk as a wonderful way of including her donors in the Pink Bubble. Laura looks forward to walking again in the 2024 Denver 3-Day as a 1-Day walker. “Breast cancer has had such a negative impact on my life, but Susan G. Komen® has had such a positive impact. I feel as if I can make a difference, because of Komen.”

Cynthia S.: Top Fundraiser – Chicago: $36,000+

As a breast cancer survivor and first-time walker, Cynthia kicked off her 3-Day journey with a goal of raising $10,000 to help find the cures for breast cancer. However, her fundraising efforts took her to unexpected levels as she and her two daughters collectively raised $43,000. Her approach included sending letters, emails and text messages to friends, family, and business acquaintances. She happily shared her story and explained the 3-Day to anyone who asked for more information on the cause. Upon receiving donations, Cynthia sent out a handwritten thank you letter to each donor to let them know how much she appreciated their support in continuing the fight to end breast cancer. Whenever she hit a milestone or was close to achieving a goal, Cynthia’s husband encouraged her to push further and reach out to more acquaintances who she had not initially contacted. In fact, Cynthia and her husband increased her goal 4 or 5 times before settling at $36,000.

Prior to this effort, Cynthia had never fundraised for any organization. In fact, at the start she was shy about asking friends and family for donations. “I found that sending emails and text messages after I verbally let people know I was walking 60 miles over three days to raise money for [the cures] kind of opened the door for them to give. It was an amazing and uplifting experience to receive daily notifications from the 3-Day that a donation had been made and that alone made me want to reach out to even more potential donors! The realization that people were so happy to help made me even more excited about reaching my goals and beyond. Trust me, if I can do this anyone can! Taking the first step to commit is all it takes. From there the adrenaline will propel you to your fundraising goals, as well as to the finish line!”

Stephanie C.: Top Fundraiser San Diego – $64,000+

Stephanie first participated in the 3-Day in 2006 in Philadelphia with the attitude “Try something once. If you don’t like it, you never have to do it again.” Fifteen events later, she continues to show up to the 3-Day and raise funds as people she is close to continue to go through cancer treatment. “This disease touches so many people and many are silent about it. Being open about raising money for the cause and committing to the walk are ways you can help others talk about and participate in helping others in the journey to recovery,” she shared.

Year after year, Stephanie puts on a golf outing to raise money for the 3-Day, and each year it grows. She has many repeat supporters whom she sets out to make feel important before, during and after the event. She describes her donors as the backbone of the 3-Day, the true heroes who make it all possible. Her advice to first-time walkers is to start fundraising as soon as possible. Don’t be afraid to ask for donations. “It’s not about the big donations,” she shared, “it is about all the small ones. Use your networks ? tap into your friends to tap into their friends.” She also recommends creating a revenue stream that gives something back to the donor, like her annual golf outing.

She looks forward to walking again in the 2024 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day with her friends, including a survivor she met in 2021, and her sister who has joined her in walking the past few years. She sets out to match or exceed the amount she raised in 2023. In closing, she advises “It takes a village! Whether you are a top fundraiser or working hard to hit your minimum requirement ? it takes all of us to provide Komen the opportunity to put our money to good work.”