Seattle’s Pink Kilt

William K from Redmond, Washington, awaits the Opening Ceremony at the 2013 Seattle 3-Day

“Everyone recognizes the Backpack Guy,” mentions a pink-clad walker in the darkness of the Seattle Center. “He’s been doing this forever, and we even saw him in Tampa Bay last year!” The pink boas, the tutus, the extraordinary amount of pink necklaces that would make a rapper proud are the norm out here on the Susan G. Komen 3-Day^®. It’s usually also safe to say that most participants are either directly or indirectly affected by breast cancer, and it is common to find man cancer survivors and even those in treatment out braving the elements and pushing their physical limits for the cause.

William K from Redmond, Washington, had no ties.

William K greets Susan G. Komen walkers on Day 1 of the Seattle 3-Day

William K greets walkers on Day 1 of the Seattle 3-Day

In his 9th year of walking the Seattle 3-Day, he has donned a pink kilt (a ‘Utilikit’), some seriously sturdy leather boots, and an unmistakeable backpack. Not a small bag on his back or a fanny pack, mind you, but a full backpacking-style backpack. “It slows me down,” William mentioned in the pink light of the Opening Ceremony, with the Space Needle in the background. That and the large wrist weights that look like a superhero’s outfit. “Oh yes, the wrist weights,” adds William, noticing that I am staring at them. “They really help make your hands feel better.” That would make sense, since a lot of walkers notice the swollen hands that develop from swinging back and forth for 60 miles. After a good look at him, he appears something like a Scottish soldier with a serious penchant for pink. The overwhelmingly female crowd loves him, though, and he has become a staple to the annual event in Seattle.

William K in his pink kilt strides through the Ballard locks on his way to the Seattle Center and Closing Ceremony

“I’m a systems engineer in Redmond, but when I started, I had no connection to breast cancer. It was just a lot of fun,” says William between ‘hellos’ to people who recognize him as they pass. “Since I started though, I’ve had my mom and a sister diagnosed with breast cancer, so now it’s become very relevant.”

As a male with no initial connection to breast cancer, William still encourages other men and women to become involved, even if they don’t know someone directly. “I never worried about wearing the pink of the 3-Day, and it’s really easy to get involved! I would advise people to stand out, have fun, and make a strong statement!” Go William! He and 1,100 walkers and 300 crew members will wrap up the 60-mile route today that has raised $2.9 million to help end breast cancer!

William K awaits with Komen 3-Day® walkers at the beginning of the route on Day 2 of the Seattle 3-Day

William K embraces a fellow walker on the 2013 Seattle 3-Day

Tractors, Pirates, and Breast Cancer

If you happen to be in Seattle this weekend and see a pink tractor being driven by a pirate, not to worry. These things seem to happen on the Susan G. Komen 3-Day^®. David and Wendy N from Snohomish, Washington, have had many experiences that have led them to raise awareness for breast cancer in this piratey, pink way. Wendy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, beginning her tradition of walking the 60-mile route in 2006 with her best friend. David had a close call with his own “lumps and bumps,” and was, in fact, the reason he had originally met Wendy over the phone, over his own health concerns. Their common friends had led them together first over the phone, and then in person on the night before Halloween, where they had their first date…as pirates.

David and Wendy N support the Susan G. Komen Seattle 3-Day walkers in their pirate regalia

David started by walking the 60-mile walking route as well, an annual celebration to raise funds for breast cancer research and a physical challenge for anyone wanting to participate. “We decided that we would get married at the end of Day 2 on the event in 2009,” explained David. “We were married in our pirate outfits.” Of course they were, and it happened in a sea of pink-clad walkers who were more than happy to celebrate the joining of two strong people. (You can see the full ceremony on YouTube, under “Seattle Breast Cancer Pirate Wedding.”) The ceremony was officiated by none other tha, Barry Long, the host of the Halloween party of their first date and a man who happens to own the world’s record for the highest bungee jump in a wheelchair from a helicopter (and from a fixed structure).

David’s pink tractor, “Pinkie Pearl,” flies the pink pirate flag and even has its own Facebook page

But why “Pinkie Pearl,” the pink pirate tractor that David is commanding this weekend? “Well, I grew up on a dairy farm,” said David, “and I always wanted an antique tractor. A dairyman wanted to sell one for $500. I gave him $300 and then had to tell Wendy that we owned a tractor that didn’t run.” They wasted no time in painting it the traditional pink of the breast cancer cause and began a crusade to help people understand that they need to have regular checkups at the doctor and get screening. Wendy’s case was unique. “I had a co-worker friend who urged me to go get a mammogram,” said Wendy. “I had a lump on my left breast which turned out to be nothing, but I had cancer on my right breast and there was no lump! She may have saved my life, and now I am a seven-year survivor!” Their mission as pink pirates on tractors is clear: “We are here to raise awareness!”

“Pinkie Pearl” waits patiently on the Seattle 3-Day to raise more awareness about breast cancer

The antique tractor “Pinkie Pearl” dons the pink of the breast cancer awareness cause

The Inspiring Chicago 3-Day

The Chicago 3-Day kicks off in Northbrook, Illinois as walkers stride proudly onto the streets

We all watch the weather closely as the 3-Day inches closer, knowing that we will be at the mercy or the delight of the elements. “We’ve never had weather this wonderful!” commented one walker. “Chicago has either been hot or raining or both!” The sun rose on a temperate, crystal-clear Friday morning in Northbrook, Illinois, as the walkers, crew, and friends and family joined in the Opening Ceremony and burst out onto the streets, ready to walk the 21.3-mile course through the Chicago Botanical Gardens, Glencoe, Winnetka, Northfield, Glenview, and Des Plaines. Our gracious hosts at Our Lady of Guadalupe/Maryville Academy allowed the pink tents to pop up for two nights in their spacious fields. What a camp show! Dancers and singers both nights were top quality.

A team of Susan G. Komen Chicago 3-Day walkers gear up for Day 2

A team of Susan G. Komen Chicago 3-Day walkers at Pit Stop 1, with an additional photobomb

Saturday’s 19.3-mile journey through Mt. Prospect, Arlington Heights and Prospect Heights was peppered with some of the most lively and supportive neighborhoods, fire departments, and police departments anywhere. Pink police shirts, Mt. Prospect’s great team of firefighters, Arlington Heights’ pink fire engine, The Pair Tree, local cheerleaders, the pink balloon arch. The list goes on and on, and we couldn’t have been more pleased! We were proudly joined by the Young Women Walking group for the day, and they fit right in, pounding the pavement and making new friends. Like so many in the past, this memorable Saturday on the 3-Day^® will be treasured. Thank you all for your support!

The Young Women Walking joined up with our current walkers for a memorable Day 2 on the Chicago 3-Day

Saturday’s 16.4-mile route led through the Lake Shore Drive area, but it was anything but quiet. Sunday in Lincoln Park was bustling with weekenders, and walkers were cheered on by individuals, a few Pit Stops and even a hot dog festival. The real treat, however, was the scenic entry with views of downtown, the lake, and finally Soldier Field. The pace had slowed by this time, for obvious reasons, and the gaits of many were stiffening after almost 55 miles over three days. It is this point where observers really start to see the rise of determination.

Downtown Chicago looms in the distance as a Komen 3-Day® team walks along the Lake

Downtown Chicago looms in the distance as a 3-Day team walks along the Lake

This is where drive starts to exceed ability and training. The last few miles of the 3-Day are often the silent struggle of participants, often reminding them of their own struggle over breast cancer or the struggle of those loved ones who have been physically pushed in their fights. Inside the stadium, alone, they often talk to me in passing, sometimes not really wanting to be heard, “If Judy could do it” “If my mother could fight it” “I’ve done it before.” Sometimes I take their pictures, and sometimes I do not. But they can hear the cheers in stadium, and they know that the end is nearby, along with their families, the inspirational Closing Ceremony, and their dedication to finding a cure.