A Toast to the 3-Day from Haviland F., Your San Diego Toast Lady

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But behind all that excitement and fun is someone deeply dedicated to the 3-Day cause, who works tirelessly for a world without breast cancer. Havliand lost her aunt to breast cancer before she became involved in the 3-Day.

She was first recruited to volunteer by her friend, Kit L., and lost her voice the first year she cheered on 3-Dayers. After a few years of this cheerleading-style weekend, the two wanted to do something different. They wanted to toast all the amazing work the 3-Day was doing, but knew that alcohol wasn’t allowed on event. So, they grabbed slices of sourdough bread instead, and began their “toasting” tradition!

The rest, as they say, is history. Since then, she and Kit have become a staple in the Del Mar community as “The Toast Girls.”

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Haviland raves about Kit and the rest of her San Diego 3-Day community.

“I can’t tell you how much I look forward to the 3-Day event every year, and cheering on every single one of those walkers while wearing more pink than should be allowed in public. Plus, holding up slices of bread.  It’s my honor to do this for these amazing people who are trying to find a cure for breast cancer.   Truly, spending four days with my 3-Day family is something that makes my soul sing every year.”

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To learn more about her dedication to the 3-Day cause, we heard Haviland’s story in her own words…

What are some of your fondest memories of meeting with walkers while you cheer them on?

Holy cow where do I start?!  All the ones I’ve made and the ones I have yet to make. From that first year cheering in over 3000 walkers to the last few years as a toast girl.  I love that I can inspire people.  It’s the least I can do because truly they are the ones who inspire me to come back year after year.

What keeps you coming back year after year?

Simple: The 3-Day is my family.  […] It’s my privilege to cheer and support these fearless walkers on the route and at camp. I come back to remember my Aunt Joanne and honor her. I come because my heart calls me to do so. It makes me feel that I have power over something that can make you feel powerless.  I will always be a 3-Day “Toast Girl.”

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Why is it so important that we continue to support breast cancer charities?

It’s important to continue so that we can put a stop to families losing time with loved ones. Time is precious and we all deserve a full lifetime.

Who are other people you want to “toast” to in your life?

My beautiful children Taylor and Ian.  My amazing family.  My closest friends Jen, Melanie, Kit, Janet and a ton of others all these people have touched my life in a significant way. And of course, my amazing 3-Day people – those who I know and those who I still have yet to meet!

We toast to you, Haviland!

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Not to Miss 3-Day Cheering Stations

The 3-Day is sixty miles of fun, excitement, and friendship, all of which make a big difference in the fight against breast cancer. Part of that excitement though, doesn’t just come from our walkers. In addition to the camaraderie of teams and walkers and crew members all coming together, there are also cheering stations along the route to give an extra boost of energy.

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We asked our social media community, coaches, and the rest of our 3-Day team which cheering stations have given you an extra special boost! You all had your favorites from 3-Days past, and we highlighted some of them below:

Michigan 3-Day

Rebecca Fox on Facebook: The line of what seems like 100s of cheerleaders in Livonia on Day 3 in Michigan. Also, Plymouth on Day 2.

@amybray1 on Twitter: The Michigan 3-Day. Best cheering station is the hundreds of cheerleaders on Sunday morning. I get all choked up, every single time!!

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San Diego 3-Day

Marianne Masterson, San Diego Coach: In San Diego, my favorite is ‘Lilly the Golden’ the kissing dog!  She hangs out in her RV and walkers can approach the window and sweet Lilly will give them a little dog kiss. Lilly’s RV is called The Mothership and she is associated with the team Save Areola 51. The team has a large following and the RV can be found each day on route. The group started giving out stickers a couple of years ago because Lilly has become famous! Last year she had some special doggie friends helping her out as well.  It’s got to be tiring to have to give so many kisses, so I guess they had to call in some support!

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Michelle Anne Crago Buessing from Facebook: Team Michelle Lemonade stands in San Diego with the CUTEST kids!!

Alyssa, 3-Day Social Media  Manager: The “pickle people” have been providing pickles to walkers for about six years, now.

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“Pickles have potassium, they help leg cramps, and it helps prevent more cramps.

“We come out all three days and hand out pickles – they love ‘em!” said Bill, one of the head picklers. He got involved when his granddaughter started walking. He now passes out pickles every year along with his wife Kathleen, sons, daughters, and grandkids. They set up at the top of San Diego’s infamous San Juan Street Hill on Day 3.

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Philadelphia 3-Day

Heather VanDyke from Facebook: Always a good year walking in Philly when you get to see the Determined Divas & Dawgs … music, high fives & big smiles exactly when you need them along the route (rain or shine) ?

@phillywalker from Twitter: City Avenue on Day 2 in Philly outside the Chili’s, but the absolute best is Day 1 and the kids at the school about a mile in.

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Twin Cities 3-Day

Stephanie Mayer, Twin Cities Coach: The Drum Heart group you’ll find every year on Day 2 at beautiful Lake Josephine Park, right along Mile 10.

There are sure to be some great cheering stations, new and old, on the 2017 3-Days. While all these cheering stations might not be back for another year, we can guarantee that all walkers will feel the love and excitement from our supporters.

Which cheering station do you have great memories of? Tell us in the comments! Or, do you know somebody that wants to set up a private cheering station along the 3-Day route? Contact your local coaches today by calling 800-996-3DAY!