Congratulations to Our Top Fundraisers of the 2023 Chicago 3-Day!

The 2023 Susan G. Komen Chicago 3-Day boasted 700 walkers and 180 crew members who collectively contributed $2.1 million in the fight against breast cancer. To wrap up Day 1, our top fundraisers were recognized Friday evening at the Bank of America Celebration of Champions. This year, Bank of America is celebrating the accomplishments of our 3-Dayers by donating a collective $42,000 to the top fundraisers to jump start their 2024 fundraising efforts. Join us in congratulating these teams and individuals for their incredible achievements and contributions!

We kicked off the ceremony by recognizing our Rookie of the Year, Cynthia S., who raised $36,505.40 for her first ever 3-Day, also making her the Top Individual Fundraiser of the Chicago 3-Day! The crowd applauded her for her incredible contributions as she posed for a picture with Bank of America’s very own Kim Hamstead who delivered her two $500 donations to kick off her 2024 fundraising.

Angels for Angels was then awarded with our Small but Mighty Team award after their eight-person team raised a whopping $53,708.74. Team Capitan Rina W. was awarded a $500 donation and each of her teammates received $60 to kick-start their 2024 fundraising. We’re always so impressed by our Small but Mighty Teams!

Our Top Fundraising Team, Hakuna MaTaTas, was recognized for the $66,842.84 they teamed up to raise. With 35 members, they also stood as the largest team of the event and were captained by Christina Z. who walked alongside a very special guest, her doctor. Christina humbly accepted her $500 donation courtesy of Bank of America and her 34 teammates were each awarded $60 toward their 2024 fundraising. In their two years as a team, Hakuna MaTaTas have raised a collective $100,660.81 to help end breast cancer.

With our walkers accounted for, it was time to congratulate our incredible crew members, who collectively raised $72,276.44 in the Windy City! From Pit Stop 4, our Top Individual Crew Fundraiser, Sara Z., was honored for the $8,680.00 she raised this year for her 17^th event. The Pit Stop 4 Crew Team not only brought an incredible beach theme, but also rang in as the Top Fundraising Crew Team with nine members raising a collective $17,214.84!

We then honored our youngest fundraisers from the Chicago 3-Day, Youth Corps, who altogether raised $4,934! Ava H. participated in her second 3-Day and raised $944.80 this year, making her this event’s Top Youth Corps Fundraiser. Ava will be receiving a customized Hydro Flask courtesy of Bank of America which she can use with pride. We are so grateful for and proud of our Youth Corps who continually remind us of the future we fundraise to improve.

Whether you were a top fundraiser or hit your own fundraising goals for the 2023 Chicago 3-Day, the work that you do and the funds that you raise are ever important. We are so grateful to each and every one of you for making our departure from Chicago so memorable and impactful. On behalf of Bank of America and Susan G. Komen, thank you for all that you do to help fight breast cancer.

Beth N. is the 2023 Chicago Milestone Award Winner!

Our 2023 Chicago 3-Day Milestone Award Winner is 44-time participant Beth N.!

Over the past 17 years, Beth N. has participated in 44 3-Days and has raised a grand total of $122,328. She is known to be a walking, talking 3-Day encyclopedia and if she doesn’t know the answer to a 3-Day question, she’ll find it for you. She has dedicated a huge part of her life to building the 3-Day family, raising funds for the cause, and being a friend to everyone at the 3-Day. Beth’s friend describes her as “one of the most welcoming people that I have ever met” stating that “when newbies are searching for guidance, Beth will show them the way.” Get to know Beth and how she truly personifies what it means to be part of the Pink Bubble ― encouraging, motivating and inspiring!

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

Honestly, at my first 3-Day in 2002, I didn’t know anyone who had breast cancer. It was the first time an event like this had been in Michigan and I was testing myself to see if I could actually walk 60 miles! Then, of course, I fell in love with everyone in the Pink Bubble and couldn’t stop!

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

Knowing that I’m making a difference in someone’s life with the money I’m raising each year brings me back each year. That and, of course, my addiction to the Pink Bubble! 😂

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

It is no secret that I’ve got the best support system around! My friends and family are always there to support each fundraiser I hold, buy my card boxes, ask me to make a quilt or just donate to my 3-Day account. I am truly blessed!

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

Just do it! Don’t think about it too hard or you might talk yourself out of it. It seems daunting, yes, but if you take the plunge, you won’t regret it. There’s such a large team of coaches and participants who will help you on your journey and it will be one of the best weekends of your life!

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

Take time to stop and smell the roses, make a new friend, be a friend, give and receive hugs, and believe in yourself. We are all wildly capable of doing amazing things as long as we just believe!

The 2023 Chicago 3-Day Crew Impact Award Winner is Eileen S.!

Meet Eileen S., our Chicago Crew Impact Award Winner!

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

I first got involved in 1999 because I knew several women affected by the disease, some of whom passed away, and decided to help make a difference.

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

For those three days, the world feels perfect. My emotional batteries get recharged after spending time with so many wonderful, like-minded people.

What is your favorite aspect of crewing the 3-Day?

My favorite aspect of crewing the 3-Day is that everyone is working toward a common goal. And there’s more hugging than any other time of year.

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

Be prepared to get in touch with your emotions because this is an extremely important and powerful event. Also, no one else will ever understand the event like a fellow crewmate so expect to make lifelong friends.

What’s a fun fact about you?

I’m an avid bridge player, determined to become a life master. I’m told I have ice water in my veins when I play but I don’t believe it. I also love to work with my hands and can put IKEA furniture together as easily as I can knit a pair of socks.

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

Everyone should have something that they feel passionately about, and helping to create a world without cancer is one of my passions. I guess it all boils down to love; love for people in general as well as my crew, the walkers, the coaches, etc. Simple acts of kindness make a tremendous difference. Go figure.