Tag Archives: Dallas-Fort Worth

2022 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Milestone Award Winner

If you’ve ever participated in a Susan G. Komen 3-Day event, you’ve probably seen or talked to Jennifer S. Participating in 28 events over eight years, Jennifer has raised more than $91,000 to date! We talked to Jennifer about what the 3-Day means to her and even got a testimonial from her team, Pink Soles in Motion. 

What was your inspiration to do your first 3-Day? 

My girlfriend, who had walked before, suggested that we walk after I finished my treatment. I was excited to show cancer that it was not the boss of me ? it could not dictate how I would live! I went after it, determined to be successful; to raise the money and walk all 60 miles. Whew! It changed me forever. 

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

I walk because I can’t walk away. That is true and there is so much more. A few hours into my first walk, I discovered that it was not about me at all, it was so much bigger. Everyone there had a story, a compelling reason for their participation, and I was overwhelmed, inspired and committed. Then, oh my heart, the young women I see in the survivor circle. This is so wrong; young women should not have to make these hard decisions. 

Somehow, once you are part of this world, you tend to meet people who are also part of this world. Do you know what I mean? I am reminded all the time of the importance of the money we raise. I am not a scientist or a doctor, but I can raise money.  

Finally, being part of our community fills my bucket. The joy, kindness and shared higher purpose of our walkers, crew and volunteers lifts me up. I believe it’s the world the way it should be, could be. 

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

I wish I had a secret :). I have been so fortunate; blessed really by people who have jumped in to help, and some who contribute every year. I am pretty much fundraising ALL the time; it might be considered an obsession. I have learned how to ask. I use the Facebook fundraiser and ask for my birthday, Christmas and of course October ? Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I tell everyone I meet what I am doing, ask them to join me and ask for a donation. I do tithe to myself, a little bit each month. I sell filled Easter eggs every year and hide them for an extra charge. Our team has a golf tournament, sells wreaths at the holidays and tamales for Christmas. I was blessed to have a couple of matchers help me this year which made a huge difference.  

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

Oh gosh. Train; train in the shoes, socks, clothes and pack you intend to use for the event. Resist the temptation to purchase something new the night or the week before. Find some veteran walkers and pick their brains. Then, relax and enjoy the event. It’s 60 miles whether you walk the whole way or ride in the sweep vans a bit. There is no judgement on the 3-Day. 

What’s a fun fact about you? 

My fun fact is that I learned to ice skate at the ripe old age of 44 and earned a gold medal in a senior competition. 

Jennifer’s team, Pink Soles in Motion, provided a brief testimonial about her: 

“Everyone knows Jennifer because she is a cheerleader, a motivator, and a supporter and because Pink Soles in Motion has named her our unofficial 3-Day ambassador. Jennifer’s dedication to the 3-Day and Pink Soles in Motion has helped raise awareness for the cause and made the Pink Bubble an even better place to be. We wouldn’t be surprised if she bleeds pink! So, for a good time…walk with Jennifer!! Congratulations Jennifer! We love you.” 

Congratulations, Jennifer, on receiving this award, and for all of the accomplishments you’ve achieved from funds raised to the amount of years participated in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day! Stay tuned for our last 2022 Milestone Award Winner Blog for the San Diego 3-Day and read about our other Milestone Award Winners here. 

2022 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Recap

The Susan G. Komen 3-Day returned to Dallas/Fort Worth this past weekend. With a total of 725 walkers, 225 crew members and $2.2 million raised, it was a weekend to remember!  

Day 1 

The lobby of the Hyatt Regency in downtown Dallas, Texas was filled with excitement in the early hours of Friday, November 4 as walkers and crew waited for the ballroom doors to open. Once the clock struck 6:30 a.m., the venue for Opening Ceremony opened and the magic of the Pink Bubble began. Tables filled with lanyards, pins and bibs to write who you walk for were available for participants to gather and share why they commit to the 3-Day, including. the Promise Flag, which participants write on in dedication to those we have lost to breast cancer.  

As the Opening Ceremony started, we stretched in preparation for walking 20 miles on Day 1, we heard inspiring and heart-felt stories that reminded us of the importance of this cause, and recognized our survivors and those living with breast cancer. Promptly at 8 a.m., the route opened and walkers were released in groups onto the streets of Dallas to start their 3-Day journey.  

Our first stop of the day was at Turtle Creek Park, where walkers were welcomed to pit stop 1, “Boxing Out Cancer.” This pit stop not only offered fuel for our walkers, but also beautiful views of the downtown Dallas skyline. With three miles down, walkers then continued on the route. 

Pit Stop 2 was at Craddock Park, and the entrance was lined with the first cheering station of the day. The amount of support, clapping and words of encouragement was amazing! Walkers stopped to take pictures and grabbed snacks and hydration before continuing on.

As much as we crossed our fingers and hoped for the weather to cooperate, rain started to come down late in the morning. Walkers arrived at lunch at Highland Park Presbyterian Church and were handed a bag lunch before boarding busses to head back to the Hyatt Regency so they could end their day safely. 

Although our route was cut in half, we made up for it by having so much fun at camp! The Youth Corps cheered and had a dance party to welcome in our walkers for the day, and once camp opened at 1 p.m., soft pretzels were served in the dining area. Walkers also took this opportunity to take pictures in front of the Day 1 photo-op. 

We proceeded with our Friday night programming, playing our favorite minute-to-win-it games like junk in the trunk, cup stack and cookie face. We also heard some very talented voices among our participants during karaoke before calling it a night and getting some rest to welcome beautiful weather on Day 2! 

Day 2 

Day 2 kicked off with our Bank of America Breakfast of Champions, celebrating and thanking all of our top fundraisers, from individuals to teams, for their incredible efforts! After breakfast, walkers were eager to catch the bus to travel to Fort Worth for the day’s route. As a sea of pink headed west, we were welcomed into Fort Worth with a sky clear of clouds and full of sun! It was a welcome change from the previous day.  

After cruising through pit stop 1 at Haynes Memorial Triangle, walkers were surprised and delighted to be transported to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory at pit stop 2! Willy Wonka and his cast of characters, including Charlie Bucket, Violet Beauregarde, Veruca Salt, Grandpa Joe and of course the Oompa Loompas, all posed for pictures and cheered walkers on as they made their way to lunch. 

Walkers then crossed under the halfway arch at W.C. Striplings Middle School where they basked in the sun and performed the beloved halfway dance to “Walking on Sunshine!” 

After lunch, the sun continued to shine, birds chirped and cheers were heard as walkers made their way through pit stop 3 before walking through beautiful Trinity Park. Here, walkers passed through our Memorial Mile where we honor those who have lost their battle with breast cancer. It was an emotional and beautiful reminder of why we walk.  

At the end of the day, tired, but happy, walkers loaded buses back to the hotel where the famous 3-Day mac and cheese was plentiful and 3-Day Main Street was ready for business. We began our Honor Ceremony with stories from our Dallas/Fort Worth Youth Corps. The room was quiet as each member shared their connection to breast cancer and why they commit to the 3-Day. We then heard from three Dallas/Fort Worth walkers who also graciously shared their stories with us and how the 3-Day has impacted themselves and their loved ones.   

Day 3 

Excitement was in the air as walkers ate breakfast and fueled up for their final day exploring Dallas. Walkers lined up behind Melissa W. and her husband, John, who won the Dallas/Fort Worth Ultimate 3-Day Experience challenge, which rewarded them with a first-out-on-the route pass when it opened at 7 a.m. 

It was another beautiful, sunny day as walkers explored the streets of downtown Dallas, traveling on and off the Santa Fe Trail with beautiful views. 

The photo-ops continued as walkers reached pit stop 2, which had these amazing decorated bras strung between the trees.  

As walkers departed, they adventured towards lunch at Tokalon Park, right next to White Rock Lake. Tokalon Park boasted a beautiful grassy hillside for walkers to sit down, relax and enjoy their final lunch of their 3-Day journey. 

Leaving lunch, walkers ventured into the Swiss Avenue neighborhood before reaching Dallas’ Main Street Garden Park. Look at that skyline! 

The Finish Line Festival did not disappoint, as walkers were cheered on and welcomed by the University of Texas at Arlington cheerleaders, a group of cowboys and our wonderful crew. 

The Jordan Kahn orchestra played live music to celebrate the amazing accomplishments of our walkers and crew, and the horn section even came out into the crowd, dancing to the cupid shuffle and conga line with our walkers. This was such a treat ? everybody loved it! 

Our last walker crossed the finish line around 3:30 p.m. and raised the flag to begin our Closing Ceremony. 

We raised our shoes to salute our survivors as they made their way to the front of the stage, and raised our commit flags as we promised to not give up until we find the cures to breast cancer. 

Thank you to the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth and thank you to our Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day walkers, crew and volunteers. We had an amazing and memorable weekend, and hope we’ll see you again in 2023. Registration is now open at The3Day.org.  

Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Route Preview

The Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day is back after three years! Walkers, crew and volunteers will not be disappointed as this year’s route has some wonderful sights and scenes to be enjoyed over our three-day journey. Don’t forget when you’re out walking to take pictures, post them on your social media platforms and tag us using #DFW3Day for a chance to be featured in the 3-Day social feeds! 

We are so excited to reunite the Pink Bubble at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas. This hotel is not only where we’ll start the route on Days 1 and 3, but also where the Opening Ceremony and Honor Ceremony will be held, as well as 3-Day Main Street and everything it has to offer! 

Day 1 will start off with an exciting and emotional Opening Ceremony where our breast cancer survivors and those living with breast cancer will lead us out onto the route. Once departed from the hotel, we can expect gorgeous views of the Dallas skyline right off the bat. We’ll head into the Oak Lawn neighborhood and walk on and off its Turtle Creek Trails. Next, we’ll pass by the Dallas Country Club before we wander into University Park. Here we’ll cheer on the Mustangs as we pass Southern Methodist University! We’ll start winding down the day with some amazing photo opportunities, passing the Dallas Museum of Art, and the famous Giant Eyeball Sculpture!  

Day 2 will start with a fun bus ride to the beautiful city of Fort Worth! We are so excited to bring the 3-Day back to Fort Worth and can’t wait for you to see this day’s beautiful route. The drop-off and pick-up point will be the same, with a bus ride taking participants back to the Hyatt Regency in Dallas after completing the route. 

We’ll start our journey in Fort Worth seeing Baylor Medical Center. Be sure to take out your phones and cameras, because next up is Magnolia Avenue! It’s a hip, fun and picturesque street filled with restaurants and shops galore. The photo ops don’t stop there, because next up is the Fort Worth Water Gardens. We’ll then pass the Bank of America Tower and Farrington Field before reaching the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, as seen in the photo above. We’ll end Day 2 at Trinity Park, where buses will take us back to the Hyatt Regency for dinner and our Honor Ceremony. 

Day 3 will start from the hotel as we did on Day 1, exploring more of what Dallas has to offer. First up on our last day together is the Dallas Farmer’s Market! Then we’ll make our way onto the Santa Fe Trailway, where we’ll spend most of our morning.  

Walkers will then get to see Dallas’ beautiful White Rock Lake before heading into the neighborhood of Swiss Avenue. Our final miles together will include Dallas’ Main Street Garden Park and visiting the Giant Eyeball Sculpture one last time before arriving at the Finish Line Festival at Reunion Tower for our memorable Closing Ceremony. 

We’re so excited to reunite for the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day! Will you be joining us? Let us know in the comments. Don’t forget to stay tuned for our route preview of the San Diego 3-Day coming soon!