Tag Archives: Dallas Fort Worth 3-Day

How Sweep Vans Support Walkers at the 3-Day

Donna and Denise's sweep van at the Denver 3-Day. The theme was Wizard of Oz.

When participants arrive at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®, they’re determined to take on an unforgettable journey of walking up to 60 miles. But sometimes exhaustion, an unexpected injury, weather-related route closures or simply needing a moment to recharge can make it difficult for walkers to stay on the route.  

That’s where the sweep vans come in.  

Throughout the 3-Day weekend, sweep vans monitor the route for walkers who need a break and provide transportation to another section of the route. While some walkers choose to use a sweep van if an unexpected challenge arises, others incorporate them into their event plan from the start. No matter the reason, sweep van crews are ready to offer a lift, encouragement and a warm welcome when a 3-Day walker steps inside. 

More Than Just a Ride 

Denise and Donna dressed in costume near their Wizard of Oz sweep van at the Komen 3-Day.

Like many parts of the 3-Day, sweep vans embrace the spirit of the Pink Bubble. Crews often decorate their vans, wear costumes and create fun themes to lift walkers’ moods and to keep the energy going all weekend.  

At last year’s Denver 3-Day, Donna K. and Denise S. decorated their sweep van based on the Wizard of Oz. The pair dressed in costumes including Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion and the Tin Man, plus Glinda and Elphaba and greeted walkers with music and gave them small gifts. 

“My son 3-D printed these red badges of courage, and we passed those out to everybody as they came in the van,” Donna said. 

Donna and Denise in the 3-Day sweep van supporting walkers.

For Donna, who has been participating in the 3-Day as a walker since 2006 and crews in at least one city a year, supporting walkers from a sweep van gave her a new perspective.  

“There’s some people that absolutely will not get in a sweep van,” Donna said. “That was me when I first started doing the walk. I wanted to do all the miles. But after a while, you realize that walking is just secondary to the experience and that you need to listen to your body. If you’re having struggles, it’s OK to get in a sweep van.”  

Although many participants are hesitant to ride a sweep van because of their determination to complete all 60 miles on foot, Donna encourages walkers to view the vans as tool to help them succeed. 

A Different Way to Give Back 

Donna and Denise behind the wheel of their 3-Day sweep van dressed in costume.

Denise is no stranger to the 3-Day. Inspired by her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis, she participated in the event for years and completed approximately 15 walks. But last year’s Denver 3-Day marked her first time serving on the crew. 

Crewing alongside Donna in the sweep van gave Denise a new appreciation for the support crew members provide to walkers. 

“I think one thing I would like people to know is how good it makes the people in the sweep vans feel when somebody comes in our van,” Denise said. “We are there driving the vans and we are there hanging around to help when they need us. And it felt good when we were able to do that.” 

This year, Donna and Denise will be back behind the wheel of their Wizard of Oz-themed sweep van at the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day. Their message to walkers is simple: Don’t be afraid to accept support. 

Taking a sweep van doesn’t mean your 3-Day journey is over. Sometimes a quick break is all you need to keep moving toward the finish line. 

Denise and Donna outside their sweep van on the yellow brick road they set up.

To learn more about the 3-Day, visit the3day.org. 

Dallas/Fort Worth Milestone Award Winner: Kriste R.

Kriste R. receiving the Milestone Award at the 2025 Dallas/Fort Worth Celebration of Champions.

At this season’s Susan G. Komen Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day®, Kriste R. was honored with the 2025 Milestone Award, recognizing her many years of fundraising, walking and commitment to the Pink Bubble community. 

The Milestone Award celebrates legendary 3-Day participants who demonstrate unwavering dedication to raising game-changing funds in support of Komen’s vision to end breast cancer forever.  

Kriste’s story is one of courage and perseverance. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 while eight months pregnant with her son. Since then, she has participated in the 3-Day 10 times and raised more than $175,000. 

She received her award during the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Celebration of Champions ceremony, where her best friend and teammate, Kennita, delivered a heartwarming speech. 

“Kriste is the strongest person I know. She faced every challenge with courage, grace and a smile that never faded. She didn’t just survive—she inspired,” Kennita shared. 

Kriste’s commitment to the 3-Day is rooted in personal loss and family history.  

“I have lost my father and sister, who were both carriers of the BRCA2 gene mutation. I walk in memory of them,” Kriste shared. “I’ve learned from the Pink Bubble community that no one wants to be a part of the breast cancer community, but everyone has to be until we find the cures.” 

Her fierce determination is nothing short of extraordinary. Just two years ago, Kriste walked the 3-Day with a broken back, undergoing surgery less than a week later— a true testament to her unstoppable grit.

Congratulations, Kriste! Your strength and dedication continue to inspire us all. 

Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day: A Little Rain, a Lot of Heart

Women in pink cowboy hats at the 2025 Dallas/Fort Worth Komen 3-Day

The Susan G. Komen 3-Day® filled the streets of Dallas and Fort Worth this past weekend. Even when the rain rolled in and led to some minor scheduling adjustments, the Pink Bubble’s spirit remained strong. Together, 800 walkers and crew celebrated raising $2.1 million to support Komen’s vision to end breast cancer forever. 

Day 1 

Bud C. spoke at the Opening Ceremony at the 2025 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day.

At the Opening Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Dallas, participants shared deeply personal stories and their connection to the Pink Bubble community. Bud C. spoke about his wife Julie’s journey with triple negative breast cancer. “Now, five years cancer-free, Julie and I decided there was no better way to celebrate than in the Pink Bubble.” 

In a touching moment, Nelia S., who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, rang the bell for her first time. “When I finished treatment, I never rang the bell,” she said. “But today, I ring the bell for everyone who been impacted by breast cancer.”  

Nelia rang the bell at the 2025 Susan G. Komen Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day.

The Promise Flag was raised in memory of Jess, who died from breast cancer in 2021, just before her 48th birthday. Her teenage son walked the 3-Day for his first time. “Jess believed deeply in Susan G. Komen’s commitment to research. She understood that new treatments meant more time, and Komen-funded research gave her some of that precious time,” said her friend Kim. G. “For that, we’re forever grateful.” 

Survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer then led walkers out to the route, spreading Pink Bubble magic through the Government District, Deep Ellum and the Hollywood/Santa Monica neighborhood of east Dallas. 

Pink Bubble walkers were cheered on by Bank of America employees at the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day.

That evening, the Celebration of Champions, sponsored by national presenting sponsor Bank of America, recognized top fundraisers and teams, along with the youngest crew members and fundraisers from the Youth Corps. 

Day 2 

Pink Bubble walkers at Fort Worth Gardens during the 2025 Susan G. Komen 3-Day.

Saturday brought stormy weather and a few route adjustments to ensure the safety of walkers, crew and volunteers. Buses took walkers to the beautiful city of Fort Worth, where they explored the vibrant Fort Worth Water Gardens, the JFK Tribute and Veteran’s Memorial Park, which is dedicated to the heroes of World Wars I and II. Some walkers even got a little wet.  

Although the route closed early due to rain, participants’ enthusiasm never wavered.

Selfies at the 2025 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day

Cecilia, a 3-Day walker and breast cancer survivor, walked 11 miles and said the day was awesome: “Everyone loved walking Fort Worth, even with the shortened route.”  

Back at the hotel, walkers had the chance to visit the beloved Memorial Mile, honoring loved ones who lost their lives to breast cancer.   

Memorial Mile at the 2025 Dallas/Fort Worth Komen 3-Day.

At the Honor Ceremony that evening, Patti R. spoke about her sister, Kathryn, who had breast cancer twice and passed away in May. “She went through so much in her lifetime, but she never let it define her,” Patti shared. “Most of the time, she faced it with a smile. When I think of Kathryn, three words come to mind: love, strength, and courage.” 

Kamilah G. paid tribute to her mom, Zetta, who was diagnosed with breast cancer three times. “My mom was a teacher by trade, a nurturer by heart, and a fighter by necessity,” she said. “Her love was bold, her wisdom sweet like honey, her faith unshakable.” 

After the heartfelt speeches, participants lit a candle as a sign of hope and recited together: “We will never give up.” 

Participants lit candles at the 2025 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Honor Ceremony.

Day 3 

By Sunday, the rain had passed making way for walkers to enjoy a full final day of the Pink Bubble journey. Walkers enjoyed a scenic walk through Turtle Creek Park, by the Dallas Museum of Art and some even paused for puppy cuddles and photos at Pit Stop 3, which featured adoptable pit bulls. Members of the Dallas Police Department even walked the last mile of the route to show their support for Susan G. Komen®. 

Members of the Dallas Police Department at the 2025 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day.

At the Closing Ceremony, 11 people were welcomed into the Lifetime Commitment Club after raising over $100,000 each to benefit the 3-Day. The Last Walker Flag was raised, and walkers and their families celebrated through tears and lifted their shoes in honor of every survivor and thriver who made the 3-Day journey unforgettable. 

On the final day of the 3-Day in Dallas, walkers lift their shoes in solidarity.

As the weekend came to a close, the streets of Dallas were filled with gratitude and hope. Each dollar raised and each story shared moves the 3-Day community one step closer to a world without breast cancer.