Tag Archives: Denver 3-Day

2024 Susan G. Komen Denver 3-Day Event Recap

The Pink Bubble returned to Denver, including a day in Boulder, on September 27-29! Courageous participants walked amongst the mountains in the Mile High City to complete 60, 40 or 20 miles over the course of three days. Together, 700 walkers and 220 crew raised a total of $2.3 million for breast cancer research, community health, patient care and advocacy.  

Day 1 

The Susan G. Komen Denver 3-Day began with a beautiful Opening Ceremony, an opportunity for walkers and crew to gather for the first time before setting out on the route. The spirit of the Pink Bubble radiated as the room filled with excited participants ready to embark on Day 1 of the Susan G. Komen Denver 3-Day. Our incredible speakers, Mona D. and Jana L., shared their reasons for walking; Mona for her sisters and Jana as a 27-year survivor. Following their heartfelt stories, the room filled with emotion as we welcomed Tari P. to raise the Promise Flag in honor of those who we’ve lost to breast cancer. She spoke about her mother who died on Super Bowl Sunday, stating “I didn’t watch that game because I was watching her take her final breaths, but she was the real winner that day, gaining her wings and reuniting with her sister and mother who previously lost their battles with breast cancer.”  

Before raising the flag, Tari continued, “Cancer treatments continue to advance, and my mother benefited greatly from those medical breakthroughs. I know that the money I’ve raised over my 21 years with the Komen 3-Day helped fund these advances, giving my mother the precious time to see her grandchildren graduate from college, get married, and have children…. My mom chose joy until her very last day, and I promise to do the same.” With the flag flying high, we took a moment of silence to honor those who have lost their lives to breast cancer and then proudly said their names aloud as walkers embarked on their journey.  

With the sun shining, walkers were led by survivors and thrivers for a spirited Day 1! They soon found themselves at the iconic Coors Field, followed by a slumber party themed pit stop 1, equipped with a pink tent, crew members in pajamas, and a pillow fight to top it all off! Hydrated and fueled up, walkers then passed by the Denver Zoo with supporters cheering them on as they walked toward the Lowry District, where a western themed lunch awaited. As they made their way in, walkers were greeted by the Lunch Sheriff who directed them toward a delicious spread of turkey sandwiches, garden salad, and sides. Fueled and rested, they continued the second half of their day, where they passed by the Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion and the Pioneer Monument Fountain before heading toward camp.  

Greeted by soft pretzels and massage chairs, walkers rested their feet as we awaited the last walker, who happened to be one of the morning’s speakers, Jana. The Celebration of Champions soon commenced where Bank of America rewarded our top fundraisers with donations up to $500 for their 2025 3-Day ® fundraising.  Keep an eye out for our blog post about the top fundraisers coming soon! Our coaches then honored the Milestone Award Winner and Crew Impact Award Winner. Our National Presenting Sponsor then hosted a raffle where five Denver 3-Day participants were awarded a swag bag along with a $250 toward their 2025 fundraising efforts. To wrap up an exciting evening, the men of Mohawk, Alec and Logan, hopped on stage to share an awesome 3-Day rap for the second year in a row! Walkers headed to bed with a fresh tune in their head as they rested their feet for the next day. 

Day 2 

This sunny day began with 2-Day Walkers checking in and everyone hopping aboard a 3-Day bus to Boulder for a scenic route through the Rocky Mountains. The first to board was the Denver Ultimate Event Experience winner Mary Ann I., who raised over $6,200 during the eligible period for her 16th 3-Day. The buses rolled into the beautiful East Boulder Park where walkers were greeted by porta potties and a hydration station to ensure they started their day on the right foot.

With mountains in every direction, no matter where the route took them, walkers were in for a stunning view. As they continued, they were met with the Memorial Mile next to a community garden, serving as a beautiful juxtaposition as we honored those who have lost their lives while celebrating the growing life in the surrounding fields. After reflection on the impact of community, they were soon welcomed to a delicious lunch at the halfway point of their 60-mile journey! From here they continued through the hilly streets of Boulder with stops at a pirate themed pit stop 3 and a gold medal worthy pit stop 4 adorned with Olympics regalia. Just three miles later, buses awaited our courageous participants with comfortable seating for a ride back to Denver. 

As walkers paraded into camp, they were greeted with delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, Bank of America Massage Chairs, and some much-anticipated air conditioning before the Honor Ceremony commenced. The Youth Corps kicked things off by sharing who inspires them to participate in the 3-Day and were followed by speakers  Dennis, a male breast cancer survivor, and Shiela, who commits for her late sister Sandy. Dennis began his speech by asking the room to raise their hand if they had ever met a male breast cancer survivor which resulted in only a few hands raised. As the room fell silent, he shared that he has only ever met five other male survivors, including his brother, and spoke to the importance of male breast cancer advocacy. From Dennis’ experience and that of his brother, even some of the most well-renowned doctors in large metropolitan cities are not equipped with the resources to fully detect male breast cancer in its early stages. He shed tears while speaking to the importance of early detection and self-advocacy in the doctor’s office for men and women alike. Shiela took to the stage and spoke about her beautiful sister Sandy who she and her team walk in honor of. “At the beginning of this year, our lives changed forever, and our 3-Day walks took on a whole new meaning. On January 2nd, the best sister, mom, aunt, wife, grandma, sister-in-law, cousin, co-worker, and friend left this earthly world. Now, she’s our special pink butterfly angel in Heaven,” Shiela shared. As she stepped off the stage, the 3-Day community lit their candles in tribute to the friends and family who continually inspire their participation. After sharing many hugs and tears, walkers and crew called it a night and rested up for their final day of the Denver 3-Day. 

Day 3 

Sunday began by welcoming our 1-Day Walkers into the Pink Bubble before all walkers made their way out on the route, ready for the final day in the Mile High City! I connected with Dawn and Chris, who were spending their day honoring their sister and wife, Rae, a long-time walker who lost her battle with breast cancer on this day seven years ago. To represent their final day with her on September 29, 2017, team Keeping Abreast repped jerseys with the number 29 on the back to honor Rae. At her very last 3-Day in 2017, they recorded a video of Rae singing the song she was known for, “good morning, good morning,” and, as her loved ones set out on the route on the anniversary of her passing, they were met with a route safety crew member singing the beloved tune. As chills fell down their spines, they felt more connected to Rae than they could have imagined and walked the rest of the way with a reminder of why we walk. 

Walkers enjoyed sunshine and scenic views all day long as they passed through RiNo Arts District, over South Platte River, and ventured into Edgewater. With the Colorado sun radiating strongly, walkers were offered hydration and food at pit stops, grab & gos and the lunch stop, where they had the chance to take a cute photo in front of the flower wall. After resting their feet, walkers continued their journey as our friends from XPO cheered them on and offered snacks, candy, water, and sports drinks to give the extra push through their final miles. For those needing a little boost from one spot to another, fun sweep vans like the Gnome Mobile came to the rescue! Whether on foot or in a sweep van, walkers passed by Sloans Lake Park and Empower Field at Mile High Stadium before parading into the Finish Line Festival at the Tivoli Quad.  

As they proudly stepped across the Mohawk Pink Carpet, walkers were celebrated by friends, family, crew, and Susan G. Komen® for their tremendous accomplishment. As we anticipated the last walker, participants were able to take photos, get some swag, and enter an awesome raffle at the Nature’s Bounty tent before retrieving their victory shirt and Bank of America medal. We welcomed the last walker home before our spectacular Crew lined the way toward the stage as our courageous survivors and thrivers walked in, grounding us in why we walk. We gave a loving goodbye to our 3-Day Host Cati Diamond Stone, who will be entering a new chapter of her life, passing the torch over to Beverly Kruse who will be joining us at the Dallas/Fort Worth and San Diego 3-Day events. It was then revealed that the 700 walkers and 220 crew members of the 2024 Susan G. Komen Denver 3-Day raised a collective $2.3 million in the fight against breast cancer. The funds raised will be used to invest in cutting-edge research that will lead to new, more effective treatments, working in communities across the country to ensure all people can access the care they need, and mobilizing passionate supporters to make certain the voice of the breast cancer community is heard by policymakers. 

It was a wonderful return to Denver, and we can’t wait to do it all over again in 2025!  

Denver 3-Day Route Preview 2024

Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is a bustling metropolis with a unique mix of natural beauty and urban energy. Situated at an elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level, the Mile High City offers stunning views of the Rockies and enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year. Its historic Old West roots combined with its modern, forward-thinking spirit, have created a community that celebrates creativity, innovation, and the outdoors. As you embark on your 20-, 40-, or 60-mile walk through Denver for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®, you’ll experience iconic landmarks, cultural sites, and green spaces. Whether you’re a Colorado native or visiting for the first time, this walk will give you a fresh perspective on the Mile High City. 

Day 1 

After a touching Opening Ceremony at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, you’ll set out on your journey in the crisp morning air as the city is just beginning to stir. You’ll pass by the Big Blue Bear, an iconic symbol of Denver’s playful spirit before heading toward Coors Field, where you’ll feel the energy of one of the city’s most beloved sports venues, even if the stands are empty. Continuing, you’ll get a glimpse of the Fillmore Auditorium and the Denver Turnverein Dance Center, two spots that capture the cultural heartbeat of the city. Both locations have rich histories and are well-loved by the community, making them perfect places to pause and soak in the local vibe. 

As you approach the Smith Mansion & Carriage House, you’ll be transported to another era. This historic building stands as a reminder of Denver’s storied past, contrasting with the modernity of the city around it. From there, it’s a short walk toward the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, where the wonders of the natural world meet cutting-edge technology. Your march continues through residential neighborhoods, giving you a glimpse of everyday life in Denver. 

To wrap up your first 20 miles, you’ll stroll through some of Denver’s most picturesque areas, including James N. Manley Park and the stately Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion which offer serene, tree-lined paths. With just a few miles to go, witness the Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion, built in 1908 in a combination of Georgian Revival and Colonial Revival architectural styles. Snap a picture in Civic Center Park which features various sculptures, the Pioneer Monument Fountain, and the iconic Greek amphitheater. Return to camp to recharge and refuel for the evening with some delicious food and Bank of America massage chairs! To wrap up the evening, we’ll celebrate our top fundraisers and randomly select five participants to win $250 toward their 2025 3-Day fundraising and a swag bag courtesy of Bank of America at our Celebration of Champions. 

Day 2 

After fueling up with a hearty breakfast, Day 2 will begin with a bus ride to Boulder for a never-before-seen Komen 3-Day route! Just 25 miles northwest of camp, Boulder has more than 45,000 acres of protected land, making it a leader in sustainability and a model for other cities.  

Your journey begins at East Boulder Park, a tranquil spot surrounded by lush greenery and scenic views providing the perfect ambiance to ease into your day. Then you’ll make your way towards the 29th Street Shops, a lively area where you’ll find a mix of retail stores, cafes, and local businesses. Continuing on, you’ll reach Growing Gardens, a non-profit urban farm that showcases Boulder’s commitment to sustainability and community agriculture. This beautiful space, filled with blooming flowers and fresh produce, is a perfect place to pause and take in the sights and scents of the garden. 

As you progress towards Eben G. Fine Park, you’ll notice the landscape transitioning from urban to more natural surroundings. Located at the base of Boulder Canyon, this park is a gateway to outdoor adventures, offering access to trails, picnic areas, and the soothing sounds of Boulder Creek, a highlight of the route. The creek’s clear, rushing waters and tree-lined banks offer a refreshing and serene experience, making it a perfect photo opportunity. As you continue toward the vibrant heart of Boulder, you’ll find yourself downtown and at the Pearl Street Mall, both of which are must-visits in this stunning city!

You’ll find yourself passing the Dushanbe Teahouse, a unique and ornate building gifted to Boulder by its sister city in Tajikistan. This cultural gem is a perfect spot to admire the intricate artwork and perhaps enjoy a cup of tea if you’re feeling a bit posh! Close by, the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art offers a glimpse into the city’s thriving art scene, with rotating exhibits that challenge and inspire. As your walk continues, you’ll pass through the University of Colorado Boulder campus, where Mackey Auditorium and Old Main stand as testaments to the university’s long history and academic excellence. Finally, your trek then leads back towards East Boulder Park, where your route began, as you climb aboard a 3-Day® bus to return to camp for a touching Honor Ceremony. 

Day 3 

As your final day begins, you’ll find yourself walking through the heart of downtown Denver. You’ll soon be greeted next by the vibrant energy of the RiNo (River North) Arts District, an eclectic neighborhood known for its thriving art scene, creative energy, and unique blend of industrial history with modern culture. Located just north of downtown Denver, RiNo has transformed over the years from a gritty warehouse district into one of the city’s most dynamic areas, attracting artists, entrepreneurs, and visitors alike. 

Continuing, you’ll head towards the Denver Millennium Bridge, a striking piece of architecture that offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Just a short walk away, you’ll find the confluence of the Platte River and Cherry Creek, a scenic spot where two of Denver’s waterways meet. It’s a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city, perfect for a brief pause to enjoy the natural beauty that envelops the landscape. Nearby, you’ll have the chance to see some exciting exhibits at the Downtown Aquarium such as tigers, koi, river otters, and various birds that are visible from outside. Grab a snack at the Farmer’s Market at Highlands Square before continuing toward Sloans Lake, where The USS Grayling Memorial is a reminder of the city’s connection to its military history. 

As you near the end of your voyage you’ll pass by Gateway Plaza before exploring the Sports Walk at Mile High Stadium, a must-see for any sports fan. As you complete the Denver 3-Day, wrap up the 60-mile journey at the Finish Line Festival on Tivoli Quad and take in the mountain landscape one last time. Breathe in the fresh air surrounding you and celebrate your momentous achievement both personally and in the fight against breast cancer.  

We can’t wait to see you in Denver, Colorado for the 3-Day! Are you walking 20, 40, or 60 miles? 

We Walked 300 Miles in 15 Days: Stories from All-City Participants

In 2023, fourteen individuals participated in all five Susan G. Komen 3-Day® walks. Week after week, they trained and fundraised to walk 300 miles over fifteen days. From the bustling streets of Boston to the sunny shores of San Diego, each participant’s journey was a testament to their dedication to ending breast cancer.  

These are some of their stories. 

Emily W. 

Emily is a breast cancer survivor, full-time working mother of three beautiful daughters, a devoted wife to her high school sweetheart, and a lover of life’s simple pleasures. From an ice-cold lemonade on the beach to hosting joy-filled game nights, she finds happiness in the company of loved ones and the warmth of shared laughter. She began walking the Komen 3-Day for others in Michigan in 2017 and continues to walk for her pink survivor sisters, for the generations to come, in honor of her own survivorship, and for Susan G. Komen’s mission to end breast cancer.  

Participating in the 3-Day® has become a cherished tradition for her, with San Diego 2023 marking her 11th event and the accomplishment of being an all-city walker. This endeavor was a dream which she had envisioned since her very first walk and a challenge she was determined to accomplish before breast reconstruction surgery she had scheduled for early winter. Each city presented its own set of highlights and challenges, but through it all, she found herself surrounded by newfound friends, sharing stories, and enveloped in the spirit of the Pink Bubble. Crossing the final finish line in San Diego filled Emily with a sense of pride and accomplishment, reaffirming her dedication to the cause. 

She found that fundraising for five events also required immense creativity and determination, which she embraced wholeheartedly. From running an at-home bakery that donated proceeds, to hosting donation-based garage sales and wine bottling parties, Emily explored various avenues to support her cause. She even involved her daughters who set up lemonade stands throughout the summer to raise money. As a seasoned 3-Day participant, Emily offers valuable advice to first-time walkers: approach the event with an open heart, embrace the unique experiences of each city, and above all, ensure you’re well-trained for the journey ahead. “But seriously, train. 60 miles is a long walk!” Since the conclusion of the 2023 3-Day season, Emily has focused on her recovery from reconstruction surgery and, despite the challenges she faces, she remains resolute in her determination to continue walking in 2024. Emily is consistently training and fundraising with the New England and San Diego 3-Days on the horizon.  

Kat C.  

Kat is a devoted wife, cat parent, and theater enthusiast whose vibrant personality and unwavering passion for all that she does shines through in every aspect of her life. Her journey through the 3-Day is fueled by the memories of her grandmother, Nell Marie Grant Haun, and her mother-in-law, Helen Lockie, who serve as a constant reminder of why she walks. Her “Pink Angels” accompany her on every step of her 15-year journey, however, Kat’s decision to participate in all five events in 2023 was driven by her desire to celebrate the people still with her, including the Pink Bubble family she has gained along the way. 

Since her inaugural 3-Day event in Arizona in 2008, Kat has participated in an impressive 22 3-Day events across various cities, including San Diego, Dallas/Fort Worth, Twin Cities, New England, Chicago, and Denver. She decided to crew in New England instead of walking, which provided her with a new perspective on the event and a newfound appreciation for the dedication of the 3-Day crew. From navigating weather-related delays to ensuring the safety and comfort of walkers, Kat’s experience behind the scenes reinforced her admiration for the tireless efforts of the event staff and volunteers. 

As a seasoned 3-Day participant, Kat emphasizes the importance of training, community engagement and strategic planning, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for the journey ahead. She suggests a myriad of fundraising methods, including personalized emails, social media campaigns, and fundraising events. Since the fulfilling moment of crossing the San Diego 3-Day finish line, Kat has focused on self-care and spending time with loved ones. She spent a pre-Christmas day with her birth family in Texas (her personal and genetic connection to breast cancer), who are an inspiration to Kat. “Playing Cards Against Humanity with three generations gets crazy. I needed that great laugh,” she shared. Looking ahead to 2024, Kat is eager to continue her journey with the 3-Day, participating in all four cities and striving to reach her fundraising goal. 

Nancy M. 

Nancy is a two-time breast cancer survivor and beach enthusiast who has walked the 3-Day 29 times since she took her first steps in the Pink Bubble in the 2008 Philadelphia 3-Day, less than two years after her initial diagnosis. She first heard of the 3-Day when her coworker drove past the camp and told her to check it out. “I went by and pulled over to the side of the road just looking at the sea of pink tents and decided the next year, I would be in one and the rest is history!” she shared.  

This past year, she crewed in New England and Chicago on the medical team, crewed a grab & go in Denver, crewed Friday and Saturday and walked Sunday in Dallas/Fort Worth with her team Pink Soles in Motion, and walked all three days in San Diego. To fundraise for these events, she got creative by hosting in-person events, helping with a yard sale, asking around at tailgates, and doing whatever else she could think of. Nancy’s advice to anyone interested in participating in the 3-Day is to just know you can do it. She has had friends give her excuses like they don’t like porta potties, or countless other reasons, for which she says — just do it anyway! After participating in all four events in 2022 and all five in 2023, Nancy looks forward to embarking on all four 3-Days this year again, crewing in New England, Denver, and Dallas/Fort Worth and walking in San Diego.  

Shirley E.  

Shirley is a 28-year breast cancer survivor who loves to lead an active lifestyle, travel, care for her husband and two cats, cook, and crochet. When not at the 3-Day she choreographs ballroom dancing with her husband, attends two weeklong dance events in the summer, and takes a hiking trip overseas at least once a year; this year she’s headed to the Azores. She began walking in the 2009 San Diego 3-Day after her niece asked her for a 3-Day donation the year prior. “I told her I would support her if she would walk again in 2009 so that I could walk with her. She did, I walked, and I haven’t stopped walking since then,” she shared. Since then, Shirley has walked 32 times, with 2023 marking her second time as an all-city walker.  

Walking 300 miles and fundraising for all five cities was a challenge that Shirley set for herself. When she finally crossed the finish line in San Diego, she was so proud of herself, emphasizing the importance of using a sweep van whenever necessary. Since then, she’s been busy crocheting for her 2024 fundraising and waiting for the weather to warm up a bit to kick off her training. 

Shirley leans on her loved ones to help her expand her network for donations and emphasizes the impact of matching gifts. Her favorite ways to raise funds include Facebook fundraisers, sending out letters to friends, and bringing her crocheted goods to craft fairs including her signature crochet critters. While she would love to do all four cities again, Shirley’s grandson is getting married the weekend of the Denver 3-Day, so she looks forward to doing it all again in New England, Dallas/Fort Worth, and San Diego this year.  

Brooke K.  

Brooke is a woman of many passions, working for an airline, teaching at a university, and helping women achieve financial independence. In addition to her many pursuits, she has participated in the 3-Day 18 times in honor of her mom Kathy, who passed away from breast cancer in 2013. “My goal was to raise $10,000 for her 10-year anniversary and walking all 5 cities felt like the right way to honor her,” she shared. Brooke began walking in 2014 and found that being an all-city walker was empowering and therapeutic as she got to experience each unique city and meet countless new friends. 

For Brooke, the toughest challenge was meeting the fundraising deadlines, but she and her teammates kept each other on track. She raised the $10,000 through many creative means, including cleaning toilets and baseboards, taking surveys online, selling Dippin’ Dots, working at concession stands, collecting coins off the ground, scanning receipts, selling pretzels at Oktoberfest, driving friends to the airport, washing cars, matching gifts, and participating in research studies. Her biggest fundraising advice for any 3-Dayer is to join a team to ensure that you have support and opportunities to be a part of larger fundraising events. She also encourages every first-time walker to never give up and to reach out to 3-Day veterans and your coaches for any assistance and advice.  

Since crossing the finish line with her partner Tim in San Diego, Brooke has been fundraising and gearing up for the 2024 walks, where she will be an all-city walker once more. Her team Pink Soles in Motion has already held a fundraiser where they raised over $11,000 and have been doing training walks and challenges to keep moving forward.  

These All-City participants are incredible, and it takes tremendous commitment, but any way you choose to participate makes a difference. Thank you for being part of the 3-Day!