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We wrapped up the 2024 3-Day Season in Coastal San Diego!

We wrapped up the 2024 3-Day season in sunny San Diego! From November 15–17, the Pink Bubble returned to pink tents to camp out and walk 60, 40, or 20 miles. Together, 1,850 walkers and 340 crew members raised a total of $6.4 million for breast cancer research, community health, patient care and advocacy.  

Day 1

The 2024 San Diego 3-Day kicked off with the sun rising in Del Mar for a packed Opening Ceremony. The entire crowd let out a tremendous cheer of support when Meghan L. shared that she walks for her mom, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2023. “The 3-Day has quickly become my favorite tradition. It is a space where I am most reminded of her.” Following, Beth B. shared her story as a survivor who walks not just for herself but to share her story and show people what it means to live beyond a cancer diagnosis. To wrap up the ceremony, Aimee and Ashley L. were accompanied by their father, Gary L., on stage as they spoke of their beautiful mother who passed away from this horrible disease in July of this year. “She was an incredible mother to us and a loving wife to our dad, Gary…. We are proud to walk these 60 miles in her memory and to raise funds to support research, clinical trials, patient care, and so much more for this generation and the next.” Gary concluded the Opening Ceremony by raising the Promise Flag in honor of everyone we walk to remember before survivors and thrivers led the way out onto the route.

As the parade of pink made its way down the coast, 3-Dayers passed through Del Mar Village, which boasted incredible community support, toward Torrey Pines where they faced a large hill, and into La Jolla Shores where sea life flourishes. From local businesses to cheerleaders and the San Diego Police Department (SDPD), walkers were fueled by cheering and snacks at nearly every corner. They also couldn’t miss the “Crazy Sign Lady” who updated her poster every few miles, all the way from 60 miles to 0.  

The second half of the route included La Jolla Cove and Children’s pool before returning to camp to enjoy the Bank of America massage chairs, trail mix, and setting up their pink tents. The SDPD hosted an impromptu dance session in the dining tent where hundreds of individuals danced the wobble with tremendous smiles on their faces! To wrap up the evening, walkers enjoyed the Bank of America Celebration of Champions, where we awarded our Top Fundraisers, Milestone Award Winner, and Crew Impact Award Winners with donations of up to $500 for their 2025 3-Day fundraising. Our National Presenting Sponsor also hosted a raffle where five randomly selected San Diego 3-Day participants won $250 toward their 2025 fundraising efforts. What a way to wrap up the evening before getting some shuteye in pink tents along the beach of Mission Bay. 

Day 2

As the sun rose, so did walkers and crew as they emerged from their pink tents to enjoy a hearty breakfast before lining up on the Mohawk Pink Carpet to embark on the route. Standing at the front of the line was Rachel B., our San Diego Ultimate Event Experience winner who accomplished her 15th 3-Day this weekend. In the eligible challenge period, Rachel humbly raised nearly $9,700, earning her first position out on the route with her team Bouncin’ Buckeyes amongst other prizes. When given the go-ahead, Rachel led walkers who flooded out of camp creating an immense sea of pink. In typical San Diego style, supporters including the SDPD cheered them on as they exited camp to enjoy a fun-filled 20 miles. 

Walkers passed through Sunset Cliffs National Park and Smiley Lagoon before heading toward South Mission Beach Boardwalk and the infamous Muscle Beach. At Pit Stop 2, walkers were greeted by a Mickey Mouse theme and a real parrot, as well as delicious snacks, hydration, and porta johns. Walkers headed over to lunch to celebrate the halfway mark where a mother and her seven-year-old daughter were offering pink ribbon face paint to walkers and crew. Before you knew it, walkers were back on their feet squeezing in a quick Wobble with the SDPD before heading back out on the route!

Walkers then passed through Memorial Mile where the photos of 100 incredible individuals who battled breast cancer stood proudly. As they made their way into camp, walkers were greeted with the famous 3-Day mac ‘n’ cheese before welcoming in the last walker, who entered the tent dancing. A hot chocolate bar, courtesy of Bank of America, opened with countless toppings including marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, peppermint sticks, and more! With stomachs and hearts full, we enjoyed a touching Honor Ceremony which began with words from all 27 members of our Youth Corps. Tears were shed, hugs were exchanged, and we were all unified as we remembered why we walk. Everyone lit a candle to line the way to the remembrance tent before calling it a night and resting up for the final day of the San Diego 3-Day. 

Day 3

To kick off Day 3, walkers packed up their pink tents and enjoyed a delicious breakfast at camp. As they headed out on the route, walkers passed through Ocean Front Walk, Belmont Park, and Bonita Cove before passing by Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute. Shortly after, SeaWorld San Diego cheered on walkers with the help of an adorable penguin named June! They also provided walkers with water, gummy bears, holiday ornaments, and more to put a little pep in their step. Walgreens cheered on walkers as they strolled toward Old Town Viewpoint and the Little Italy Sign, and before we knew it, they were crossing the Mohawk Pink Carpet into the Closing Ceremony!

To celebrate their tremendous achievement of up to 60 miles in three days, walkers were gifted a victory t-shirt and San Diego medal courtesy of Bank of America. They got to snap a quick photo in front of the 60-Mile sign and at the Nature’s Bounty Butterfly Wings. Nature’s Bounty also offered a drawing to win a prize pack as well as a free bag stuffed with their Hair Growth vitamins and a stunning pin! Walkers grabbed a Mohawk SmartCushion to rest their feet and take in the gorgeous view of Waterfront Park while eagerly waiting for our last walker.  

The last walker entered the sea of supporters and raised the last walker flag one last time before crew members lined the way to the stage for survivors and thrivers. A collection of thousands of sneakers arose, contrasting beautifully with the waterfront scenery. Hand-in-hand, survivors and thrivers walked toward the stage prompting our Closing Ceremony. It was at this time that we discovered that, collectively, the participants of the San Diego 3-Day raised a colossal $6.4 million in the fight against breast cancer. Bubbles were released into the air and the celebration concluded with crying, hugging, and dancing as we look forward to the 2025 3-Day season.

Thank you to all who joined us this year. From walkers to crew to volunteers, your efforts push us closer to the world we dream of. A world without breast cancer. We look forward to seeing you next year!

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!  

We Wrapped Up the 2023 3-Day Season in Costal San Diego! 

We wrapped up the 2023 3-Day season in sunny San Diego! From November 17–19, the Pink Bubble returned to pink tents to camp out and walk 60 miles over the course of three days (or 20 miles in 1 day!). Together, 1,500 walkers and 300 crew members raised a total of $5.3 million for breast cancer research, community health, patient care and advocacy.   

Day 1 

The 2023 San Diego 3-Day kicked off with the sun rising in Del Mar for a packed Opening Ceremony. The entire crowd let out a tremendous cheer when Helen H. approached the stage to share that she walks with and for her sisters and herself, all three of whom are breast cancer survivors. “Never was there a doubt in my mind that I would survive this cancer… My experience with the 3-Day took care of me mentally and physically… As we walk the 3-Day this weekend, remember this: We walk for those who can’t. We walk because we will never give up until we have the cures.” She went on to quote Maya Angelou whose words perfectly describe the Pink Bubble, “People forget what you say, people forget what you do, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” 

Following Helen, Kristi R., a first-time walker, shared that in 2021 she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer which had spread to her lymph nodes and spine, and was later diagnosed with brain cancer. She walks as a thriver who is undergoing treatment for which she received financial assistance from Susan G. Komen. A living example of why we walk and raise funds, Kristi inspired the crowd as they embarked on their journey with her heartfelt words. “Susan G. Komen’s funding of cancer research has enabled me to start a treatment plan that I’m still on today… none of this would be possible without supporters like you. I feel fortunate to be speaking to you today.” 

To conclude the Opening Ceremony, Maggie M. honored her mother Maureen, who was registered to walk in San Diego but passed away just three months ago. Surrounded by her incredible team Wild Women Walking For A Cure, Maggie raised the promise flag adorned with the names of everyone we walk in memory of. Survivors and thrivers then led the way onto the coastal route. 

A day filled with sunshine, 3-Dayers passed through Del Mar Village, Torrey Pines, and La Jolla Village where they were surrounded by breathtaking hills. Community support was at every corner in the form of local businesses, restaurants, cheerleaders, and the San Diego Police Department (SDPD). As walkers continued along the coast, they made their way to lunch where they were greeted by Chopper Jr., an adorable puppy who, like his late brother Chopper, rides his very own motorcycle! Before snapping a picture with their new four-legged friend, SDPD led walkers, crew, Youth Corps, and supporters in dancing the Wobble before heading back out on the route. 

Walkers passed by supporters wearing unicorn hats, a gnome themed sweep van, and seals resting at Children’s Pool before returning to camp to enjoy the Bank of America massage chairs. Since its inception in 2003, the 3-Day has paraded through San Diego every time we’ve walked with pride, making for a particularly special 20-year celebration. In typical 2023 3-Day fashion, it began raining! To wrap up the evening, walkers enjoyed the Bank of America Celebration of Champions, where they awarded our Top Fundraisers, Milestone Award Winner, and Crew Impact Award Winners with donations of up to $500 for their 2024 3-Day fundraising. New this year, our National Presenting Sponsor also hosted a raffle where five randomly selected San Diego 3-Day participants won $250 toward their 2024 fundraising efforts. What a way to wrap up the evening before getting some shuteye in pink tents.  

Day 2 

Despite the night’s brief downpouring of rain, walkers awoke from their pink tents to the sun rising on the bayside. They grabbed some hot coffee and enjoyed a nutritious breakfast before lining up on the Mohawk Pink Carpet to embark on the route. Standing at the front of the line was Gemma G., our San Diego Ultimate Event Experience winner who accomplished her 15th 3-Day this weekend. In the eligible challenge period, Gemma humbly raised an outstanding $13,842, earning her first position out on the route with her two friends Elaine and Nino, amongst other prizes. When given the go-ahead, Gemma led walkers who flooded out of camp creating an immense sea of pink. In typical San Diego style, supporters including the San Diego Police Department cheered them on as they exited camp to enjoy a fun-filled 20 miles.  

Walkers passed through Sunset Cliffs National Park and Smiley Lagoon before heading toward South Mission Beach Boardwalk and the infamous Muscle Beach. On the route, walkers were delivered an outpouring of support from community members who decorated their homes, held signs, blew bubbles, and provided treats. At Pit Stop 3 walkers were greeted by a pirate with a real parrot, as well as a mother and her six-year-old daughter who were offering pink ribbon face paint to walkers, crew, and staff. Continuing along the route, at one house two young girls in their pajamas were holding handmade signs adorned with drawings and words of encouragement. Walkers headed over to lunch to celebrate the halfway mark where SDPD Officer Paul led the crowd in dancing the Wobble! 

Pit Stop 4 was home to the beloved Cookie Ladies who brought over 2,500 homemade cookies to pass out to walkers as they completed the homestretch of Day 2. They had chocolate chip, gingersnap, gluten free, vegan, and every other type of cookie you could imagine accompanied by dairy and almond milk! These four women led by Marla R., returned to the 3-Day after three years and were a tremendous hit amongst walkers. Marla is a breast cancer survivor, former 3-Day walker, and is currently undergoing treatment for a different form of cancer. She initially had chemotherapy scheduled for the Wednesday before the 3-Day, but when her doctor noticed the date, he quickly moved the session to the Monday after the event so she could participate. She is looking forward to undergoing her treatment with the Pink Bubble so fresh in her mind, reminding her of her inner strength and the support that surrounds her.  

Walkers then passed through Memorial Mile where the photos of 94 incredible individuals who battled breast cancer stood proudly. As they made their way into camp, walkers were greeted with the famous 3-Day mac n’ cheese before welcoming in the last walker. A hot chocolate bar, courtesy of Bank of America, opened with countless toppings including marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, peppermint sticks, and more! With stomachs and hearts full, we enjoyed a touching Honor Ceremony which began with words from all thirty members of our Youth Corps. Tears were shed, hugs were exchanged, and we were all unified as we remembered why we walk. Everyone lit a candle to line the way to the remembrance tent before calling it a night and resting up for the final day of the San Diego 3-Day.  

Day 3 

To kick off Day 3, 20-Mile Walkers grabbed their credentials and white lanyards before heading out on the route. Walkers were met with a drizzle of rain, making sure the San Diego 3-Day followed the tradition of the 2023 season. Just a few miles in, thanks to SeaWorld San Diego, walkers were able to meet an adorable sloth and penguin! Shortly after, the clouds parted, and we were greeted by the beautiful Southern California sunshine. 

While out on the route, walkers received an outpouring of community support, cheering them on as they enjoyed one final day in the Pink Bubble. Amongst those keeping spirits high were cheerleaders from San Pasqual High School and our friends from XPO. Continuing along the route, walkers enjoyed Belmont Park and Bonita Cove, a tranquil bay area with stunning views of Mission Bay that is perfect for a 3-Day. From here, they passed through historic Old Town Viewpoint and the culturally rich neighborhood of Little Italy.  

Before we knew it, walkers were crossing the Mohawk Pink Carpet into the Closing Ceremony to celebrate their tremendous achievement; 60 miles in three days! After grabbing their victory t-shirt and San Diego medal courtesy of Bank of America, walkers snapped a quick photo in front of the 60 Mile or 1-Day completion signs before scarfing down a Ready CLEAN bar. Nature’s Bounty had a booth sporting drawstring bags, pink sunglasses, and free samples of Hair, Skin & Nail Gummy vitamins. Nature’s Bounty also offered a drawing to win a Lululemon belt bag full of full-sized Hair, Skin & Nail Gummy vitamins, coupons, and a Walgreen’s gift card. Walkers grabbed a Mohawk SmartCushion to rest their feet and take in the gorgeous view of Waterfront Park while eagerly waiting for our last walker.  

The last walker entered the sea of supporters and raised the last walker flag one last time before crew members lined the way to the stage for survivors and thrivers. A collection of thousands of sneakers arose, contrasting beautifully with the waterfront scenery. Hand-in-hand, survivors and thrivers walked toward the stage prompting our Closing Ceremony. It was at this time that we discovered that, collectively, the participants of the San Diego 3-Day raised a colossal $5.3 million in the fight against breast cancer. Bubbles were released into the air and the celebration concluded with crying, hugging, and dancing as we look forward to the 2024 3-Day season. 

Thank you to all who joined us this year. From walkers to crew to volunteers, your efforts push us closer to the world we dream of. A world without breast cancer. We look forward to seeing you next year!