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2016 Twin Cities 3-Day Wrap-up

The Susan G. Komen Twin Cities 3-Day began early Friday morning as a cheerful pink family against a gray sky. The somber weather was no match for the enthusiasm and dedication radiating from our walkers and crew, who listened to moving stories from the honor speakers, shouted the names of their loved ones in memoriam, and were amped up by Chrissy Mathews, 3-Day Program Manager, and Dr. Sheri Prentiss.  As music pulsed through the lot at Southdale Center in Edina, our 500 walkers began the first steps in their 3-Day journey.

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Pit Stop 1 greeted walkers with a peaceful vibe… of peace, love, and boobees, that is. Walkers refueled with juicy oranges and grahamwiches, filled up on sports drink, visited portapotties, and headed back out onto the route.

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Minnesota’s stunning green landscape didn’t disappoint at 6.3 miles in at Lake Harriet, where ducks floated by and squirrels dashed up trees.

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After lunch, the sweeping city views at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park were the perfect backdrop for photos (thanks, Bank of America!), and having clocked 14.7 miles, feet were starting to get sore. Pit stops refueled the walkers several miles later as grahamwiches were scarfed and hydration remained a priority.

Back at camp, walkers relaxed with Bank of America’s massage chairs and hands on massage, and sipped refreshing mocktails in our glamping lounge. Camp Angels helped set up pink tents and slowly a pink city rose against the blue dusk. We welcomed in our last walker and then heard from courageous survivor Teresa Swinson, 3-Day specialist Amber,  played some games with Bank of America, and listened to the Youth Corps share their reasons for participating. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house! Camp show ended on an inspirational note, and we walked back to our tents feeling tired but grateful, finishing off the day knowing we made a 20-mile impact in the fight against breast cancer.

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Day 2 was full of what some walkers dubbed ‘tears of joy’. Sprinkles and downpours drenched our walkers and crew in liquid sunshine, but cheery yellow ponchos kept everyone relatively dry and the walk went on. Flooded roads put a slight crimp in the route, with a special re-route courtesy of cozy SAG buses that whisked our walkers away to lunch.
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While the rain kept coming down, the amazing and optimistic attitudes of 3-Dayers shone through even when the sun didn’t. The day was moved along by the hard work of our energetic crew, and pit Stops like Pit 4, the Wizard of Bras, provided hilarious entertainment with pumping music and dance parties. We may not have been in Kansas, but the yellow brick road and cold sports drink of Pit 4 proved that there’s no place like the 3-Day.

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Saturday is Friends and Family night at the 3-Day, so it was the perfect night to call out the extraordinary Top Fundraisers, Local Impact Award Winner, Milestone Award Winner, Veteran and New Walkers. They were all rewarded with personalized gifts from Bank of America, which was the perfect introduction to a special celebration loaded with surprises in honor of our 150th walk! We won’t tell you much here so it’s a surprise for everyone 😉

Though the rain may have made parts of Day 2 more challenging, it cleared up in time for a beautiful sunset, the perfect parting gift for a special 40 miles.

It was smiles all around in Camp on Sunday morning as walkers woke up in Harvest Park to clear blue skies.

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The public came out to cheer on our walkers at Northwood and Indian Mounds Parks, passing out candies, ribbons, and to some lucky walkers, hot coffee from a popular establishment. Indian Mounds Park was the source of the day’s knockout scenery, with the St. Paul skyline bursting through clearings in the trees.

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It was just a few more miles through downtown St. Paul to get to the gorgeous Harriet Island, home of our Closing Ceremony.  Our walkers marched victoriously onto the field, surrounded by clapping Crew members. They knelt in solidarity, each holding a shoe towards the sky, saluting our brave survivors as they walked into the audience. Chrissy and Dr. Sheri shared the news that 500 walkers and 200 crew raised an astonishing $1.4 million dollars toward furthering the fight against breast cancer. Looking out into a sea of survivors and co-survivors, family and friends, we were reminded again of the magnitude of what we do, and the power, dedication, and HOPE that comes from the tenacity and commitment of each and every one of you. Twin Cities; we’re so proud of you, and we promise you: we will never give up.

HEROES

2015 San Diego 3-Day Wrap-up

As one of the longest-running Susan G. Komen 3-Day® events there is, the San Diego 3-Day has become nearly legendary for being an incredible experience. With abundant sunshine, cool Pacific ocean breezes, and enough photo ops to fill an album, San Diego and its 3-Day event open their arms to participants from every corner of the U.S. (and beyond!). Walkers, crew members and countless supporters come together for three days of belief and hope in our promise to end breast cancer forever.

Day 1 began in the pre-dawn hours of Friday morning with the gathering walkers and crew members shivering against the chilly morning (well, chilly by Southern California standards…). But soon, they were greeted from the stage by Dr. Sheri, along with Chrissy Mathews from Susan G. Komen® and San Diego local events coach Kim, who hosted the always-inspiring Opening Ceremony. IMG_8116 IMG_8060 IMG_8133

Walkers headed west toward the coast and a Star Wars themed pit stop 1 (“May the cure be with you.”) before reaching a cheering station which covered blocks of Del Mar Village.IMG_8302IMG_8332 This was just one of dozens of cheer spots along the route, places where supporters put the 3-Day on their calendars a year in advance to make sure they pull out all the stops.

At around the 5-mile point, walkers reached pit stop 2 before beginning the climb up the well-known (and somewhat feared) Torrey Pines hill.IMG_8420 It’s a tough one, but soon gravity lent a hand and walkers descended through La Jolla, into pit stop 3 at the Salk Institute. A vibrant cheering station at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography gave walkers the push the needed to make it to Kellogg Park for a beach-side lunch stop and some photo ops with local surfers.IMG_8504

After lunch, walkers kept to the coast, passing La Jolla cove, and coming across even more cheering stations and a festive pit stop 4. Many walkers were treated to smooches from the “Kissing Dog” and more scenic views (plus a few more hills…) through La Jolla, before the last waterfront stretch into Crown Point Shores, home of the 3-Day camp.

Dr. Sheri and Chrissy were back on stage to host the Friday night camp show. IMG_8657We heard a moving speech from Miguel Perez from Susan G. Komen headquarters, and another touching message from Amy, a mom of three and a young breast cancer survivor. Recognition was given to San Diego’s top training walk leader, top fundraisers, and Milestone Award winner.

With bright sunshine and clear skies, walkers set out along the water from camp on Day 2.IMG_8942 They were met almost immediately by San Diego Youth Corps Alumni at one of many cheering stations along the route. Pit stop 1 and a morning cheer station got walkers pumped up, which was good because soon they were gaining elevation again, this time into the hilly Sunset Cliffs neighborhood.IMG_9141 The climb was worth it, as panoramic views of the Pacific (as well as the New Balance cheerleaders) greeted the walkers at pit stop 2, and the views continued for miles back down into Ocean Beach and pit stop 3.IMG_9307IMG_9036 IMG_9227IMG_9294

Another public cheering station came next, then lunch at Bonita Cove Park. Many walkers’ families and friends joined them, and walkers leaving the park were given fresh gerbera daisies from a local grower.IMG_9325 The route continued along the boardwalk, with many walkers stopping for the endless photo ops, including a group of furry and friendly therapy dogs. Walkers arriving at pit stop 4 at Fanuel Park got the usual snacks and hydration, but got an extra special treat of fresh-baked cookies from some loyal walkers stalkers. The final stretch of Day 2 brought walkers back along Bayside Walk, which was lined with dozens of supporters, and back into camp.IMG_9468 IMG_9436

The Saturday night camp show featured fun games, a moving speech from co-survivor Melissa, and the San Diego Youth Corps. There was also a tear-jerking talk from well-known 3-Dayer John Shinar, who surprised the whole dining tent by proposing to his special lady on stage.IMG_9555

Walkers set out on Sunday morning for yet another beautiful day in San Diego, starting with the lovely DeAnza Cove as the backdrop for pit stop 1.IMG_0133 It was a string of supporters and cheering stations around every corner, including the MadCaps mother/daughter group before pit stop 2 and the NCL and DHL cheerers near the bottom of the Juan St. hill in Old Town.IMG_0230 IMG_0272 That climb was a doozy, but after reaching the top, walkers enjoyed a pass through a nicely shaded residential neighborhood before arriving at lunch at Mission Hills Park.IMG_0419

The second half of Day 3’s route was new and different, taking walkers through more lovely neighborhoods and back down to the sea and Harbor Drive. Pit stop 3 was a new location at Waterfront Park, complete with fountains and historic ships in the background.IMG_0453 Another couple of miles along the water and walkers crossed into the new Participant Finish Area at Embarcadero Park South.IMG_0586

With the sun setting to the west, walkers and crew members processed into the Closing Ceremony arena outside Petco Park, where hundreds of supporters lined the way. Dr. Sheri, Chrissy and Kim, our hosts from the Opening Ceremony and camp shows, were once again there to thank San Diego’s 2,200 walkers, 350 crew members, countless supporters, and event sponsors, and to celebrate the incredible accomplishment that the San Diego 3-Day achieved: raising $5.9 million.IMG_0659 IMG_0861 IMG_0811

And so, the 2015 3-Day season has come to an emotional close, but as we raised the final flag one last time over San Diego, we stood united with our 3-Day family in Michigan, Twin Cities, Seattle, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, and every spot in between, bound by our shared promise: that we will never give up until we have defeated breast cancer forever. Thank you, 3-Day walkers and crew!

2015 Twin Cities 3-Day Wrap-Up

The second Susan G. Komen 3-Day® of the year has wrapped up in the Twin Cities, and it was an incredible and memorable weekend for everyone involved.

We kicked off the event on Friday morning at Southdale Center in Edina, under sunny skies (wonderful while they lasted!). Participants were witness to an inspiring Opening Ceremony, hosted by the wonderful Dr. Sheri, as well as Chrissy Mathews from Susan G. Komen® and Twin Cities local events coach, Stephanie. The 2015 Ceremonies have some exciting changes, so even the veterans who’ve seen more than a few were treated to some lovely new features.048 027

At the end of the Opening Ceremony, the walkers headed out through Edina to the Mardi Bra themed pit stop 1 at Utley Park. In addition to the usual snacks, drinks and potties, there were also beads, music and a fun photo backdrop where many walkers stopped to snap pics.203 Cheering stations in Minneapolis were set up before and after pit stop 2 (located on the shore of Lake Calhoun), where many walkers were cheered through by the always energetic Youth Corps.425 122 One of the most photographed spots on the Day 1 route was the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, where nearly every walker stopped to snap some shots in front of the huge spoon and cherry.652 Just over a short foot bridge overpass, the lunch stop at Loring Park greeted walkers to “Boob-on Street,” another amazing Mardi Bra theme. 688After lunch, it was onward through a quick stop at the Grab & Go, then the third (wow!) cheering station of the day. The crew team at pit stop 3 was out to tackle breast cancer (someone is ready for football season…) and pit stop 4’s crew were temporary police officers, out to “bust” breast cancer (Get it? Aren’t our crew teams clever?).pit 3842 Nearly 19 miles after leaving the Opening Ceremony, walkers were welcomed home to a spacious and scenic camp at Harvest Park in Maplewood, and at the Friday night camp show, heard from Dr. Sheri and Chrissy again, as well as a moving young survivor who spoke about the power of never giving up the fight. Top Fundraisers and our Milestone Award winner were honored, and then it was off to bed to rest up for the day ahead!IMG_6099

And what a day Day 2 was! Although forecasts for nasty evening weather were on everyone’s minds (and smartphones) even in the morning, the sun stuck around as long as it could, well into the afternoon.081 143 The communities of Little Canada, Shoreview, Maplewood and more came out in full force to support the walkers passing through, and that encouragement included at least three (might have been more that I just didn’t see) fire stations who set up their officers, trucks and ladders, and even a refreshing water spray at one.388 The route took walkers through lovely wooded trails and parks, and since Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 Lakes, of course, the route spent a lot of time on the shores of these beautiful bodies of water.414 Three public cheering stations, plus dozens of private cheer groups and walkers stalkers meant that the Twin Cities walkers were never far from another friendly face, encouraging them to keep trucking through Day 2’s 22.6 miles.498

And then…night 2.

This recap would be incomplete without recognizing the great attitudes and “roll with it” flexibility that our walkers and crew members showed when the decision was made to relocate the sleeping area of camp to an indoor facility. With thunderstorms brewing and even a tornado watch called in the late afternoon, it became clear that taking our tired participants inside was the safest and best option. It was very sad that we had to pull the plug on the Saturday camp show, Friends & Family Night activities and dance party, but the Twin Cities 3-Dayers made the best of the situation, loading up on buses and moving their sleeping quarters into a nearby high school gym, where the evening was filled with friendly conversations, reminiscing about the day, and a yummy pizza dinner delivered to the site (Sorry we couldn’t get pans of mac n’ cheese to you! Guess you’ll just have to come back next year…).relo signsreloSome of the gloom from Saturday night’s storms carried over into the Sunday morning start of Day 3, but even a bit of wind and rain couldn’t stop our walkers from finishing their last 18 miles with enthusiasm and determination.IMG_6845IMG_6909  The route was packed with even more lakeside pathways and friendly neighborhoods as walkers moved into St. Paul. Nature was on full display along Beaver Lake and through the gorgeous Battle Creek Trail, and walkers eventually made their way along Indian Mounds Park to enjoy stunning views of the downtown St. Paul skyline before crossing the river and covering the final few miles to the beautiful Participant Finish Area on Raspberry Island.IMG_7047IMG_7200 IMG_7419 Walkers and crew members took an emotional procession to the Closing Ceremony arena, where, even though some stage elements had to be taken down because of the high winds, the scene was beautiful and the energy was tangible.IMG_7535IMG_7592 Dr. Sheri, Chrissy and Stephanie, our hosts from the Opening Ceremony and camp shows, were once again there to thank our 550 walkers, 200 crew members, countless supporters, and event sponsors, and to celebrate the incredible accomplishment that the Twin Cities 3-Day achieved: raising $1.6 million to fight breast cancer.IMG_7669

We at the 3-Day can’t say thank you enough to every single person who makes this event what it is. We truly could not do it without each of your spirit, energy and passion. We look forward to seeing many of you down the road this year, welcoming many MORE back in the Twin Cities next year and carrying each of you in our hearts every day. Onward to Seattle!

This is the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Promise: A world without breast cancer.

To view a sneak peek of photos from the Twin Cities 3-Day, click here. Stay tuned later this week for all Twin Cities 3-Day photos that you can share and download on our 3-Day Facebook page!