A Mother and Her Daughters’ Commitment to Ending Breast Cancer

After being introduced to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® in 2006, Sarah B. was hooked, and her daughters were no different. Katie and Abbey cheered on their mother each time she walked until they joined her for the first time in 2015 and 2018, respectively. Their commitment to this cause runs deep; fueled by the loss of family members to breast cancer, the resilience of survivors within their circle, and the shared struggles of friends and colleagues who have faced this devastating disease.

Walking together has become one of the most cherished experiences that they share, knowing that with each step, they are making a tangible difference. They hope to leave a lasting impact but have found additional reasons that make the Komen 3-Day so special. “Perhaps the most rewarding aspect is the bond we’re forging and the memories we’re creating along the way. Witnessing the growth in each other, feeling the commitment to the cause deepen within us — it’s truly inspiring. These moments we spend together, creating memories, are priceless,” shared Sarah. “Some of our fondest memories are of dancing and laughing together as we complete the miles, sometimes deliriously walking, skipping, or… arms wrapped around one another, belting out the lyrics to ‘Lean on Me.’”

Having walked together five times, they find that the exhilaration of cheering on the last walker as they enter camp sends shivers down their spines and brings tears to their eyes. These moments of shared triumph and support are etched in their hearts forever. It is this exact camaraderie and the entire atmosphere of the Pink Bubble that they eagerly anticipate each year. Sarah, Katie, and Abbey will be participating in the 2024 San Diego 3-Day® for the sixth time as a trio. As they prepare themselves mentally, emotionally, and physically for the journey ahead, there is an undeniable sense of excitement building up for each of them. From the anticipation at the Opening Ceremony to the heartfelt emotions of the Closing Ceremony and every mile in between, these days become some of their favorites of the year.

Their story shares the profound and multifaceted impact of the 3-Day. It’s not just a weekend to do good for others, but an opportunity to deepen connections with those whom you love most.

A Letter from a First-Time 3-Dayer

Dear 3-Day Family:

3-Day Nation will be my first time ever participating in the 3-Day! My mom and aunt participated years ago in Michigan. My cousin, Rachel, and I decided to take on the challenge and walk in their shoes, literally! Their team’s name was “Treasured Chest,” and we are “Treasured Chest Junior.” Funny, right?

We have been talking about walking for years. We are walking to honor my mom and grandma “Nana” who both have a history of breast cancer.

Supporting the 3-Day mission has always been important to me, and the inspiration of that importance is my mom. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, recovered, and was recently re-diagnosed spring of 2020. She is my person, and I can’t imagine living this plentiful life without her by my side. I walk for her. Taking on 60 miles isn’t nearly comparable to the hardships she has faced. The personal struggles she has experienced have made her a stronger person, and I look up to her strength in every way.

Raising money for others who are fighting is a newfound passion of mine. Breast cancer is an awful disease and devoting my time to empower other women is something that I cherish. As a first-time participant fundraising for the first time, I am very blessed to have many caring and generous individuals within my life. I started fundraising very early which has helped me to slowly increase funds over time.

Even during these unprecedented times, family and friends were willing to give what they could. All donations I have received, big or small, have helped my goal to end breast cancer forever.

I wanted to let other newbies know that they can do it! The fundraising tip that I have found most success with is emailing friends and family about my fundraiser. Many people were so excited that I was taking on the 3-Day challenge and were beyond generous in donating to my cause. I emailed around 100 friends, family, acquaintances, past teachers, etc. in order to gain more donors for my walk. Another tip I have is to continue re-sharing your Facebook fundraiser link every few weeks. It is very typical for Facebook fundraisers to get missed in the newsfeed, and sharing your link every few weeks reminds others of your commitment.

3-Day family, I can’t wait to join you for the first time this year.

For now, I leave you with these parting words: The comeback is always STRONGER than the setback!

Love, Sarah V., First-Time Walker

In One Word: What is the 3-Day?

The Susan G. Komen 3-Day® means so many things to so many of us.

As we bid 2020 farewell and set our sights to 2021, we wanted to take a minute to recognize what the 3-Day means to each and every one of us. Over on our 3-Day Facebook groups, we asked our Komen 3-Day family to describe the 3-Day in one word.

One single word.

Picking one word to represent the 3-Day—something so precious, so dynamic, and so extraordinary—is challenging, to say the least.

The 3-Day can mean one thing to you the first time you do it and something completely different the next. It can mean something to you during Day One and something completely different on Day Two and Day Three. It can even signify something during the first mile of your day and something completely different during your last mile.

This big, beautiful thing we’ve created together called the 3-Day is special.

And while it is hard to encompass the 3-Day in one word, we think you did a pretty incredible job capturing the spirit of the 3-Day.

Inspiring. Family. Friendship. Amazing. Exhilarating. Monumental. Life-Changing. Awesome. Friends. Strong. Compassionate. Hope. Love. Health. Committed. Momentous. Unforgettable. Kindness. Heartwarming. Incomparable. MacNCheese. Resilient. Faith-Renewing. Fulfilling. Community. Grateful. Amazeballs. Overdue. Emotional. Memorable.

Why this one word? Here are a few of our favorite explanations.

Marci H.: “Grateful. Every walk reminds me how lucky I was because of early detection. Keeps me motivated until everyone is that lucky.”

Anne K.: “Exhilarating…the challenge of the miles but surrounded by all with the same purpose…such support of one another and hearing each story as you go.”

Sherry P.: “Family comes in every imaginable shape, size, color, creed, etc., but when the going gets tough, family is who stands behind you pushing you forward, beside you to remind you that you are never alone, and in front of you to help show the way. The 3-Day family embodies that concept. A true blessing.”

Sandy K.: “Monumental…look at what a mobilized group of people can accomplish. We are all willing volunteers—walkers and crew. We move mountains.”

And, through teary eyes, we share Arti A.’s reason for her word…the word used most frequently by all of you: “inspiring”.

“As a survivor, I see and feel the support, the radiating hope, and the fellowship of not ever being alone in the journey.”

3-Day family, you are never alone.

See you in 2021. ??