The Susan G. Komen Seattle 3-Day Honors Our Opening Ceremony Speakers

We began our 2017 Susan G. Komen Seattle 3-Day with an inspiring Opening Ceremony as the sun started to rise on a perfect fall day on the West Coast. Our Opening Ceremonies this year are led by participants, with special recognition given to our breast cancer survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Crew members, walkers, and supporters joined their hearts and hopes in the shared promise of bringing about the end of breast cancer, one footstep and mile at a time. Take some time to get to know our Opening Ceremony speakers.

Troy Richards – My Wife

I walk for Misty, my wife, and the mother of our two boys. She is the rock and foundation of our family. Her attitude and perseverance should be an inspiration to anyone affected by such an invasive disease. I also walk for women and men still battling to stay healthy and safe. I’m Troy and I am More Than Pink.

Cathy Parsell – My Friend

I’m walking to honor my friend, Carole, a fierce warrior in the animal rescue community. She used that same warrior attitude when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She boldly showed breast cancer that she was More than Pink and won the battle. We love you, Carole! I’m Cathy and I am More Than Pink.

Veronica Claudio – My Mother

I am walking in memory of my sweet momma, Claudia Claudio, who is truly the definition of an angel. She taught me to LOVE life and find the joy in every day, to always turn the radio up when Rick Springfield is playing, and what true courage and strength look like. She will forever be remembered for her signature dimples, her bright light, and the legacy that she left that still lives on today. I’m Veronica and I am More Than Pink.

Holly Raissipour – My Children
It is continually my honor to walk the 3-Day as a survivor all the way from Boston. I am humbled and amazed at the continued generosity, support and love of people. This year is my 8^th year and 11^th walk, and all three of my daughters, my husband and all my friends support and cheer me on from afar to help find a world where no one will ever hear again the words: “You have breast cancer.” I’m Holly and I am More Than Pink.

Heather Jellerson – My Sister

I am walking for my sister, Kimberly Valerine Holmes. Kim lost her fight, but worked so hard to laugh her way through it. I’m participating today because her strength inspires me to walk so that others may have a better chance to win their fight with breast cancer. I’m Heather and I am More Than Pink.

Lauren Leiker – My Aunt

In 2005, I walked my first 3-Day for my Aunt Barb. Today, I walk again for my aunt, a two-time survivor, and for all who have fought and are still fighting breast cancer. I’m Lauren and I am More Than Pink.

Dena McLauchlin – Ceremony Host

I walk for an amazing friend who lost her courageous battle six years ago. I made a promise to her that day that I would do everything I could to keep fighting to end breast cancer. Since Jean passed, I have had four friends lose their courageous fight?two in just the last three months. So as I begin my 14^th walk here in Seattle, I will dedicate these 60 miles to all my friends who were sent home too early, to my two aunts who also fought this fight but earned their wings, to all my friends who are currently fighting, and to all my friends who will fight. I’m Dena, I am More Than Pink… and I’m honored to welcome you to the 2017 Seattle 3-Day!

The Susan G. Komen Philadelphia 3-Day Honors Our Opening Ceremony Speakers

We began our 2017 Susan G. Komen Philadelphia 3-Day with an inspiring Opening Ceremony as the sun started to rise on a beautiful day in the City of Brotherly (and Sisterly!) Love. Our Opening Ceremonies this year are led by participants, with special recognition given to our breast cancer survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Becky Harney – My Sister

I walk for the strongest, most courageous person I know – my constant supporter, my big sister, Jenn. I walk because cancer stole her lifetime from her, and robbed the world of a wonderful wife, daughter, sister, mother, friend. I walk to hold on to the hope that together, we can defeat breast cancer. I’m Becky and I am More Than Pink.

Betty Bottmeyer – My Friend

I walk for several people who have gone through breast cancer…my family and friends, near and far. And I walk to remember those who have passed. We carry them in our hearts and they give us strength to go on. I walk because in my lifetime, I want to find a cure for cancer. I’m Betty and I am More Than Pink.

John Slosarik – My Wife

I walk for my wife of 23 years, Sharon, who is the 4th generation of women in her family to have battled breast cancer. Sharon is now living with metastatic breast cancer as well as the knowledge that our 19-year old daughter is BRCA positive. With each step, I celebrate generations of strong women in our family and in yours, who believe in the power of love and a world without breast cancer. I’m John and I am More Than Pink.

Jennifer Slosarik – Myself
When I was four years old, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. When I was 18, I was diagnosed with the BRCA-1 gene mutation, which means I have over a 90% chance of developing breast cancer before I am 50 years old. I began this walk to support my mother who continues to live with stage 4 breast cancer. And today, I also walk for myself. I’m Jennifer and I am More Than Pink.

Emily Robbins – My Grandmother

I walk for my grandmother, who is a breast cancer survivor. I also walk because someone I’ve known my whole life lost their second battle with breast cancer in February, and because my mother has had multiple lumpectomies over the past 13 years. I am an advocate for finding a cure for breast cancer, so that one day, men and women around the world do not have to worry about it. I’m Emily and I am More Than Pink.

Jesse Kornblum – My Mom

As I stand here about to embark on my first 3-Day without my mom, I’m feeling many different emotions. I remember my mom’s strength, her greatness, energy, passion, love, friendship and her unforgettable smile. But I’m also grateful because I am able to join together with all of you this weekend to fight breast cancer! I’m Jesse and I am More Than Pink.

Royce Epstein

Three years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. But today I stand before you, in remission – a Mohawk employee, a Komen advocate, and a survivor. I am grateful for the support of my company, and I am humbled to be here with all of you today. There is one word I want you think about as you embark on this 3-Day Walk: it’s AVANTI, which means “Forward” in Italian. I have it tattooed on my leg as a reminder to Keep Moving Forward, this weekend and forever, wherever your journey takes you. I’m Royce, and I am More Than Pink.

Kathy DiRusso – Ceremony Host

My 3-Day journey started in 2002 in Boston, where I walked in memory of my Aunt Carol, who we lost to breast cancer in 1991. The following year, we lost my cousin Tricia at the young age of 41. Both women were taken too soon from this earth – both left behind two amazing sons who have made their mark on this planet in a way both mothers would be quite proud. Today, I begin my 25^th 3-Day in their memory. I’m Kathy, I am More Than Pink… and I’m honored to welcome you to the 2017 Philadelphia 3-Day!

The Susan G. Komen Twin Cities 3-Day Honors Our Opening Ceremony Speakers

We began our 2017 Susan G. Komen Twin Cities 3-Day with an inspiring and beautiful Opening Ceremony as the sun broke through the clouds in Edina at the Southdale Mall. Our Opening Ceremonies this year are led by participants, with special recognition given to our breast cancer survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Shelly Owens – My Sister

I walk for my bestest friend and little Sister, Angela, who is here today to witness her first ever 3-Day, and is battling Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. She needs a miracle drug so her 3- and 4-year-old children can enjoy many more years with their mommy, and because this world will never be the same for Me if she’s not in it. I’m Shelly and I am More Than Pink.

Carolyn Opsahl Hopp – My Friend

I walk in memory of my friend Becky! She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 30 and lost her courageous fight at the age of 36. I made her a promise to be a part of creating a world without breast cancer, and I have every intention to make that promise a reality. I’m Carolyn and I am More Than Pink.

Lisa Healey – My Family

My immediate family has logged more than 30 3-Day walks, but this year’s 3-Day took on a whole new meaning when my sister, Jill, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Because of Komen, she was diagnosed early, which also helped to make the early stages of her journey a little bit easier. Jill still has a long road ahead, but I’m hoping with the research that Komen continues to fund, a cure will be found very soon. I’m Lisa and I am More Than Pink.

Lauren Rectenwal – My Mom
I am walking this weekend to honor my mom’s strength and determination throughout her battle. My mom is my best friend and I couldn’t imagine my life without her. Cancer sucks! I’m Lauren and I am More Than Pink.

Todd Wallin – My Wife

I walk in honor of my best friend and wife, Kay, who is also a 15-year survivor. I also walk for the future: for my daughter and granddaughter and all of you! I’m Todd and I am More Than Pink.

LeAnn Poirier – My Children

I walk in honor of my children for the sixth year in a row, in the hopes they will NEVER have to fight breast cancer. I walk for those who cannot and for those who have lost their battle against breast cancer. I honor and admire all women and men for their fight and determination to never give up. I’m LeAnn and I am More Than Pink.

Melissa Dickhausen – Ceremony Host

I walk because it is the one thing I can do to help make a difference. I have watched too many of my friends and co-workers battle breast cancer and have lost too many amazing women to it. By walking, I’ve been able to spread awareness about breast cancer beyond just my family and friends, which has led to earlier diagnoses and quicker starts to treatments. And that’s why I continue to walk. I’m Melissa, I am More Than Pink… and I’m honored to welcome you to the 2017 Twin Cities 3-Day!