Introducing the 2017 Michigan Susan G. Komen 3-Day Honor Speakers

We began our 2017 Susan G. Komen 3-Day season in Michigan with an inspiring and beautiful Opening Ceremony as the sun rose above the Walled Lake Western High School. Walkers, crew members, and supporters joined their hearts and hopes in the shared promise of bringing about the end of breast cancer, one footstep at a time. In every city this year, we will be having one of our amazing participants co-host the Opening Ceremony. Take some time to get to know our Opening Ceremony speakers, who moved us to tears and action as we began our 60-mile journey.

Renee Barney – My Family

It is my honor to walk the 3-Day, and I am continually humbled and amazed at the generosity of people. This year is my tenth year walking, and all three of my daughters are participating with me because we’re fighting for a world without breast cancer. I’m Renee, and I am More Than Pink.

Nancy Sinelli – My Daughter

I am walking for my incredible daughter, Gina Guerreso, who has shown me and our family what the words courage, strength, positivity and determination truly mean. She has been an example to all of us and we will hold her in our hearts as we walk each step of this 60-mile journey. I’m Nancy, and I am More Than Pink.

Lisa Zenker – My Aunt

My sister and I started walking in 2011 because our mom fought breast cancer for 15 years. We had an amazing childhood with such great memories, but we grew up knowing breast cancer. A few months after our first 3-Day, our mom lost her battle. This 3-Day, I will walk with my Aunt Judy and Aunt Linda close to my heart. They’ve both survived breast cancer in recent years and I’m so proud of them. I’m Lisa and I am More Than Pink.

Gretchen Pitluk – My Mother

There are many reasons why I walk, but today, I have the honor of remembering my mother, Suzanne Pitluk, who passed away from breast cancer in 2011. She was a mother, sister, and many other titles, but most importantly, she was a warrior against breast cancer. This weekend, as I walk with my daughter, Mia, we will channel my mother’s passion, love, and fighting spirit. I’m Gretchen and I am More Than Pink.

Hannah Shore – My Grandmother

In 2008, my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Luckily, because of early detection, she is now a 9-year survivor. This is my first 3-Day, and I walk for both of my grandmothers. I’m Hannah and I am More Than Pink.

Kathie Lienemann – My Sister

I walk with my sister who was diagnosed at age 35, but today is a 19-year survivor. I walk because every year when I get my mammogram, I’m afraid. Afraid I’ll hear those words. I walk because it is time to end it. I’m Kathie and I am More Than Pink.

Beth Northman – Ceremony Host

I started walking in the 3-Day not knowing anyone that had been affected by breast cancer. But in the past 16 years, I’ve had eight teammates diagnosed with breast cancer, the most recent had surgery just a few months ago and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. I continue to walk for these brave women, my friends, and for all those who have battled breast cancer. I’m Beth, and I am More Than Pink.

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

We began our 2016 Komen 3-Day with an inspiring and beautiful Opening Ceremony as the sun rose above the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Crew members, walkers, and supporters joined their hearts and hopes in the shared promise of bringing about the end of breast cancer, one footstep at a time. Take some time to get to know our Opening Ceremony speakers.

Kara Corridan & Trish Jansen – My Friend

We lost two of our childhood friends, Kelly and Linda, in the last year. They were both 44 when they died and both had triple-negative breast cancer. They also have five children between them, ages 5 to 18. We are walking to help fund research and prevent another family from the heartbreak that Kelly’s and Linda’s families are going through. I’m Kara, and I’m Trish, and we ARE the 3-Day.

Allison Lustig – My Aunt

Ten years ago, my family and I began our 3-Day journey in honor and support of my Aunt Judy’s victory with breast cancer. Today,
I begin my 14th event as a first-time walker, in celebration of her 15th year of being cancer free! I will walk with her strength, determination, courage and love. I’m Allison and I am the 3-Day.

Becky Izadi – My Father

I walk in honor of my father, Ron Lewis, who lost his battle to breast cancer 5 years ago. I’m here to bring awareness to the effect this disease has on men, as well as women. Before he passed away, my father urged me to seek early testing, and as a result I discovered that I TOO had breast cancer. Thanks to my superhero, I will live a longer, healthier life. Love you, Dad! I’m Becky and I AM the 3-Day.

Emmanuel Bryant – My Mother

I’m thankful to be here surrounded by my 3-Day family. I joined the 3-Day last year in Seattle, and after the first day, I knew this was something I wanted to keep doing. I walk in memory of my Mom, JeRhonda Lynem. I also walk for every woman, man and child that has been affected by breast cancer. I’m Kentucky and I am the 3-Day.

Mike Hattrup – My Wife

This will be my sixth 3-Day supporting my wife and Team Michelle, but my first time walking! Instead of cheering from the sidelines, I decided to walk this year beside my wife, who has been battling breast cancer off and on for the last three years. I’m proud to be part of this great team of fighters! I’m Mike and I AM the 3-Day.

Helen Hall – My Sister

This is my 18th walk with my sister who is a 37-year breast cancer survivor. I walk because I believe that one day there will be a cure for breast cancer. I’m Helen and I AM the 3-Day.

Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Honors our Opening Ceremony Speakers

We began our 2016 Dallas/Fort Worth Komen 3-Day with an inspiring and beautiful Opening Ceremony as the sun rose above the Collin Creek Mall. Walkers, crew members and supporters joined their hearts and hopes in the shared promise of bringing about the end of breast cancer, one footstep at a time.

As part of the Ceremony, we were honored to welcome some special 3-Day participants to the stage, where they shared their own inspirations—both heart-warming and heartbreaking—for being part of the 3-Day. Hear their compelling and touching reasons for being a part of our 2016 walk. #WeAreThe3Day

Janet Muldrew – My Sister
Breast cancer has stricken three of my five sisters. In 2006, we started walking in the 3-Day and raising money for Susan G. Komen, to help find a cure and put an end to breast cancer. I’m Janet and I AM the 3-Day.

Alicia Morrison – My Children
I’ve seen way too many friends, family members, and loved ones bravely face breast cancer. I walk for my children. I walk today with hope that they never have to fight that battle. I’m Alicia and I AM the 3-Day.

Patti Rieder – My Mom
I walk for my mom who was a 7-year breast cancer survivor, only to be taken from us by ALS. Her strength, support, generosity and love is why I have become the woman I am today. I love you, Mom, and will continue to be a 3-Day walker to honor you. I’m Patti and I AM the 3-Day.

David Loder – My Wife
I walk for my wife who is an 18-year survivor. Thanks to each of you here today, there will be many more survivors in the future. I’m David and I AM the 3-Day.

Susan Hennessy – My Family
I walk for my sister-in-law, Colleen. I walk because the day a family member receives a cancer diagnosis, your whole world changes. You immediately think of the years you may lose with them and of the heavy burdens they now must bear. I dream of a future in which no mother, father, sister, brother, or other loved one has to battle cancer. We’re all here today, united in the fight against cancer. We support the fighters, admire the survivors, honor the angels, and never EVER give up hope. I’m Sue and I AM the 3-Day.

Emily Edgar – My Friend
My best friend from childhood began walking the 3-Day with me in 2012. Only 7 months later, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, one that had no cure just 20 years ago. But today, she is cancer-free and so thankful for Susan G. Komen, because money from these events funded the research that saved her life. I also walk for my boss, who was diagnosed at 36. After a double mastectomy, hysterectomy, chemo, and radiation, she was declared cancer-free. But last year at 42, the cancer was back, stage 4. She is currently receiving experimental treatment and her tumor markers are down. I walk for my friends. I’m Emily and I AM the 3-Day.