The 2016 Susan G. Komen Philadelphia 3-Day began this morning with our lovely and inspiring Opening Ceremony. Walkers, crew members and supporters gathered and reaffirmed our continuing promise: that we will never give up until we reach our goal of a world without breast cancer.
As part of the Opening Ceremony, we welcomed some special Philadelphia 3-Day participants to the stage to share their own inspirations—both heart-warming and heartbreaking—for being part of the 3-Day. #WeAreThe3Day
Jill Simmermon – My Mother 
“I walk because almost 19 years ago, I was robbed of ever hearing my mom’s voice again. I walk so that no one else has to endure that pain. I wasn’t able to celebrate my Mom’s 60th birthday with her, but I walk so that YOU can. I’m Jill and I AM the 3-Day.”
Eric Heck – My Wife 
“I crew route safety for family and friends who fought and are still fighting, and for my teal warrior wife of 31 years, Kathy. It’s because of organizations like Susan G. Komen and in part because of a drug developed for breast cancer treatment that Kathy, who is battling ovarian cancer, is alive and able to participate in the 3-Day again this weekend. Thank you Pink Family! I’m Eric and I AM the 3-Day.”
Marcia Schrepfer – My Daughter 
“I am walking for my dear friend, Susan, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and has been cancer-free for four years now! I am humbled by her strength and courage and the fact that I get to walk with her this weekend. I walk for a cure to end breast cancer so that my 20-year-old daughter, Caitlyn, her friends, my nieces, and all of the of younger generation will think of breast cancer as a thing of the past. I’m Marcia and I AM the 3-Day.”
Lisa LeBlanc – My Father 
“I walk for my father, John Kelso, who passed away in 2004. Daddy fought a very brave fight against cancer and even today, he remains an inspiration for all who loved and knew him. I walk to further the progress of cancer research, so that other fathers will win the battle against cancer and enjoy many years of health and happiness with their families. I’m Lisa and I AM the 3-Day.”
Christine Swiker – My Grandmother 
“Two years ago, I participated in my first 3-Day in honor of my Grandmom Claire, who we lost 12 years ago. This year, I add my Aunt Kate, who is currently in remission, and my friend Julie, who is fighting stage 3 to my list. I walk to so that we can stop “adding” people to our lists each year and end early goodbyes. I’m Christine and I AM the 3-Day.”
Rae Jobson – Myself 
“I have walked the 3-Day five times in honor of my mom, a breast cancer survivor, and in memory of those we have lost. Who would have thought that it could happen to me? Yet here I am, having been diagnosed this past December with stage 4 breast cancer. So this year, I’m also walking for myself and continue to hope for a cure so that my daughters don’t have to walk for the very same reason. I’m Rae and I AM the 3-Day.”
“I walk for my wonderful sister-in-law, Sherry Konter, who would have been 62 this year had she not been taken by this insidious disease almost 16 years ago. I also walk for my mother, Bobbie Pollard, who was a 36-year breast cancer survivor when she died at almost 85. I’m Roslyn and I AM the 3-Day.”
“Why do I crew? Well, simply put, it is because I walked 60 miles once, and y’all are crazy! But really. I crew for you, all my 3-Day friends. You are fighting the good fight to put an end to this nasty disease. You are fighting to protect my family, my friends, and me. I’m Jake and I AM the 3-Day.”
“Fifteen years ago, when a friend who had recovered from breast cancer asked me to walk with her, I didn’t hesitate for a minute. My father died of liver cancer and my brother-in-law had recently died of a brain tumor. All these miles later, I’m still walking, and while we haven’t found a cure, we know so much more than we did. Just last year, my husband was successfully treated for prostate cancer. I believe that if Komen can unlock the cure for breast cancer, it will lead to breakthroughs for all cancers. I’m Mary and I AM the 3-Day.”
“I walk because breast cancer threatened to take my momma from me when I was only 18 years old. I walk because there was a time when she couldn’t. I walk because now… she can! I walk because of her strength, relentless courage and because of her fight. I walk so that my babies will never have to know what it’s like to fear losing their momma to breast cancer. I’m Megan and I AM the 3-Day.”
“I walk in honor of the many friends who have fought and won their battles against breast cancer. I walk in memory of the loved ones that have been lost. I walk so that someday, my children will never have to fear losing a loved one to cancer. I’m Angela and I AM the 3-Day.”
“I’m walking for two reasons. First, it helps my late wife, Gail, complete her bucket list. When she was told her breast cancer was terminal, she set the goal to walk in EVERY 3-Day city. Atlanta is the last one on her list. I also walk for my daughter, Britain Grainger. We have to find a cure. I’m Kurt and I AM the 3-Day.”
“I walk in honor of my grandmother this weekend. When she was diagnosed with this disease, she attacked it with a strength and grace that I hope I inherited from her. I walk so that NO grandchild loses their grandmother to breast cancer. I’m Danielle and I AM the 3-Day.”
“I signed up for this walk – my first 3-Day – because I have been standing alongside my wife Kim for the last 10 months as she has fought breast cancer, round two. I also wanted to honor my sister Kathy, my mom, and my mother-in-law Jean, who we lost to this disease. Kim was supposed to be here with me today, but she passed away 11 days ago. If she were here, she would tell you all to never stop fighting, to never ever give up. I am her voice now. My name is Mark and I AM the 3-Day.”
“I am walking in the 3-Day because I know what it means to battle cancer first-hand. I am a 2-time cancer survivor of Hodgkin’s lymphoma and thyroid cancer. I went through intensive chemo and radiation and almost lost my life. But I was spared, and I want to do my part to help us get closer to finding a cure. I’m Cathy and I AM the 3-Day.”
“I started this journey when my best friend Tina was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer last Thanksgiving. I wanted to do this journey to show her my love and support. She has two young girls and I would love to see our efforts result in a cure for the all the girls of tomorrow. I’m Becca and I AM the 3-Day.”
“My reasons for walking began 10 years ago when a dear friend that’s now a 27-year survivor, asked me to join her in a Race for the Cure (you know, that little one). Today, it’s an honor to carry the My Family flag because I’m walking these 60 miles in memory of my young niece, Julie Ann, who was taken from us just weeks ago. I’m Beata and I AM the 3-Day.”