How a 3-Day Training Walk Saved Burt’s Life

Burt L. and his 3-Day training walk group in New York,

At 81, Burt L. has walked the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® 35 times. A longtime training walk leader from New York, he’s spent years helping others prepare for their 60-mile journey. But a few years ago, Burt’s training group found themselves looking out for him.

“The last couple of years, I’d get an uncomfortable feeling in my chest when we started to walk,” Burt explained. “It would go away, and I felt fine.”

As the training walks continued around New York, the chest pains kept coming.

“At that point they told me they would not walk with me again unless I go see a doctor,” he said. “And by God, I needed it. They were right. They saved my life.”

Burt soon learned he needed a heart valve replacement and later, a pacemaker. These two procedures have allowed him to continue doing what he loves—walking in support of the 3-Day.

Burt L., a longtime walker of the Susan G, Komen 3-Day, during a heart procedure.

“If it hadn’t been for them yelling at me to go see a doctor, who knows where I would be today,” Burt said.

Today Burt is feeling good and plans to keep walking the 3-Day for as long as he can. He began walking 22 years ago in honor of his cousin, Judy, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999. When her cancer metastasized (spread), she faced it with courage until her death in 2004.

“I need to do all I can to make sure Judy did not die in vain,” Burt said. “I need to do all I can to help bring about the day when no other man or woman, no other family, loses a person they love to breast cancer.”

In the early years, he walked with Judy’s daughters. And this year, in what he calls “a delicious demonstration of the circle of life,” Burt will walk his 36th 3-Day alongside Judy’s grandson.

“We are JuJu’s Boys,” he said. “On his first 3-Day and my 36th, we will continue the fight against breast cancer together.”

Over the last two decades in the Pink Bubble, Burt has raised more than $300,000 for the 3-Day. Each month, Burt and his training groups strive to meet and walk 10 to 20 miles in preparation for the 3-Day. While many of them participate in different 3-Day cities, they take care and motivate each other through every step of training.

To learn more about the 3-Day visit the3day.org.

Four Simple and Fun Summer Fundraising Ideas

Fundraising may be taking a back seat to summer plans, but there are still plenty of easy ways to turn everyday moments into meaningful fundraising opportunities. Whether you’re collecting spare change, decluttering your closet or squeezing some lemons, these simple ideas can help boost your fundraising.

Spare Change: Loose coins add up fast (some people have been collecting their change for years)! Don’t be shy about asking friends, family and neighbors to donate the spare change they have sitting in their car cup holders, junk drawers, piggy banks or coin jars. You’ll be surprised how quickly it all adds up!

Purpose-Driven Yard Sale: Ask friends, family and neighbors to donate gently used items, then host a “Fundraising Yard Sale.” Use pink-inspired signs that showcase your 3-Day connection and story. Pro tip: Post your yard sale in local Facebook neighborhood groups and upload photos of your items with prices. Be sure to mention that all proceeds go toward your 3-Day goal. (Suggested price: at least $5 per item).

Pink Drink Stand: Set up a pink-themed lemonade or iced coffee stand and get creative with signs that highlight the Komen 3-Day and breast cancer awareness. Add homemade treats, baked goods or dog treats to increase donations. Pro tip: Invite your kids or grandkids to help run the stand. People love supporting cute kids! (Suggested price: $2 lemonade, $4 iced coffee).

Facebook Fundraiser: If you haven’t already, visit your Participant Center and connect your fundraiser to Facebook! It’s a quick way to share why you are joining the 3-Day with your entire social network. And remember, sometimes the people you least expect are the most generous.

You may not think so, but sometimes the simplest ideas can lead to a lot of support. Whatever fundraising angle you choose, every effort counts. Keep sharing why you are involved in the 3-Day and the support will follow!

Join Us for a 3-Day Journey to Help End Breast Cancer

Each year, the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® events bring together thousands of passionate people united by one powerful mission: a world without breast cancer, for this generation and the next.

Over the course of three unforgettable days, participants walk up to 60 miles, and share stories of remembrance, survival and hope, after months of dedicated fundraising to reach their goals.

The Komen 3-Day events, held in Denver (Aug. 1-3), New England (Aug. 15-17), Dallas/Fort Worth (Oct.24-26) and San Diego (Nov. 14-16) are more than just walks – they are transformative journeys that begin the moment you register.

A dedicated coach will guide and support you as your train for your walk, mentor you through your fundraising efforts and keep you motivated every step of the way. The 3-Day is also more inclusive than ever, offering three distance options. While many choose the full three days and 60 miles, others choose the 1-Day (20 miles) or 2-Day (40 miles) options.

The 3-Day “Pink Bubble” community is made up of walkers, crew members and volunteers, all bonded over the same purpose of ending breast cancer forever. Throughout the event, you’ll have the chance to form lifelong connections and experience powerful moments, like the touching Honor Ceremony.

The Opening Ceremony sets the stage for the 3-Day. You’ll feel the passion and dedication that fuels our cause, and as you walk, you’ll see beautifully curated pink outfits that tell the stories of survivors and honor loved ones. The Pink Bubble atmosphere is filled with positivity, hope and unwavering support.

Nikki participated in her first 3-Day in Dallas in 2022 after completing treatment for breast and ovarian cancer and was blown away by the support of the community. “I love the Pink Bubble and all that it means,” she said. “That year, we walked through east Dallas, which is where I live. We walked by the lake where I cried after my diagnosis. We walked past the facility where I was diagnosed with cancer, the hospital where I had my surgery and my oncologist’s office. I finally got to give myself the closure I needed. I walked past all those places that were connected to so much sadness and was able to create a happy memory and celebrate all that I’ve been able to do.”

It’s an experience you’ll never forget. Along the 3-Day route, you’ll encounter people who’ll make you laugh, cry and motivate you to keep going. By the time you reach the Closing Ceremony, you’ll be overwhelmed with a deep sense of gratitude and hope for the future.

Since it began in 2003, the Komen 3-Day series has united more than 500,000 participants and raised more than $915 million to support cutting-edge research, improved access to care and advocacy efforts to amplify the voice of the breast cancer community.

So, are you ready to take the first step? Register today! We’d love to have you join us at one of our 3-Day events.

Visit the 3-Day to learn more.