Tag Archives: Komen 3-Day®

Why I’m Coming Back to the 3-Day in 2014

The decision to join the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® is a big one. The decision to come back again, for a second, third, tenth, or twentieth time, is equally impressive. We asked some of our 2013 Komen 3-Day walkers and crew members why they have chosen to participate again in 2014. Their answers are inspiring.

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Natalie B. was a first-time walker in the Twin Cities this year, but she’s already hooked. “I had donated in the past to friends who did the 3-Day, but before I did the walk, I had no clue what a special experience it would be. There’s something about taking part in it yourself that really makes you feel the enormity of this disease and its impact. I don’t know how to describe it, really, but the shared experience of pushing our bodies to extremes, hearing stories of people affected by breast cancer, and seeing the effort of so many people to put the event on just really makes you feel part of something bigger than yourself and your own little world. I felt very connected to this cause after the 3-Day, much more so than I did when I just donated to friends’ fundraising efforts in the past. I can’t imagine not doing it again.”

One of the top fundraisers in San Diego this year, Lucy M. is a two-time breast cancer survivor, and says, “My annual 3-Day experience is my celebration of my own wellness. I am one of the lucky ones and I walk because I can.” Lucy will be back for her 13th event in 2014, celebrating another year of survivorship.

San Diego Day 1

Blanche was a member of the Camp Services crew team in San Diego

Blanche C. from Seattle has walked in the 3-Day 12 times in 10 years, but had her very first experience serving as a crew member this year. Blanche shared, “I walk, and now crew, because I’m hooked on making a difference. I originally became involved for a challenge, and my aunt passed away from breast cancer. I have met the most amazing people because of the 3-Day I can’t imagine not participating in some way. And just because I’m crewing that doesn’t mean I won’t fundraise. Here’s to another fabulous year!” Blanche already registered for the 3-Day Crew three times in 2014—in Twin Cities, Seattle and San Diego.

For first-time walker and survivor Gigi C., being part of a team made all the difference. “I can’t even put into words what an amazing experience it was. I was lucky enough to walk with some ‘9 year pros’ from Two Jewels and A Gem and I couldn’t have done it without them! It was such a fun, uplifting and emotional journey for me and I will be joining them again next year.”

Lori M.’s reason for returning to the 3-Day is a specific and sobering reminder of why we must continue: “We have achieved a 99% 5-year survival rate with early diagnosis – and while this is great, there is more to do. This year I met a surprising number of women who experienced a second diagnosis between years 6-10. We have a new mission – prevent the re-occurrence!”

Every member of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day family has unique and inspiring reasons for being involved and for coming back year after year. What will bring you back in 2014?

A Thanksgiving Message

The 2013 3-Day season is a wrap! Our 3-Day gear is stowed away until next year – except for our Victory t-shirts, which we wear proudly to commemorate our recent 3-Day journey. My husband and I are still sharing our San Diego 3-Day experience with our friends and family, and look forward to our 15th walk next year.

In this season of thankfulness and gratitude, please accept the thanks of the 3-Day Blog team, and our gratitude for your commitment to the fight to end breast cancer forever.

Please take a few minutes to read the Thanksgiving Message from Susan G. Komen® President and CEO, Dr. Judy Salerno.

Sending heartfelt Thanksgiving wishes to our extraordinary 3-Day family. We hope to see you in 2014!

We will never give up.

We will never give up.

A Friend from the Past

Julie and Jordan finish off Day 2 on the Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day

Julie and Jordan finish off Day 2 on the Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day

“I can barely remember to log into Facebook,” recounts Julie Long who is participating in her 27th Susan G. Komen 3-Day® event this weekend in San Diego, with her daughter, Jordan, who is walking for the first time. “I managed to follow the instructions on The3Day.org and added the Komen 3-Day link to my Facebook page. And so begins the story of the power of Facebook and the kindness of (almost) strangers.”

A few weeks ago, Julie received an email notification that a $200 donation had been made to her 3-Day fundraising. “The name of the donor was listed, and while it sounded familiar, I wasn’t exactly sure who it was,” recalled Julie. “I went to my Participant Center in the hopes that the donor had left a message which would help me identify who it was.” The message was simple:

‘Julie, congratulations on participating in this wonderful event. I stumbled upon your site and since I have a memory of being in your 8th grade homeroom class the year you lost your mother, I know how personal a cause this must be. I am more than happy to contribute on your behalf. Keep walking, you’re making a difference! Richard P-W.’

Julie continued, “The message might not sound so extraordinary, except that the memory Richard is referring to was an announcement made by my 8th grade homeroom teacher 41 years ago. It’s a memory of a terrible day and a terrible announcement. My teacher did not realize I had returned to school, as my mother died of breast cancer over our spring break. She had not realized that I was sitting there until 32 heads turned towards the back of the room where I sat sobbing.”

The walkers on the Komen 3-Day in San Diego line up to start the route

The walkers on the San Diego 3-Day line up to start the route

Once Julie stopped crying after reading his message, she emailed Richard to thank him. He called and they spoke for several minutes. They had only spoken a handful of times over the years (as often happens with classmates), but he recounted that he had never forgotten that day over the last 41 years.

Julie and Jorden in traditional pink tutus, take on the San Diego 3-Day route on the final day of walking

Julie and Jorden, in traditional pink tutus, take on the San Diego 3-Day route on the final day of walking

“The 3-Day has given me an opportunity to share my grief and my hope with a community that is committed to finding a cure for breast cancer,” says Julie with conviction. “It is a world where the kindness of strangers is not uncommon.  My link on Facebook and my 3-Day story reminded someone of an event over 41 years ago, and turned someone who was essentially a stranger into a treasured friend.”

Say hello to Julie and Jordan today as they finish their 60 miles of walking for a cure on the San Diego 3-Day, and tell us about your miraculous fundraising stories!