Tag Archives: Komen 3-Day®

Goose Bump Moments

I asked our 3-Day coaches, as well as some of the 3-Day participants I’ve interviewed for this blog, to share a special memory – a goose bump moment – which they cherish. Their responses illustrate the “magic” that is the 3-Day.

Jane R. “One of my favorite 3-Day goose bump moments is being a part of the human chute that walkers form at the end of the 3-Day to welcome those reaching the finish line later in the day.” Veteran walkers – I’m sure you know the magic she’s talking about. First-timers – just wait! You’re in for a beautiful surprise.

Chicago 3-Day participants celebrate their final steps while others cheer them on.

Chicago 3-Day participants celebrate their final steps while others cheer them on.

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The Twin Cities 3-Day Wrapup

The dedicated Susan G. Komen 3-Day® family of the Twin Cities put on an extraordinary event this year, beginning with a gorgeous sunrise over the Opening Ceremony and high spirits as participants moved from Edina into Minneapolis, passing by the scenic Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles. The crews did a fantastic job, and their themed Pit Stops were awesome. A solid 1980s theme at lunch, complete with cutouts of celebrities of the time period, rejuvenated everyone to push through the 20.4-mile route. Diners were rewarded with entertainment, great games at the Camp Show by Bank of America and New Balance, and a stirring speech by John Shinar, who is walking all 14 events this year.

Day 2 proved to be a bit more challenging, as most walkers agree, that “Day 2 is the most difficult!” Newly formed blisters and sometimes old hot spots pop up on Day 2, and the extra length at 22.3 miles added to an arduous journey through the suburbs of Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview and Vadnais Heights. Fortunately a strong and supportive crew both on the route and back at camp helped to make it possible. The famous couch continued to make its appearance along the route. The drumline and the post-lunch cheering stations were only some of the excellent roadside entertainment options on Saturday. What better way to celebrate the end of 40 miles and Day 2 than with the Satin Dolls and some dinner before hearing the stories of breast cancer survivors and involvement of the Youth Corps?

Most cities in the continental United States heat up at some point during the summer, and this weekend, temperatures climbed to dangerous levels on Sunday, and the starting point in the morning was made from the planned lunch stop. Thank you for being so accommodating! The shortened final day made for hot and humid, but taxing walk into the Participant Finish Area, on the beautiful lawns in front of the State Capitol. We all extend a special thanks to friends and family who made the Closing Ceremony even more special. Overlooking the hundreds of walkers and crew who made the Twin Cities 3-Day spectacular, flag bearers and breast cancer survivors alike could view the sea of support from so many who make this vibrant 3-Day® family in the Twin Cities so special.

Join us in the beautiful Twin Cities in 2014!

MORE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE TWIN CITIES 3-DAY

Hands Together for Kathy Heins

Besides raising more than $60,000 in funds over 10 years of walking, Kathy Heins has led a team of fundraisers, Robb’s Ralliers, to raise more than $400,000 in funds for breast cancer research over the years they have participated!  Kathy has been been a walker in the Susan G. Komen Twin Cities 3-Day for 10 years, and she is this year’s recipient of the Milestone Award for her commitment to the Twin Cities’ efforts in breast cancer awareness and research. Oh, and it’s her birthday today on Day 2 of the Twin Cities 3-Day.

Kathy Heins stops at Grab and Go "A" on Day 2 of the Twin Cities 3-Day to hug supporters (who were also wishing her a happy birthday!)

Kathy Heins stops at Grab and Go “A” on Day 2 of the Twin Cities 3-Day to hug supporters (who were also wishing her a happy birthday!)

“I had heard about the 3-Day from friends of mine who were co-survivors, but had young children at home, so couldn’t travel to other cities,” said Kathy. “In 2003, it was announced that the first 3-Day® would be held in the Twin Cities – as a survivor, I wanted to do something bigger than me and my battle.  Raising the money, training for the walk and participating in the event felt like the perfect thing.” She was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time just after the second Twin Cities 3-Day in 2005, and she committed herself to walk until her feet couldn’t carry her anymore.

Kathy Heins, the Twin Cities 3-Day Milestone Award recipient of 2013, stops on the route on Day 2

Kathy Heins, the Twin Cities 3-Day Milestone Award recipient of 2013, stops on the route on Day 2

When asked about her amazing success in fundraising, she responded, “I am blessed with amazing supporters! Family, friends and even people I didn’t previously know, have made a commitment to supporting me year after year.  As I meet new people, I share my story in hopes that I can rally them for support as well.”

As a veteran walker, Kathy recommends walking at your own pace and taking sweep vans if needed.  “What you’ve accomplished to date–the fundraising and the training–is amazing! Make sure you can walk through the finish line on Day 3! Enjoy camp life and soak in the experience.  Take time in the remembrance tent.  It’s extremely sad, but it will inspire you to keep up the fight.” Kathy’s attitude and view of the 3-Day as “inspiring, awesome, and hopeful” has been a great force in the fight against breast cancer and a great support to other walkers.  Congratulations Kathy on receiving the Milestone Award for 2013 in the Twin Cities!