Real Men Wear Pink (Or Nothing At All)

Carl B of the “60-Mile Men” poses in full regalia

Dangerous words from a group of rowdy supporters for finding the cure for breast cancer! I originally met Carl B. in Boston, sporting his classy and eye-catching pink “Batman meets Superman meets Captain Hook” outfit. His sash, however, gave him away as one of the elite men who made up the 60-Mile Men. These are no regular walkers, but men committed to modeling themselves for the cause, and walking and crewing for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day^®! Each walker or crew member has a photo shoot in either–you guessed it–pink or nothing at all. When I asked Ed this morning at pit stop 1 about the choice between wearing pink or nothing, he just smiled and said, “Well, we give you the choice, but you really can’t wear pink.”

Started by Matthew P. in Michigan in 2008, the group asks that men who would like to be considered for the calendar to submit a portfolio. Tough competition! The 2014 calendar models have already been selected and the calendar has an initial value of $25, but who knows what the real value is? Seven members of the 60-Mile Men joined us here in Cleveland this weekend and received special recognition at last night’s Camp Show. Hats off these to these fine crew members and walkers!

Mr. January and Mr. October of the “60-Mile Men” pose for the cameras at the start of the 2013 Cleveland 3-Day

Susan G. Komen walkers gear up and take on Day 2 for breast cancer awareness.

The “60-Mile Men” in sashes at the Cleveland 3-Day campsite

The Cleveland 3-Day crowd goes wild when the “60-Mile Men” are recognized for their efforts in finding a cure for breast cancer

Cleveland’s Top Fundraisers Announced

We are excited to announce the Cleveland 3-Day’s Top Fundraisers! Everyone has done such a fabulous job in raising dollars that support breast cancer research for finding a cure, but a few this year have gone above and beyond. We had a chance to recognize them tonight at the Camp Show.

Top Crew Fundraiser: Lars Larsen from the Lunch Crew, $2934

Lars Larsen is awarded the Top Crew Fundraiser for the Cleveland 3-Day 2013

Top Team Fundraisers: “Breast Man Walking” with Captain Kathy Giller, $58100

"Breast Men Walking" wins the Top Team Fundraising at the Cleveland 3-Day 2013

“Breast Man Walking” wins the Top Team Fundraising at the Cleveland 3-Day 2013

And drumroll, please. Our Top Individual Fundraiser for the Cleveland 3-Day 2013 is Kathy Giller, $43222

Kathy Giller is congratulated by Dr. Sheri and the Cleveland 3-Day audience as the Top Individual Fundraiser of 2013

What an amazing job to these individuals for their dedicated service to helping end breast cancer forever!

“What Can I Do To Help?”

George N. of Clawson, MI starts his 30th Susan G. Komen 3-Day® in Cleveland, OH

Most walkers, crew, and volunteers have a very close relationship to breast cancer. Not George N. from Clawson, MI. He had just retired from his construction/electrician work in 2001, and he remembered the President’s speech. George stood at Dock 32 this morning at the age of 81 and paraphrased: “Do some good in your neighborhood . . . help a shut-in . . . walk across the street to a neighbor in need and say ‘what can I do to help you?'” George then saw an ad in the newspaper that talked about the Susan G. Komen 3-Day^® and decided this was his way he could help.

After 29 successful walks, he stood front and center this morning as a gorgeous sunrise illuminated the heartland of America: Cleveland, Ohio. The zumba instructor pumped the crowd and George was right in step. “This is a very hard thing,” declared George, “but it is worth it!” He remarked on the many friendships that he has enjoyed in retirement through the Komen 3-Day and specifically wanted people to “take the time to talk to people. If you’re racing, then you’re missing the whole point.”