October Pink Bubble Story of the Month: Rae J.

In 2008, Rae J.’s sorority sister-turned-best friend, Terry H., signed up for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day^® after seeing an advertisement on TV. Although she didn’t know anyone at the time who had been affected by breast cancer besides Rae’s mom, a 16-year survivor, Terry knew right away that she wanted to walk. She began raising money and recruiting others to join, but it wasn’t easy. “It was very intimidating to have to raise $2,300; asking people for money was new. It was even more intimidating when I explained we had to walk 60 miles; in fact, people said I was crazy,” she shared.

Ultimately, Terry raised the money and walked solo in D.C., crying at times when she found herself alone. However, in true Pink Bubble fashion, Terry made new connections and was so inspired that upon returning home she talked her friends into signing up, Rae included. In 2009, Team Keeping Abreast was born with five walkers and three crew members, including Terry’s dad and his wife, Terry and Rae’s husbands, Chris and Bob, Terry’s niece, her niece’s roommate, and Rae’s sister-in-law. That year, they began carrying a banner with them for each walk where they encouraged other participants to write the names of survivors and those who have been affected by breast cancer.

“We kept our traditions going from year to year: the banner, wearing team shirts on day three, holding up our fists in team pictures, and a shoe circle. The young girls in our team video are all now walkers who, back then, couldn’t wait to be able to participate. Rae’s daughters were first in 2016, when Cameron joined as a walker and Caroline joined the Youth Corps until she was old enough to walk. Next were Rae’s nieces, Abbey and Melanie who joined Youth Corps and are now walkers.”

Team Keeping Abreast walked every year until the Komen 3-Day was no longer offered in D.C. when they decided to crew in Philadelphia. Unsure of how to raise money and afford travel, they missed the following two years. Over time, they kept learning of more and more people who had been diagnosed and when Rae was diagnosed in December 2015, their team got their walking shoes back out and returned to Philadelphia in 2016. That year, they recruited another one of their sorority sisters from Sigma Sigma Sigma, Stacey and Rae’s sister, Dawn. “We walked again and that was the first time she was able to easily convince me to walk with them,” shared Dawn.

In 2016, Rae walked her sixth and final 3-Day^® as a Stage IV breast cancer thriver. She gave a speech at the Opening Ceremony, saying “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 it would happen to me? Yet here I am having been diagnosed this past December with Stage IV breast cancer. So, this year, I’m also walking for myself and continue to look for the cures so my daughters don’t have to walk for the very same reason. I’m Rae, and I am the 3-Day.”

Rae was beloved by her friends and family and loved the 3-Day more than anything else. Her friends describe her as:

Funny — she loved to laugh, always had a smile

She was the life of the party, the last one to go to bed and the first one up in the morning

She made friends everywhere and kept in touch with all of them

She was an active member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma (Tri Sigs) sorority both as an undergraduate and alumna

She played the trombone in her high school and college marching bands

She had a passion for tennis and enjoyed playing in multiple leagues and tournaments

She knew the words and dances to every song from John Denver to Kid Rock to Run DMC

She was a lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers

She was an accountant by trade but focused on family and friends

She loved holidays and events, including Halloween, the 3-Day, St Patrick’s Day, Christmas, and Easter — all the holidays were so celebrated, and she decked everything out accordingly

She loved getting ready for the 3-Day — the pinker the better!

We could pick up and go anywhere or we could sit on the couch for the entire weekend

She was very passionate about all things in her life

She was a fantastic mother, wife, friend, sister, aunt and daughter

She was a wonderful everything

“Rae fought until the very end. I went to chemo with her on September 27, 2017 and she passed away two days later on September 29, 2017,” shared Terry. “Throughout that year, as Rae’s condition worsened, we didn’t know if we were going to be able to do the walk. The short plan was that the team would still walk, Bob and Chris would crew, I would stay with Rae, and we would possibly drive from their new home in Arizona to San Diego and cheer on the walkers. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it that far but after Rae passed away, we all got ready for San Diego. It was the weekend before Thanksgiving, so we did the walk, and we all spent the holiday together that year. It was good for closure, actually.”

In 2019, Rae’s daughter Cameron spoke at the Opening Ceremony as a tribute to her mother and her husband Chris walked for the very first time. “It was the last walk Rae walked, and I wanted to walk in her footsteps. I did all 60 miles, no sweeping. It was a great healing event,” he shared. Each year since her passing, the team walks with Rae’s shoes attached to their backpacks and their banner adorned with a photo of her for all 60 miles. Since then, three teammates including Rae’s sister Dawn have been diagnosed and are survivors whose names are proudly written on the banner.

This year, Team Keeping Abreast joined together to participate in the 2024 Denver 3-Day, wearing matching jerseys as they crossed the finish line on the seven-year anniversary of Rae’s passing. As they set out on the route for Day 3, a route safety crew member was singing Good Morning, Good Morning, a song that Rae was known for singing each day. The team walked past in awe and, after reflecting, turned around to ask him for a video. Though her two daughters, Cameron and Caroline, couldn’t make it, they spent the day together and were overcome with emotion seeing the video of the crew member singing their mother’s song.

“From there, the story is pretty clear,” shared Terry, the team captain and Rae’s best friend. “We will forever be 3-Dayers. I promised Rae I would continue until there are cures, like many others scorned by the disease.”

Denver Milestone Award Winner: Rina W.

Meet Rina W., our 2024 Denver 3-Day Milestone Award Winner!

Since her first 3-Day 16 years ago, Rina has walked 18 times and has raised more than $177,000. The team that she captains, Angels 4 Angels, is part of the Lifetime Commitment Circle, having raised more than $1.6 million to date. Her Denver-based teammates have also been instrumental in the work they’ve done ensuring the success of the Susan G. Komen Denver 3-Day!

“Rina is my mentor and role model in determination, persistence, passion and kindness. Her youngest sister and my friend, Lori, died of breast cancer way too young. Through the tragedy of her loss, Angels 4 Angels was founded in 2007 and because of Rina, Angels 4 Angels continues to be a top fundraising team year after year, and she is always a top individual fundraiser. Her own battles with both uterine cancer and breast cancer have not stopped her from steadfastly working and walking to end breast cancer. I am proud to be her friend and thrilled to have Rina receive the Milestone Award in my adopted city of Denver.” —Sue R.

What was your inspiration to participate in your first Komen 3-Day???

In 2007, friends in our community decided to walk in memory of three young women who had recently lost their battles with breast cancer, one of whom was my fifty-year-old sister Lori. Our team is Angels 4 Angels, which includes all others as a fourth Angel.

What has brought you back to the 3-Day® year after year?

I have not stopped participating. My mother, children, grandchildren, and nieces have walked and/or been on the Youth Corps.

What is the secret to your 3-Day fundraising success?

Many people in my circle associate me with the 3-Day, so they continue supporting the walk financially. Additionally, I have organized Worship in Pink at my synagogue for a Shabbat program annually for 17 years. My teammates and congregants who are survivors participate and we remember those we have lost.

What’s a fun fact about you?

Things I enjoy doing are volunteering at the food bank, needle arts, travel, and spending time with my grandchildren and great-granddaughter.

What are the most important lessons you’ve learned on the 3-Day?

I have learned from the 3-Day that one person can make an impact.

2024 Susan G. Komen Denver 3-Day Event Recap

The Pink Bubble returned to Denver, including a day in Boulder, on September 27-29! Courageous participants walked amongst the mountains in the Mile High City to complete 60, 40 or 20 miles over the course of three days. Together, 700 walkers and 220 crew raised a total of $2.3 million for breast cancer research, community health, patient care and advocacy.

Day 1

The Susan G. Komen Denver 3-Day began with a beautiful Opening Ceremony, an opportunity for walkers and crew to gather for the first time before setting out on the route. The spirit of the Pink Bubble radiated as the room filled with excited participants ready to embark on Day 1 of the Susan G. Komen Denver 3-Day. Our incredible speakers, Mona D. and Jana L., shared their reasons for walking; Mona for her sisters and Jana as a 27-year survivor. Following their heartfelt stories, the room filled with emotion as we welcomed Tari P. to raise the Promise Flag in honor of those who we’ve lost to breast cancer. She spoke about her mother who died on Super Bowl Sunday, stating “I didn’t watch that game because I was watching her take her final breaths, but she was the real winner that day, gaining her wings and reuniting with her sister and mother who previously lost their battles with breast cancer.”

Before raising the flag, Tari continued, “Cancer treatments continue to advance, and my mother benefited greatly from those medical breakthroughs. I know that the money I’ve raised over my 21 years with the Komen 3-Day helped fund these advances, giving my mother the precious time to see her grandchildren graduate from college, get married, and have children…. My mom chose joy until her very last day, and I promise to do the same.” With the flag flying high, we took a moment of silence to honor those who have lost their lives to breast cancer and then proudly said their names aloud as walkers embarked on their journey.

With the sun shining, walkers were led by survivors and thrivers for a spirited Day 1! They soon found themselves at the iconic Coors Field, followed by a slumber party themed pit stop 1, equipped with a pink tent, crew members in pajamas, and a pillow fight to top it all off! Hydrated and fueled up, walkers then passed by the Denver Zoo with supporters cheering them on as they walked toward the Lowry District, where a western themed lunch awaited. As they made their way in, walkers were greeted by the Lunch Sheriff who directed them toward a delicious spread of turkey sandwiches, garden salad, and sides. Fueled and rested, they continued the second half of their day, where they passed by the Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion and the Pioneer Monument Fountain before heading toward camp.

Greeted by soft pretzels and massage chairs, walkers rested their feet as we awaited the last walker, who happened to be one of the morning’s speakers, Jana. The Celebration of Champions soon commenced where Bank of America rewarded our top fundraisers with donations up to $500 for their 2025 3-Day ® fundraising. Keep an eye out for our blog post about the top fundraisers coming soon! Our coaches then honored the Milestone Award Winner and Crew Impact Award Winner. Our National Presenting Sponsor then hosted a raffle where five Denver 3-Day participants were awarded a swag bag along with a $250 toward their 2025 fundraising efforts. To wrap up an exciting evening, the men of Mohawk, Alec and Logan, hopped on stage to share an awesome 3-Day rap for the second year in a row! Walkers headed to bed with a fresh tune in their head as they rested their feet for the next day.

Day 2

This sunny day began with 2-Day Walkers checking in and everyone hopping aboard a 3-Day bus to Boulder for a scenic route through the Rocky Mountains. The first to board was the Denver Ultimate Event Experience winner Mary Ann I., who raised over $6,200 during the eligible period for her 16^th 3-Day. The buses rolled into the beautiful East Boulder Park where walkers were greeted by porta potties and a hydration station to ensure they started their day on the right foot.

With mountains in every direction, no matter where the route took them, walkers were in for a stunning view. As they continued, they were met with the Memorial Mile next to a community garden, serving as a beautiful juxtaposition as we honored those who have lost their lives while celebrating the growing life in the surrounding fields. After reflection on the impact of community, they were soon welcomed to a delicious lunch at the halfway point of their 60-mile journey! From here they continued through the hilly streets of Boulder with stops at a pirate themed pit stop 3 and a gold medal worthy pit stop 4 adorned with Olympics regalia. Just three miles later, buses awaited our courageous participants with comfortable seating for a ride back to Denver.

As walkers paraded into camp, they were greeted with delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, Bank of America Massage Chairs, and some much-anticipated air conditioning before the Honor Ceremony commenced. The Youth Corps kicked things off by sharing who inspires them to participate in the 3-Day and were followed by speakers Dennis, a male breast cancer survivor, and Shiela, who commits for her late sister Sandy. Dennis began his speech by asking the room to raise their hand if they had ever met a male breast cancer survivor which resulted in only a few hands raised. As the room fell silent, he shared that he has only ever met five other male survivors, including his brother, and spoke to the importance of male breast cancer advocacy. From Dennis’ experience and that of his brother, even some of the most well-renowned doctors in large metropolitan cities are not equipped with the resources to fully detect male breast cancer in its early stages. He shed tears while speaking to the importance of early detection and self-advocacy in the doctor’s office for men and women alike. Shiela took to the stage and spoke about her beautiful sister Sandy who she and her team walk in honor of. “At the beginning of this year, our lives changed forever, and our 3-Day walks took on a whole new meaning. On January 2nd, the best sister, mom, aunt, wife, grandma, sister-in-law, cousin, co-worker, and friend left this earthly world. Now, she’s our special pink butterfly angel in Heaven,” Shiela shared. As she stepped off the stage, the 3-Day community lit their candles in tribute to the friends and family who continually inspire their participation. After sharing many hugs and tears, walkers and crew called it a night and rested up for their final day of the Denver 3-Day.

Day 3

Sunday began by welcoming our 1-Day Walkers into the Pink Bubble before all walkers made their way out on the route, ready for the final day in the Mile High City! I connected with Dawn and Chris, who were spending their day honoring their sister and wife, Rae, a long-time walker who lost her battle with breast cancer on this day seven years ago. To represent their final day with her on September 29, 2017, team Keeping Abreast repped jerseys with the number 29 on the back to honor Rae. At her very last 3-Day in 2017, they recorded a video of Rae singing the song she was known for, “good morning, good morning,” and, as her loved ones set out on the route on the anniversary of her passing, they were met with a route safety crew member singing the beloved tune. As chills fell down their spines, they felt more connected to Rae than they could have imagined and walked the rest of the way with a reminder of why we walk.

Walkers enjoyed sunshine and scenic views all day long as they passed through RiNo Arts District, over South Platte River, and ventured into Edgewater. With the Colorado sun radiating strongly, walkers were offered hydration and food at pit stops, grab & gos and the lunch stop, where they had the chance to take a cute photo in front of the flower wall. After resting their feet, walkers continued their journey as our friends from XPO cheered them on and offered snacks, candy, water, and sports drinks to give the extra push through their final miles. For those needing a little boost from one spot to another, fun sweep vans like the Gnome Mobile came to the rescue! Whether on foot or in a sweep van, walkers passed by Sloans Lake Park and Empower Field at Mile High Stadium before parading into the Finish Line Festival at the Tivoli Quad.

As they proudly stepped across the Mohawk Pink Carpet, walkers were celebrated by friends, family, crew, and Susan G. Komen® for their tremendous accomplishment. As we anticipated the last walker, participants were able to take photos, get some swag, and enter an awesome raffle at the Nature’s Bounty tent before retrieving their victory shirt and Bank of America medal. We welcomed the last walker home before our spectacular Crew lined the way toward the stage as our courageous survivors and thrivers walked in, grounding us in why we walk. We gave a loving goodbye to our 3-Day Host Cati Diamond Stone, who will be entering a new chapter of her life, passing the torch over to Beverly Kruse who will be joining us at the Dallas/Fort Worth and San Diego 3-Day events. It was then revealed that the 700 walkers and 220 crew members of the 2024 Susan G. Komen Denver 3-Day raised a collective $2.3 million in the fight against breast cancer. The funds raised will be used to invest in cutting-edge research that will lead to new, more effective treatments, working in communities across the country to ensure all people can access the care they need, and mobilizing passionate supporters to make certain the voice of the breast cancer community is heard by policymakers.