Congratulations to the 2018 Michigan 3-Day Local Impact Award Winner, George Nummer

For the 2018 Susan G. Komen 3-Day® season, we’re pleased to be continuing the Local Impact Award. This award is being given to participants who have been instrumental in strengthening the 3-Day® community throughout the year. Local Impact Award honorees have gone above and beyond in their efforts leading training walks, attending 3-Day community events, supporting the 3-Day staff year-round at meet-ups and workshops, and in general, making a difference by building lasting relationships and showing commitment to the 3-Day in all they do.

Please join us in congratulating the 2018 Michigan 3-Day Local Impact Award Winner, George Nummer!

Coach Heather says,

“George is an institution within not only the MI 3-Day but our community as a whole. Many people will say they know the mature gentleman with the walking sticks. When I say “community,” I mean the 3-Day as well as the local community where George can be seen walking many months of the year training for the multiple 3-Days that he is taking part in any given ear.

George is a man dedicated to saving lives. While he has many friends on the 3-Day, he is often found walking and talking with those he does not know…..he wants to learn their story and get their promise. The promise to get a mammogram….and possibly save a life. He takes any opportunity to get out there and advocate….whether its volunteering to be the subject of a local news piece to get the word out to the masses, but just as important to him, meeting new people and getting their promise on each 3-Day he takes part in. 2018 will mark 40 walks for George!”

George receives his award at the Michigan 3-Day.

Want to know more? Let’s hear from Beth Northman.

“If you don’t think you can make a difference in your own small spot in the world, all you have to do is have a chat with George Nummer! Truly a 3 Day treasure, George began walking in the 3 Day after September 11 because he wanted to make a difference and reach out to help others around him and he has done this over and over since he began participating in the event. With is walking sticks in tow and a smile on his face George is an inspiration to all he comes in contact with. I encourage you to spend a few miles with him on the route and hear his story; you’ll be glad you did!”

His friend Michelel Yelovina also raves about George.

“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award than George. His determination and dedication leaves a lasting impression on all who meet him. But it is his relentlessness to the cause at hand that impacts the most. “Promise to…” two strong words…”promise to get a mammogram “ is what he asks those that walk with him to make.

For 49 out of the 50 women that make that promise all maybe well, but for the one… for THIS one…George is a life saver. I don’t know how much more of an impact one can have on another persons life than having a hand in saving it! So thank you, my guardian angel , you deserve this and sooo much more! You have a special place in my heart forever!”

Now, let’s hear from the man himself! When George talked to us, he didn’t know he would be receiving this honor!

George says, “I was inspired by a speech by President Bush, post-911. He said if you want to help fight terrorism, start by helping your neighbor, help your community. A few days later, I saw an ad for the 3-Day. I thought, at age 70, I could never walk 60 miles in 3 days but I was curious so I sent for information. After I got the information and read about the Breast Cancer statics, I thought that’s pretty bad maybe I can do something to help and here I am at 86 and 40 walks later.”

We had to learn more…

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

Knowing that I am helping breast-cancer patients and survivors, and particularly getting women to promise to get yearly mammograms, has bought me back year after year. I especially enjoy being part of the 3-Day community, making friends with fellow walkers across the country.

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

Being positive in my fundraising, sending letters to all my family and friends, and not being afraid to ask for donations have led to my success. The worst people can do is say no.

What is your best advice to anyone walking the 3-Day?

It’s important to train well in advance. It’s best to train in all types of weather, as you may be walking the 3-Day in bad weather. And remember, it’s not a race. Take your time and get to know your fellow walkers, find out why they are walking. Enjoy yourself and have fun!

What’s a fun fact about you?

I started walking in the 3-Day at age 70. The year I turned 75, I walked in every 3-Day event available—12 walks in 15 weeks. The hardest thing I ever did, but the most rewarding!

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

Always have a positive attitude. Before you can accomplish something you must first expect it of yourself. You can do most anything you set your mind to, just believe in yourself.

Congratulations to the 2017 San Diego 3-Day Local Impact Award Winner

For the 2017 Susan G. Komen 3-Day® season, we’re honored to be featuring the Local Impact Award. This award is being given to participants who have been instrumental in strengthening the 3-Day® community throughout the year. Local Impact Award honorees have gone above and beyond in their efforts leading training walks, attending 3-Day community events. They have also supported the 3-Day staff year-round at meet-ups and workshops, and in general, been making a difference by building lasting relationships and showing commitment to the 3-Day in all they do.

Rainy 3-day

Please join us in congratulating the 2017 San Diego 3-Day Local Impact Award Winner, Rainy Reinbold.

Her fellow Crew members have loved having her as a part of their team for 13 events!

“Rainy has a magical way to make everyone around her feel special, appreciated and empowered to make a difference. She has been a Crew Captain since 2005, sharing her love and leadership with both our camp crews and route crews. In 2005 she took over the role of Gear & Tent Crew Captain, supporting over 50 crew members to make sure our Gear & Tent team was successful managing over 5,000 pieces of participant gear!

After a few years as the Gear & Tent Captain, Rainy became our Senior Captain of Camp. She then spread her wings out to our route and has been our Senior Captain of Route for the past couple of years. Rainy has raised more than $5,000, and been a crew captain in 3 other cities. Whenever there is a need for a volunteer at a local event, Rainy is there with her smiling face. Rainy is truly a special ingredient that makes the San Diego 3-Day community so unique. If you have the opportunity to meet Rainy, you will be inspired in unimaginable ways.”

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Her friends had plenty of high praise to share about Rainy, saying,

“I find her to be so REAL & GENUINE. She is so straight forward, she has a heart made of gold and although she may try to hide it, she is really sentimental. I can honestly say that if I ever need anything, I know she would be there for me and anyone else that is family, day or night, with no questions asked.

Her dedication to the 3-Day has been proven over many events and she does it with such quiet and effective leadership (you actually don’t even realize she is leading you into the promised land of 3-Day). She does all of this and maintains such a great sense of humor. I love how she laughs at me, but also is very good laughing at herself which just proves her fabulous sense of self.”

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Her humor was evident even when we asked her for her own take on the 3-Day. When we asked these questions, she didn’t know she would soon be our winner!

What was your inspiration to do your first 3-Day?

My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 34. I wanted to challenge myself to walk the 60 miles and to help the cause. My sister just celebrated her 20th cancer-free anniversary.

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

I came for the cause and stayed for the family I found.

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

Just ask people face to face. Emails are easy to delete, but face to face conversations capture emotion. Explain to potential donors why you are participating in the event. Why does it mean so much to you and how can their support make a difference.

What is your best advice to anyone walking the 3-Day?

Slow down and enjoy the journey. There are no medals on the 3-day. Also, laugh until you cry and cry until you laugh. If you want to avoid blisters coat your feet in a thick layer of Vaseline (you are going to throw those shoes and socks away anyway after the walk).

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What’s a fun fact about you?

I am a HUGE baseball fan (especially the Padres), I’ve been to all 30 major league baseball stadiums. My husband and I are writing a book called 59 by 59 (one couple’s journey to visit all the national parks before they turn 59). I can recite the Greek Alphabet and all 50 states in alphabetical order. I have been to 49/50 states (Idaho is all I am missing). I speak sarcasm fluently.

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

Everyone is participating in the 3-Day for a different reason. Don’t assume everyone’s idea of the 3-day is the same as yours. Listen to the stories. Blisters will fade, but the stories you share will be an amazing memory.

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Congratulations to the 2017 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Local Impact Award Winner

Sharon Ray

Please join us in congratulating the 2017 Dallas Fort Worth 3-Day Local Impact Award Winner, Sharon Ray.

When we told one of Sharon’s friends that she was going to be honored, she was beyond excited!

“YES!!! I’d be challenged to think of anyone more deserving! She’s constantly working with the Komen charities, especially the 3-Day and is on a never-ending quest to promote the event, participate in any way she can and help others to understand the mission and become more active themselves.

She’s a huge supporter of those of us who are survivors and is forever working to do everything she can to end breast cancer. I personally don’t know how she manages to do it all.”

Sharon also writes support letters to 3-Day participants across the country, and fundraises year-round, all the while sharing fundraising opportunities with other participants.

Knowing how much she has given to the whole 3-Day family, we had to hear from Sharon herself! When we asked her these questions, she didn’t know she would soon be selected as our winner!

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What was your inspiration to do your first 3-Day?

I have always been involved with Komen locally but never the 3-Day. I was curious how it was different then the volunteering I did with the affiliates. So, I volunteered for the 3-Day as my first experience and what an experience.

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

I cannot say one thing that brings me back year after year. It is the people I have met and still meet. The stories from survivors and co survivors. The camaraderie with the walkers, crew and staff is infectious. The friendships. I can’t imagine not being a part of this family and the Pink Bubble.

sharon Ray 2015

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

The secret to my fundraising is to ask everyone and anyone. Trying to turn a NO into a YES. If you don’t ask you never know what you may have received. I love to give back also so having something to give back to a donor is another great way to fundraise. Telling everyone why I am asking and what the dollars can do.

What is your best advice to anyone walking the 3-Day?

The best advice is to enjoy the moment. Talk to people, listen, do the best you can do. You are not in competition with anyone else.

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What’s a fun fact about you?

I am an avid Red Wing Hockey fan. I don’t know how to sit still. I have been lucky enough to travel to Brazil and Europe and I used to teach dance.

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

One lesson I have learned is nothing is impossible. Nothing is as bad as it seems. I have watched walkers that thought they couldn’t do 60 miles do it. I have watched survivors be stronger than they thought they could be. People touch your life for reasons we don’t always know but are grateful they did.

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