The Center of the Pink Bubble: The 3-Day Crew

The Susan G. Komen 3-Day®?Crew is an integral part of what makes the Pink Bubble possible! Whether you’re in a cozy massage chair at camp or miles into the route, these participants are at the core of your Komen 3-Day experience. They are the backbone of the 3-Day® and serve up delicious food, ensure your safety, provide medical attention, and much more throughout the weekend. Whether you’re walking or are thinking of being a crew member, you may be wondering what the different positions entail and how it all comes together. We’re going to cover all sixteen positions which fall under the categories of camp teams, road teams, medical teams, and others.

CAMP TEAMS

SUPPORT SERVICES — Works closely with the Command Center Support Services team to transport non-emergency injured participants to/from Quick Care, the hospital or back to camp, as well as executing various support services responsibilities.

HOTEL OPERATIONS?(Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver and New England 3-Days only) — Supports all facets of hotel operations such as driving hotel shuttle vans, staffing the information table, serving in the 3-Day Lounge, luggage collection, transport and/or retrieval, scanning walkers in/out each day, managing hydration tables and managing participant traffic.

“I love working with the amazing Hotel Operations crew because it is so much fun getting to create an amazing experience for all the walkers and crew members on event. Whether it is staffing a table on Main Street or cheering people on at walk-in/walk-out, my crew and I bring the party and hope that everyone enjoys the comforts of their 3-Day home.” —Kevin Y.

CAMP SERVICES?(San Diego 3-Day only) — Set up, manage and break down the service areas in camp including the 3-Day Lounge, check-in, Pink Information tent, shower area, and traffic stations.

CAMP OPERATIONS?(San Diego 3-Day only) —Work behind the scenes to create a great experience for others and is central to building and maintaining camp and producing a warm, cozy and clean atmosphere during the event.

FOOD SERVICE?(San Diego 3-Day only) — Serves a hot breakfast and dinner to all participants.

GEAR & TENT?(San Diego 3-Day only) — Transports gear and tents to camp and provides protection of the participants’ gear, campsite and vehicles.

ROAD TEAMS

EVENT SUPPORT — This team consists of experienced 3-Day Crew who are ready to step in wherever needed. They may assist with pit stop support, ceremonies, managing shuttle transport, relocation, and serve as extra route safety.

PIT STOP, GRAB & GO, LUNCH — Sets up and runs one of the many pit stops along the route, which provides water, sports drinks and snacks or a Grab & Go which only includes a hydration tent.

“I’ve been part of the lunch crew in three cities and the one thing that doesn’t change from city to city is the joy we receive from walkers as they eat lunch and enjoy whatever decorations or fun we have come up with. I’ve met people and built relationships that have changed my perspective and brightened my days well beyond the 3-Day. At lunch, we work hard and play harder!” —Deena D.

ROUTE MARKING — Marks the route with directional signage, picks up signage after the route has closed each day, and repairs signage as needed.

“There is so much I enjoy about crewing at the 3-Day; the camaraderie and talking with everyone because we all have different stories as to why we crew, so I enjoy learning about them. I enjoy being a part of the backbone of the walk itself, because the crews together make up the foundation of each 3-Day. It is knowing I’m one person amongst many who provides services and support to assist the walkers in being able to do their part; to walk, to fundraise, to help Komen be a leader in cancer research and medical advancements.” —Vivian O.

ROUTE SAFETY — Patrols the route on bicycle or motorcycle to ensure safety while stationed at intersections or where traffic may be an issue.

ROUTE SUPPORT —?Drives from pit stop to pit stop loading and delivering snacks, hydration, and ice, packs up route supplies and removes all waste materials from each route site.

SWEEP & SHUTTLE?— Drives passenger vans and picks up walkers between pit stops with fatigue or medical issues and transports them to the nearest pit stop.

“Being a member of the Susan G Komen 3-Day Sweep and Shuttle crew team is an honor and privilege. Though we have long days, this crew job is still one of the most popular because of the interaction we have with walkers. Each van is staffed with two crew members, usually trading off as driver and navigator. Our goal is to pick up walkers wanting a ride and lift their spirits while moving them forward along the route. We create a theme to decorate our van and wear costumes and often have some sort of giveaway for the walkers who ride with us. Being part of the 3-Day Sweep and Shuttle team is a highlight of my year!” —Janet K.

PARKING SIGNAGE?(San Diego 3-Day only) — Removes “no parking” signage from each day’s route and sets up/removes event equipment as needed and corrects any no parking signage issues that may arise.

MEDICAL TEAMS

MEDICAL — Doctors, PAs, NPs, RNs, LVNs/LPNs and EMTs (basic and paramedic) provide medical assistance and evaluation for minor injuries.

SPORTS MEDICINE — Athletic trainers, physical therapists and chiropractors that provide services related to the prevention, evaluation, and management of minor injuries.

OTHER TEAMS

YOUTH CORPS LEADER?— Works closely with the Youth Corps Captain to ensure the team’s guidance in the months leading up to the event and directly oversees this youth team during the event weekend.

“The cool thing about being a Youth Corps captain is that the kids help you grow too. Where else do you get to be silly, goofy, and let your inner child run free without judgement? No one faults you for messing up the Wobble ten times in a row. Instead, they giggle with you until you all have a side ache! When you cry at the Closing Ceremony, you end up in the middle of a giant, yellow-shirted group hug. Being a Youth Corps captain allows you to see the 3-Day from a different perspective—that of the next generation.” —Missy G.

If you’re not on your ideal crew team because the team was full when you selected your assignment, fill out a Crew Wish List Form (2024 Crew Wish List Form) to let us know which crew teams you are interested in being a part of this year.

Through it all, especially in the Medical Tent, Hal G. shows PERSEVERANCE | Word of the Year

Next up in our “Word of the Year” series, meet Hal G. and learn in his own words why he chose perseverance.

I have participated in three events as part of the Medical Crew—Philadelphia in 2018 and 2019 as well as New England in 2019. I am registered to walk for the first time in San Diego 2021.

My experiences at the 3-Day events have been great. I’ve been able to meet so many wonderful people who have come together in support of people they know and don’t know. It’s about making the future brighter for friends and strangers alike…incredible people filled with hope finding a common mission of advancing breast cancer diagnosis, research, and treatment.

As part of the Medical Crew, I feel honored to be part of the 3-Day. My colleagues and I are dedicated to helping the participants finish what they started. I am at the event to help each individual achieve their own goal.

The days start early and end late as we have clinic before the route is open and afterwards into the evening. We provide medical care along the route with a team of incredible medical professionals and assistants. It is truly a well-coordinated team effort with each member doing their part to get each and every participant the care they need and to keep them safe.

My word of the year is Perseverance.

Perseverance is my word of the year as 2020 was a year filled with remarkable and unprecedented challenges.

I participate in the 3-Day because of my girlfriend, Christine. We started dating in July 2014. Christine was diagnosed with breast cancer in December the following year. She and I never really talked about this again but as tears were streaming down her face in shock from her diagnosis she said to me, “This is more than you bargained for. If you want out of the relationship I understand”. I am still here. We are still here.

Christine had surgery and radiation treatment and now has ongoing medical management and surveillance. After recovering from the stress and fatigue of treatment, Christine set her sights on walking the 3-Day. It was a monumental milestone in her emotional and physical recovery.

Christine has now completed three events, two as a walker and one as crew. We will be walking in San Diego together.

In December 2020, Christine became a 5-year survivor.

The 3-Day family to me is a gathering of people coming together to combat a common adversary. It is a group of individuals magnifying their strengths exponentially as they join the Pink Bubble. It is a reminder that nobody has to fight alone…there are friends we know and friends we haven’t met yet that are working together to improve lives today and for future generations.

My word of the year, Perseverance, embodies much of the 3-Day experience. Perseverance is about overcoming an obstacle. It’s defined as weathering a storm or difficult situation in life with strong determination. I have seen and treated many in the Medical tent and base camp who display a singlemindedness toward achievement. Also, perseverance can last for a lifetime.

The message I would like to share with the Pink Bubble is that you matter. You are important. What you do helps others. In this time of extraordinary challenges look for the good. The Pink Bubble is part of the good, and the Pink Bubble is not the same without you.

One thing that surprised me about volunteering for the 3-Day is that in helping others an unexpected side effect was that I helped myself. I didn’t see that coming.

Thank you, Hal. As we move through 2021, we’re honored by the perseverance we see you and the Pink Bubble family show as we overcome obstacles together.

Other Word of the Year Blog Posts

Tracie G. is ready to INSPIRE everyone around her in 2021 | Word of the Year

Carolyn P.’s Heart is Filled with Generosity in 2021 | Word of the Year

Riley W. Chooses To Walk Into 2021 Being GRATEFUL | Word of the Year

A Salute to the 3-Day Medical Crew

Today is National Nurse’s Day, and we are honored to have many accomplished nurses as part of our 3-Day Medical Crew. Along with doctors, physician’s assistants and other medical professionals, these nurses keep all our 3-Day participants safe and healthy during the 3-Day weekend.

To celebrate them, and nurses across the country, we had a few of our 3-Day Medical Crew Captains share their 3-Day stories.

Barb Diamond Johnson, Medical Captain at the Seattle and Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Days

My commitment to the 3-Day and our local Komen affiliate is thanks to the care my mom received when her insurance fell short. Her care was funded by Susan G. Komen. I initially did the 3-Day in 2007 as a way to pay that back. My intention was to be one and done. But I’m still here…haha! My husband, two daughters, and son-in-law all now participate, too. I even met my current three best friends through the 3-Day.

I have so many amazing memories from my time on the 3-Day…

Years ago, my grandmother lived in Oregon. She used to help take care of the “neighbor girl.” I was in college at this point. I don’t ever remember hearing the neighbor girl’s name. My 1st year in Seattle, (Medical Lead) Jason Page assigned a social worker to my crew. I felt very drawn to her and would continue to have dinner with her when I would come to Seattle to visit my oldest daughter. Later while visiting with her, someone asked where she grew up. She mentioned the town where my grandparents lived. Lo and behold, she is that same neighbor girl! I had quite an ugly cry at that moment. We both now have bracelets that say “Gramma Glady’s Girls.”

Then, another year, we had a participant with Stage IV breast cancer whose family had been pushing her through the event. She would nap at lunch on our cots. Dr. Jim Lummus pushed her from Pit Stop 4 into the Participant Finish Area. We all were affected and inspired by her courage.

I have so many funny memories, and even a few moments of intense emotion, all from the 3-Day.

Robin Knapmiller, Medical Team Captain at the Twin Cities and San Diego 3-Days

It’s hard to express in words the love and appreciation I have for my Medical Team, but I’d like to take a moment to recognize them and thank them for all they do. They have shown over and over the ability to work with complete strangers in a new environment, and to do so with love and compassion, what a gift! I truly believe the personal connection makes a difference in the lives of the walkers. I have seen over and over how they not only treat the blisters and illnesses…but really get to know the walkers by name, share in their stories, meet their families and cry both happy and sad tears together! Sending love and thanks to ALL the3Day Medical Crew. You truly are THE BEST!

I am so honored to be among you, and to have my family at my side too! My daughter Jenni grew up watching me work the event, but since there was not a Youth Corps then, she had to wait until she was older to help. In 2013, Jenni got her Nursing Degree and we could finally work the events together. We haven’t missed a year since!

Do you have a member of the medical crew who you would like to salute? Are you a medical crew member with a memory from the 3-Day to share? Tell us in the comments! We are honored to have so many talented medical professionals keeping us safe all weekend long.

For more stories about our 3-Day Medical Crew, you can check out these blog posts: