2017 Susan G. Komen Michigan 3-Day Wrap-up

On Friday morning of our first 2017 3-Day, the sky cleared for a bright blue sunrise at Walled Lake Western High School. Our 350 Michigan 3-Day walkers had perfect walking weather to start their 60-mile journey that began with a poignant Opening Ceremony led by local participants.

The first pit stop, at Bayside Grille, was right along the water at mile 2.7, giving all our walkers great views and photo opportunities with our Boo Bees pit crew and volunteers. From there, they visited Pit 2 at Meadowbrook Elementary School after a brisk 6.4 miles of walking. Then, after 11.2 miles, the walkers got a rest and lunch break (including salads this year!) at Meadowbrook Congregational Church. They stretched, refueled and relaxed on our new pink Mohawk mats, which were a favorite for our first picnic lunch.

After lunch, the next pit stop was Dr. Seuss-themed at Christ Presbyterian Church at mile 14.6. And oh the places the walkers would go after that! With brains in their heads and feet in their shoes, they headed off through the cheering station at Novi High School, and on to pit stop 4 at mile 17.

The first day finished at Novi Middle School for dinner, camp and relaxing. Friday had seen our walkers trek 19.3 miles in record time, so everyone took advantage of the Bank of America massage chairs, trail mix bar, relaxation areas and other treats.

At camp, survivor speaker Pala Liske gave a deeply personal and heartwarming speech, thanking all the walkers who had come before her. Bank of America then honored Top Team Fundraiser, The Hines Pink Pathers, as well as Top Individual Fundraiser Mary Ann Isaac, who raised more than $29,000 this year. Gary Bertolini was our Top Crew Fundraiser, and we also celebrated the 68 walkers who are celebrating 10 or more years on the 3-Day. Together, these 68 walkers have raised $3.4 million in their lifetime!

Later, Jim Hillmann received the Milestone Award for his 10 years and 50 events on the 3-Day. He has raised $153,004 in his time on the 3-Day and received resounding applause from his fellow walkers. In addition, Dan Sinclair won the Local Impact Award thanks to his 14 years, 40 events, and $23,623 lifetime raised. Everyone went to sleep that night inspired!

Day 2 started off with sunshine as the walkers sailed in to their longest day of walking for the weekend. At mile 3.5, they stopped at Thornton Creek Elementary School, they hit up pit stop 1 to stock up on grahamwiches and orange slices. Pit stop 2 saw our walkers visiting the western-themed Wild Wild Breast at mile 7.8 for the day at beautiful Cass Benton Park.

During lunch at the Plymouth Cultural Center, we met our Youth Corps to learn why, and for whom, each of them walked. Leaving lunch, the walkers had already stepped through 11 miles for the day!

Our first cheering station on Saturday was at the iconic Kellogg Park in downtown Plymouth. At mile 11.8, the walkers came upon a photo favorite: the pink fountain! The community turned out in full force with music, cheering and plenty of opportunities for selfies.

Then there was a second cheering station at Cook School, and the Treasure Breast pit stop 4 at mile 19.4 at Spillane & Reynolds Orthodontics. This pit stop came complete with a two-person pirate ship, Captain Jack Sparrow photo op and lots of other booty-ful treats to propel our walkers through the last few miles of the day.

After 22.3 miles, our walkers came home to camp back at Novi Middle School, where the local cheerleading squad and football teams were on hand to welcome our final walker in. After that, walkers dug into everyone’s favorite 3-Day meal: macaroni and cheese! During and after dinner, walkers could listen to performances by local musical acts, as well as play games with their friends and family. For extra fun for the friends and family, there were also local food trucks and even a Bank of America mini golf course on hand. Plenty of fun was had before everyone turned into their cozy pink tents for the night.

Sunday morning began with more sunshine, and our walkers kicked off their last day at Kennedy Elementary School. The 3-Dayers walked through Livonia, Westland, and Dearborn Heights throughout the morning, logging 7.9 miles before they arrived at pit stop 2. There they were greeted by cheerleaders, complete with pink pom poms!

Before lunch at mile 10.8, the walkers passed through a huge community cheering section! A whole neighborhood came out to cheer our walkers on, take photos, and help give an extra pep in their step as they arrived at York Park for lunchtime.

With only a few miles to go, the walkers breezed through pit stop 3 at Lizzie’s Pasture to arrive at Ford World Headquarters. After completing 15.5 miles on Day 3, our Michigan 3-Day walkers had arrived at the finish line!

Their journey is never truly done, though, as was evidenced in our closing ceremony. We are all still working, and walking towards Susan G. Komen’s Bold Goal to reduce the nation’s 40,000 breast cancer deaths by 50 percent by 2026. Our 350 walkers and 250 crew members made great strides this weekend, raising more than $1.1 million towards the cause, much of which will go directly back to the local Michigan community efforts.

As we hugged and celebrated and danced in the sun, one message rang loud and clear; that though our feet may ache, our spirit and dedication will live forever; through aches, and pain, and blisters. We are shouting loudly and proudly that in this fight, where we seek to live in a world free of breast cancer, WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP. Thank you, Michigan. We are so very proud of each and every one of you.

If you’re ready to be a part of this incredible journey again in 2018, sign up now at The3Day.org/Register.

Congratulations to the 2017 Michigan 3-Day Local Impact Award Winner, Dan Sinclair

For the 2017 Susan G. Komen 3-Day® season, we’re pleased 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, 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 2017 Michigan 3-Day Local Impact Award Winner, Dan Sinclair.

“My first ever 3-Day was in 2002 when I was a student of Massage Therapy and I needed 50 hours of civic volunteer hours to complete that part of my training at school. And I was told that I could complete all that time in a single weekend. Little did I know how much that weekend would impact my life. When the 3-Day returned to Michigan in 2004, I was ready! Only to find out that they no longer used a massage therapy team for the walkers. While the crew coordinator was explaining this to me he noticed I was wearing a “Harley” tee shirt and asked if I rode? I explained I’d been on motorcycles most my life and his reply was “Have I got a deal for you”. In 2005 my daughter was a walker and I was on crew. She quickly introduced me to her walking friends and suddenly, I had a 3-Day family and was given the moniker of their “3-Day Dad” and over the years that family has taken a special meaning to my life. In 15 years, I went from not knowing anyone that has had breast cancer to becoming close friends with so many people who live with it daily and then losing a lifelong friend to this monster. At age 60 I did my first walk in Denver with some of my Michigan Crew members and discovered traveling and seeing the country through PINK shaded glasses is one fine way to live. So now I crew everywhere I can and walk at one event each year.

My passion is the water, boating, swimming, scuba diving or just plain sitting at the beach. I taught safe boating classes during the Michigan winters and was off to the marina in the spring. I was fortunate enough to have a wife that shared my passion for boating and allowed me to follow my dream. In 1986, we came across “Luv-It”, a boat big enough for the family to be comfortable on and this year we are enjoying our 31^st season on board her.

Being retired Navy, I’ve seen parts of the world that most people are not fortunate enough to witness first hand, some spectacular, some downright devastating and everything in between. So, when I came across the 3-Day Community, I thought, “If only the world could be like this”.

So, year after year I come back and add my “two cents” in hopes that it makes someone somewhere take their mind off their troubles, their sickness, their pain and smile just a little bit…

There is a cure out there and together we will find it.”

What do some of Dan’s friends have to say about him?

“I have had the absolute privilege of working, and walking, side by side with Dan for 14 years now. I’ve witnessed first hand the impact he has had not only here in Michigan but in the other event cities as well. He is ever present and always smiling. His willingness to help fellow crew and walkers knows no bounds. It is not uncommon to find him using his massage therapist skills to help walkers stretch and work out kinks, sometimes right on the side of the road. That always makes for a hilarious double take when one of the Medical crews drives by! He makes a point of getting to know new faces, making them feel welcome and sharing his story. Whether it is 30 seconds at an intersection or 30 minutes in the dining tent, you will always feel like you’re an old friend!” – Jenn Frederick

“I don’t know a 3-Day withOUT Dan – He took me under his wing at the opening ceremony of my very first 3-Day, many many years ago. Made me feel welcome as a rookie route safety. And has taught me everything I know about crewing and captaining.

He is our 3-Day Dad (I’m probably not the only one who will say this)

Best. Hugs. Ever!

Passionate. Caring.

A mentor. A role model.

A shoulder to cry on

A friend to laugh with

A great storyteller

Loved by MANY!” – Jeanette Jones

Michigan 3-Day Event Preview

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The Michigan 3-Day is this week, and as you get ready for the event, we have a preview of what to expect on our first 3-Day of the year! There are some fun new updates this year, but for those who return to Michigan again and again… you’ll be happy to see some familiar sights as well!

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The first, and biggest update is that we will be camping outside this year at Novi Middle School! The Wildcats will be hosting our 3-Day camp on both nights, allowing us to take advantage of the great summer Michigan weather. We know the camp site is usually indoors, but even outside, you don’t have to worry about too much noise or brightness at the new camp site. The camp site is safely away from any noise or light that would interfere with your 3-Day beauty sleep.

Our Michigan Event Production Manager, Ann Love, previously Michigan’s Coach, is very excited about the new spot!

“We’re working hard this year to make the camp more festive! Hopefully you will notice how high energy it feels, and see that there’s plenty to do in camp. The sleeping area is tucked away in a nice, grassy park area. Once you see it, I think you will be pleasantly surprised and thrilled!”

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Aside from camp, each of the 60 miles will also be fun-filled!

Day One starts at Walled Lake Western High School and will walk by Walled Lake to kick off Day One. We have walked by the lake in past years, but you will see more of it this year, along with beaches and parks. The views will be great! After that, the route will take us in and around the city of Novi, and returning walkers will see lots of familiar places.

You’ll see Pavilion Shore Park, Novi Ten Shopping Center and Novi Meadows!

Day Two will also feature familiar locations, with the highlight (and one of Ann’s favorite spots!) being the arrival into the city of Plymouth. That’s where we will all enter the park with the now famous “Pink Fountain,” an excellent spot for photos! After that, we will pass through the city of Northville, and if you’ve walked before, you will recognize portions of the rest of Day Two’s afternoon route. However, there will be plenty of new sites to see, too!

Spots to look out for are Cass Benton and Kellogg Park as well as Northville Downs.

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As in past years, Day Three starts with a bus ride (feel free to sing as we drive!) where we will begin walking at Livonia and then through the Dearborn neighborhood. This will include walking through the Dearborn Homecoming Festival, which Ann promises will be full of fun and great sights!

We will have new sights to see as we walk through Ford Field Park. This was on our route a few years ago, and since it was such a popular walking route, we are bringing it back this year!

Ann explains, “We are always trying to give everyone more of what they like!”

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We will finish, as usual, at Ford World Headquarters for our celebratory Closing Ceremony.

All along the route, you’ll be cheered on by the Michigan community, and get to stop by our festive pit stops every few miles. Ann says you can expect to see the Michigan BooBees (a honeybee theme) at Pit Stop One, as well as Wild West, Dr. Seuss, and more exciting Pit Stops all along the route.

For more of our favorite sights from the Michigan 3-Day, check out our photo slideshow!

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What are you looking forward to most on the Michigan 3-Day? Tell us in the comments! And, if you have any more questions, your Michigan Coaches are here to help!