Congratulations to Bob H., the 2015 Twin Cities 3-Day Milestone Award Winner

The Susan G. Komen 3-Day® Milestone Award is given at each event to a walker or crew member who has an outstanding history of participation in the Komen 3-Day. At the Twin Cities 3-Day camp show, we presented Bob Howard with this special honor. Bob is walking in his ninth 3-Day® in the Twin Cities this year, having previously walked seven times in Arizona and once in Philadelphia.

When asked what first got him involved with the 3-Day, Bob responded, “It’s actually a little embarrassing, but the first year I walked was essentially on a dare. I had a friend who had done the 3-Day, and I said ‘I can do that, heck it’s just walking…’ Boy did I have a lot to learn!” While his initial motivation to take on the 3-Day was lighthearted, Bob’s real inspiration came two years later when his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. “It was then that it took on a whole new meaning for me.”

Bob and Coach Stephanie at the Twin Cities 3-Day

In almost a decade of walking in the 3-Day, Bob has raised more than $55,000. He credits his fundraising success largely to his work family. “I work for a company that matches donations every year. I’m really very fortunate, to work with people who are so giving.” And what if someone doesn’t have such a generous network through their jobs? Bob assures them that generous people are everywhere. “I always tell people who are trying to get donations to ‘JUST ASK!’ Everyone knows someone whose life has been touched by cancer, and most people are happy to give what they can to help put an end to this disease.”

With Bob’s history of giving his time and energy to the 3-Day, it’s hard to believe his answer when we asked him what brings him back year after year: “It’s sort of a selfish thing. Aside from the event being very emotional and rewarding, it just makes me feel good. When I read about the advances that are being made in breast cancer research and treatment each year, it makes me realize the importance each of us plays in putting an end to this disease. When I see the survivors and hear people’s stories, I feel that we can make a difference.”

Just in case you’re not already inspired by Bob’s great attitude, we think you’ll like his advice to his fellow 3-Day walkers: “Enjoy the walk, look around at things while you walk, just enjoy the moments. When I feel I cannot walk another step, I think of the reasons I joined the 3-Day, I think of how much suffering so many women who have had this disease have gone through, and the pain they must have endured, and somehow I find that my pain is nothing and then I find the energy to keep walking.”

Bob, your energy, passion and dedication are truly moving. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for the amazing mark you have left on the 3-Day community.

Congratulations to the San Diego Milestone Award Winner, Debbie M.!

As we have done at every Susan G. Komen 3-Day® event this year, we took a moment during the Friday night camp show to recognize the Milestone Award winner for the San Diego 3-Day. This award is given at each 3-Day to a walker whose history of participation in the 3-Day stands out, and for San Diego, we were pleased to honor Debbie M. from Huntington Beach, CA.

susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk blog milestone award winner san diego debbie

Debbie and Dr. Sheri share a moment at the Friday night camp show

The 2014 San Diego 3-Day is Debbie’s 13^th event. Debbie, a self-described “food, wine and animal lover” has been an active San Diego walker since 2002. That was the year she founded the team Surf City Tittys, which has become one of the longest-standing teams on the San Diego event. Collectively, the team has raised nearly a million dollars during its history; on her own, Debbie has raised an incredible $73,592.

The 3-Day and the breast cancer cause are close to Debbie’s heart and home. She is a two-time survivor, and a carrier of the BRCA gene (as are 13 of her family members, including her daughter). She is outspokenly dedicated to finding a cure, and it shows through her outstanding commitment to the 3-Day.

Congratulations to you, Debbie! We’re so proud and happy to have you as part of our family.

Congratulations to the Atlanta 3-Day Milestone Award Winner, Mary Anne W.!

Please join us in congratulating Mary Anne W., the Susan G. Komen Atlanta 3-Day Milestone Award Winner! This is Mary Anne’s 12^th year with the Komen 3-Day, and her 12^th event. She has raised a lifetime total of a staggering $74,900, and is the Team Captain of the Breast Defense League. Mary Anne first got involved with the 3-Day in 1998, when a co-worker challenged her to participate. “I had no idea what I was getting into,” Mary Anne laughed. Mary Anne has been participating in the 3-Day since 1998, when it was in Santa Barbara. She’s walked all over the country, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

Like so many others who are involved with the 3-Day, Mary Anne calls the 3-Day a “life-changing experience”. Over the years, she has met so many walkers and made friends from all walks of life. Her 3-Day friends are above and beyond other friendships in her life, a belief we find that is shared among all members of the 3-Day.

Please join us in thanking Mary Anne for her dedicated service to the 3-Day, and for helping us continue the fight in a world without breast cancer. We will never give up!