New England Milestone Award: Mary Anne W.

Meet Mary Anne W., our 2024 New England 3-Day Milestone Award Winner!

Mary Anne has walked 22 times in 20 years, raising a lifetime total of more than $147,000. This year, she walks for her dental hygienist, Tracy, a three-year breast cancer survivor.

What was your inspiration to participate in your first Susan G. Komen 3-Day®?

A co-worker who I regularly walked with gave me the information to register.

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

My first 3-Day walk was in 1998, and then [I] kept registering when Komen took over in 2003. I have walked at least one event each year since. The past two years, I have walked two 3-Day events and will do so this year, too. So, New England will be walk 23 of the Komen 3-Day, then later number 24 in Dallas/Fort Worth.

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

My secret to fundraising is mailing letters that include the donation form [and] a stamped envelope to the bank starting in mid-April. I mail everyone I have ever known in my life. Yep, stamps are expensive, but my donors love getting my letters, which include a photo and story of someone I know personally who has had breast cancer. This year I am walking for Tracy, my dental hygienist. She is 51, and a 3-year survivor. My letter and a photo of Tracy are below.

“I’m on the road again this year with my 23^rd 3-Day. This time I am walking to honor Tracy, my dental hygienist and a 3-year breast cancer survivor. Here is her breast cancer story:

‘I moved from Nebraska to Arizona in June 2021 so excited to start working right away at a Prescott, AZ dental office as a Dental Hygienist. Just one month later I was diagnosed with Stage 2B breast cancer with lymph node involvement and very high in Estrogen. A lumpectomy was performed in September and a port was placed in November of that year. A/C “Red Devil” chemotherapy started in December, every other week for 2 months, followed by a less potent chemotherapy which occurred weekly for three months. I then got to take a break for a couple months to regain some strength before the Radiation Oncologist needed 15 chest x-rays and radiation continued every morning Monday through Friday for 18 weeks. Next, it was a challenge to find the right combination of hormone blockers that didn’t make my muscles and bones ache. I now get acupuncture and massages weekly to help with the neuropathy in my feet. I just recently started to feel less fatigued, now I’m able to go on walks and I hope to start a workout routine again soon.

I’m so lucky that I have a job that I was able to continue to work while going through cancer treatment.

During all my treatments my husband cooked, cleaned and shopped so I could rest, I am so lucky to have him, my family, friends and patients that have kept me positive throughout my cancer journey.’

Tracy’s journey with this disease will hopefully inspire those you know to take breast health seriously and get your annual mammograms, etc. I am hoping you will donate today to my fundraising using the enclosed donation form and envelope addressed to the lockbox in Dallas. If you prefer to donate online, go to The3Day.org, type my name and choose the donation amount.

Thank you for continuing to care about breast cancer and finding the cures.”

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

The event is three days of walking and meeting new faces who may wind up being a very good friend.

What’s a fun fact about you?

I am 80 years old and played competitive tennis from age 4 to 70. I have been playing pickleball since January and, with my tennis background, have picked up the sport easily. I live in a community that has many retired people who also play the game, [so I have made] lots of new friends with this sport. I have also been an active YMCA member since age 4 [and] have been married to Tom for 60 years. I do cardio classes 5 days a week, pickleball 4 days, and walk 5 miles a day.

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

Start your fundraising as early as possible, train, and be kind always.

New England Crew Impact Award Winner: Ali P.

Meet Ali P., our 2024 New England Crew Impact Award Winner!

Since her first Susan G. Komen 3-Day® 16 years ago as a member of the Youth Corps, Ali has participated 18 times and has raised a lifetime total of nearly $14,000. To this day, she plays an imperative role in keeping the program afloat and thriving.

“Ali has always embodied the Komen 3-Day to me. She is an incredibly dedicated leader, teacher, and, most importantly, friend. If it weren’t for her hard work, organization, and advocacy, the Youth Corps would not look like it does. As one of the founding members of the Youth Corps when she was a young girl herself, to the repeat leader she has become, Ali has always made sure the Youth Corps mission is a success.” —Bailey M.

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

My mom had walked the 3-Day for years with her sister, Rose, who was battling breast cancer. At the time, I was very young, but I got to see my mom and aunt at camp (back when camp was outside, moved each night, and was open to friends and family), and at the Closing Ceremony; I immediately knew I wanted to get involved and support the cause. A few years later, the Youth Corps started here in Boston, and I jumped at the chance to join the team. It was one of the best experiences ever, and one that I will never forget.

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

The 3-Day is an amazing event that supports an extremely important cause that is near and dear to my heart. While I initially joined the 3-Day to support my aunt Rose’s battle and triumph over breast cancer, after my first event in New England 2006, I was hooked. I made so many new friends that quickly became family to me, and I looked forward to joining forces with them each year in the fight against breast cancer.

However, in 2012 my world was rocked, reminding me how cruel this disease is when my grandmother Rosemarie, my mom Cathy, and my Aunt Joanne were all diagnosed with breast cancer. Within a six-month span, three more women on my mom’s side of the family had breast cancer. It was then that I vowed to participate in the 3-Day until we find the cures and there is no need for the walk anymore.

What is your favorite aspect of crewing the 3-Day?

My favorite aspect of crewing the 3-Day is the Youth Corps. Maybe I’m biased because I was a member as a kid and have been a Youth Corps leader 12 times, but seeing the smile they bring to walkers is special. Outside of the Youth Corps, it’s being able to help and support others on event. I know firsthand that walking 60 miles is no easy feat, so being there for others in any way I can is extremely rewarding.

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

Talk to everyone, and I mean everyone! Listen to their stories, share yours, make new friends. Smile at someone, say hi, give them a high five — even the smallest actions make a world of difference. And most importantly, enjoy every moment and have fun! Don’t get too caught up in your task that you forget why you are there.

What’s a fun fact about you?

I have run eight marathons, six in the United States, one in London, one in Germany, and have individually raised over $50,000 while doing so. My goal is to complete all of the world’s major marathons, and I am only one marathon away from doing so.

New England 2024 3-Day Event Recap

We kicked off the 2024 3-Day season in historic New England where members of the Pink Bubble gathered from all across the country between August 23-25 to participate in the momentous event! Together, 800 walkers and 190 crew members raised a total of $2.3 million in the fight against breast cancer.

Day 1

New England 3-Dayers entered the Pink Bubble with last year’s Rookie of the Year—Bank of America’s very own Marilyn M. kicking off the Opening Ceremony. Together, nearly 1,000 walkers and crew gathered to ring in the first day with cheers, pins, smiles, and stretches. As a reminder as to why we walk, breast cancer survivor Jessica C. shared how much disparity she’s seen throughout her treatment, proclaiming “this is a very common story… disparities in healthcare often correlate with race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status; why should I have access to care because I’m white and have access to insurance? Don’t we all deserve equal care?” She reminded us of the work that our funds do to combat these issues and passed the mic over to BB, a co-survivor who has both supported and been supported by her daughter, who is also a survivor. Larry W. then raised our Promise Flag in honor of his late wife, Theresa, and late friend Jeannie for whom he walks, in hopes that others don’t have to face what these two incredible women had to face. To kick off the journey, we invited survivors and thrivers to lead the way on the route to embark on the New England 3-Day for their first 20 miles.

Starting from the beautiful Marriott Copley Place, they paraded into Brookline and Chestnut Hill where they were met with stunning views, Boston College, and a chance to connect with one another. One walker was greeted by her three-year-old daughter who was offering everyone high-fives along the route; she has attended the 3-Day with her mother every year since she was 7 months old! They also got to experience a fun baseball themed pit stop before fueling up with a delicious lunch to continue the second half of their day. Before returning to camp, walkers passed by Boston University and MIT, Komen Grantees who continue to perform outstanding breast cancer research each day.

The Pink Bubble welcomed our Last Walker back home to enjoy the relaxing Bank of America massage chairs and a pasta and meatballs dinner before the Celebration of Champions! Bank of America rewarded our Top Fundraisers from Rookie of the Year to Top Fundraising Team with donations up to $500 for their 2025 3-Day fundraising. We also presented our Milestone Award and Crew Impact Award Winners. Additionally, Bank of America hosted a raffle where five New England 3-Day participants won $250 toward their 2025 fundraising efforts and some swag to accompany it. Our 3-Day hosts were joined on stage by Youth Corps and a few participants to learn a fun new dance (don’t worry, it could be done seated, too!). With Day 1 complete, walkers headed to bed to rest their feet for Day 2.

Day 2

The day started and ended with the sun high in the sky as well-rested walkers took to the streets of Boston at 8:00 a.m. accompanied by 2-Day Walkers. Together, they made their way through the Underground Ink Block before passing by the Old State House. They were then met by a Bank of America cheering station adorned with encouraging employees offering pink lemonade, water, candy, and lots of pink goodies like socks, headbands, and pom poms. Shortly after, they passed by Fenway Park where a lively crew of Pink Bubble supporters and walkers gathered, singing Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond.

As they continued their round of 20 miles, walkers got to see one of Komen’s grantees, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where breast cancer patients have access to more than 40 clinical trials at a time — many of which are changing the standard of care worldwide and are not available elsewhere. World class doctors at this incredible institution continue to make strides in breast cancer research including the testing of novel therapies for patients with metastatic breast cancer, making it a particularly inspiring stop along the route. With a reminder of why they walk, participants walked a few more miles before enjoying an incredible lunch to celebrate completing half of their 60-mile journey.

From here, they walked the bubbly streets toward Jamaica Pond, Sam Adams Brewery, and the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum. With just under three miles to go, walkers were met with a Candy Land themed pit stop where the “Candy Crew” offered lollipops, hydration and smiles. Here, a family of supporters waited for over an hour to cheer on walkers as they awaited their loved ones, Heidi and Abby, a mother and daughter walking their very first 3-Day! Heidi was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2023 and decided to raise money and walk once she realized that she could make a difference. For the last three miles, her son, William, accompanied her as the rest of her family headed back to the hotel to cheer her on as she crossed the Mohawk Pink Carpet back into camp.

No Saturday would be complete without a hearty serving of mac and cheese before heading into the Honor Ceremony. Members of the Youth Corps shared their stories as they lit candles in honor of their loved ones who have been affected by breast cancer. The rest of the crowd followed their lead, placing luminaria bags in front of the stage, a beautiful tribute showcasing the friends and family members behind the “why” of our Pink Bubble family. With hearts full and feet tired, walkers and crew rested up for the final day of the New England 3-Day.

Day 3

Today began by welcoming 1-Day Walkers into the Pink Bubble during a delicious and nutritious breakfast to fuel up before heading out for the final 20 miles. With the sun shining, walkers spent the day witnessing many of Boston’s historic sites including the Freedom Trail, USS Constitution, and Bunker Hill Monument. Shortly before lunch, they were faced with a daunting staircase but our friends from XPO cheered them on with every step, giving them that extra bit of energy as they rounded the corner to rest and eat at the beautiful Marine Park. As they continued down the coast, walkers were met with a “Bugs Booby” themed Grab & Go with just two miles until the finish line!

Walkers took their final strides over the Mohawk Flooring pink carpet and picked up their New England 3-Day medal, provided by Bank of America and victory T-shirts. With tears of joy and smiles from ear-to-ear, walkers snapped some pictures at the Nature’s Bounty photobooth fully equipped with warrior wings and props—pink of course! One team crossed the finish line hand-in-hand with a happy birthday banner for their late daughter Katie who passed away from breast cancer in 2021 and would have been celebrating her 35^th birthday that day.

Our last walker, a former Youth Corps member and first-time walker, made his way in as he was cheered on by hundreds of walkers, crew, staff, and supporters. As the Closing Ceremony began, a sea of shoes were held in the air to salute our survivors and thrivers as they made their way toward the stage. Full of love, comradery, and support, it was announced that our 2024 New England 3-Day raised 2.3 million dollars in the fight against breast cancer! Walkers and crew danced to celebrate the momentous event; we can’t wait to see you back in Boston in 2025!