Tag Archives: new england 3-day

New England Route Preview 2024

We’re kicking off the 3-Day season with our New England 3-Day on August 23 in no place other than Boston! Founded in 1630, it’s one of the oldest cities in the United States and played a pivotal role in American history. It was a center of revolutionary activity, including the Boston Tea Party and the Battle of Bunker Hill, key events leading up to the American Revolution. As you walk through this magnificent city, history pours from everything you pass and it’s apparent that’s what makes this city special. From its serene harbor and countless colonial monuments to some of America’s most iconic sports teams, Boston is jam-packed with sights to see. We’re excited to share with you some incredible landmarks you’re sure to encounter on your 60-mile walk during the New England 3-Day.   

Day 1  

The Pink Bubble will come together with a touching Opening Ceremony before heading out on the route, led by breast cancer survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer. Soon after, you’ll pass by the Citgo sign, a Boston landmark and skyline staple since its installation in 1940. Make your way through the quaint tree-lined streets of Brookline, Chestnut Hill, and Brighton as onlookers cheer you on before you come upon Boston University, a Komen Grantee in Allston. The university’s research initiatives include studying genetic and environmental risk factors, exploring novel therapies, and improving early detection methods to make breast cancer a thing of the past.  

Cross over the river where you’ll find yourself in the center of Harvard Square in Cambridge. This vibrant hub located adjacent to the prestigious university is known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, bookstores, and street performers. The square serves as a gathering place for students, locals, and tourists, offering a lively atmosphere that reflects the area’s academic and artistic spirit. Shortly after, you’ll pass by Harvard Yard, another iconic and historic Boston location that is surrounded by some of the university’s oldest buildings. 

Keep an eye out for Graffiti Alley, a designated area where graffiti and street artists can legally express themselves. The walls are constantly changing as new artwork covers previous pieces, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving canvas, making each visit a unique experience and a perfect backdrop for some pictures with your Pink Bubble family. From here, you’ll wrap up the first day by returning to camp for a shower, delicious food, and Bank of America massage chairs before the Celebration of Champions. 

Day 2 

Your second day kicks off through the Underground Ink Block, a public park and urban art space located beneath the I-93 expressway in Boston’s South End neighborhood. This innovative use of space transformed a previously underutilized area into a vibrant community hub adorned with murals and walking paths. From here, find yourself traversing through Fort Point Channel and passing by The State House, one of the oldest public buildings in the United States. Originally built in 1713 as the seat of colonial government in Massachusetts, this building offers a glimpse into the rich history of Boston and the nation’s early struggles for independence.  

Now it’s time to take the spirit of the Pink Bubble over to the iconic bar Cheers where “everybody knows your name,” made famous by its namesake TV show. Shortly after, you’ll be transported to a world of cheering crowds, cracking bats, and the thrill of victory that are associated with Fenway Park. Standing proudly since 1912 as home of the world-famous Boston Red Sox, this massive venue withstands the test of time as America’s oldest Major League Baseball park.  

As you continue your journey, you’ll soon pass by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute where Komen-funded research is conducted. Susan G. Komen Scholar, Dr. Sara M. Tolaney spends her days here focused on developing combination therapies for metastatic breast cancer subtypes that normally do not benefit from immunotherapy. She does so by determining the impact of including a novel antibody drug conjugate to enhance the immune response. These are your funds at work! 

With an extra infusion of inspiration, continue toward beautiful Jamaica Pond, a stunning 68-acre freshwater pond surrounded by lush greenery designed by Frederick Law Olmsted as part of his vision to create a green belt around the city in the late 19th century. Still thirsty for cool Boston landmarks? Next up is a stroll past the Sam Adams Brewery where the renowned beer is brewed daily, before walking past The Gardner Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts which collectively contain over 500,000 works of art! Visit another one of Olmsted’s parks as you pass through the Back Bay Fens, originally a tidal marshland transformed into a lush oasis in the middle of the city. Wrap up your day at the 124-year-old Symphony Hall, home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra and widely regarded for its exceptional acoustics. Feel the melody as you walk in your tempo back to camp for some delicious macaroni and cheese and a touching Honor Ceremony. 

Day 3 

The final day begins backwards, starting at the Boston Marathon Finish Line where runners have completed the historic race since 1897. Situated near Copley Square, from here you’ll make your way to the historic Boston Common and Frog Pond, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. Follow the footsteps of centuries past as you explore the storied Freedom Trail that connects 16 sites which are historically significant to the American Revolution. As you walk the trail, you’ll be able to admire the USS Constitution, Old North Church, Paul Revere’s House, and more before immersing yourself in the stories of the Boston Tea Party. Friendly reminder that if you’re interested in visiting the Public Garden, be sure to schedule a trip before the 3-Day begins as it is not accessible on event. 

For a touch of whimsy, make a stop at the Hood Milk Bottle, a unique landmark that is sure to bring a smile to your face as you head toward the Finish Line Festival. Continue your walk through South Boston, affectionately known as “Southie” and make a stop at the local favorite L Street Tavern made famous by the movie Good Will Hunting. Pass by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library where you can learn about JFK’s inspiring leadership.  

As you complete your New England 3-Day journey through Boston, you will have experienced the city’s historical charm, vibrant neighborhoods and notable attractions. From the cobbled streets of Harvard Square to the fabled Fenway Park, each step will reveal a new facet of this captivating city. Boston’s rich backstory and warm hospitality will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. So, lace up your walking shoes and get ready for an unforgettable adventure through the heart of New England. While you’re out on the route this year, don’t forget to take plenty of pictures and post using the hashtag #NE3Day for a chance to be featured on our social media! 

What are you looking forward to experiencing most at the 2024 New England 3-Day? 

We Walked 300 Miles in 15 Days: Stories from All-City Participants

In 2023, fourteen individuals participated in all five Susan G. Komen 3-Day® walks. Week after week, they trained and fundraised to walk 300 miles over fifteen days. From the bustling streets of Boston to the sunny shores of San Diego, each participant’s journey was a testament to their dedication to ending breast cancer.  

These are some of their stories. 

Emily W. 

Emily is a breast cancer survivor, full-time working mother of three beautiful daughters, a devoted wife to her high school sweetheart, and a lover of life’s simple pleasures. From an ice-cold lemonade on the beach to hosting joy-filled game nights, she finds happiness in the company of loved ones and the warmth of shared laughter. She began walking the Komen 3-Day for others in Michigan in 2017 and continues to walk for her pink survivor sisters, for the generations to come, in honor of her own survivorship, and for Susan G. Komen’s mission to end breast cancer.  

Participating in the 3-Day® has become a cherished tradition for her, with San Diego 2023 marking her 11th event and the accomplishment of being an all-city walker. This endeavor was a dream which she had envisioned since her very first walk and a challenge she was determined to accomplish before breast reconstruction surgery she had scheduled for early winter. Each city presented its own set of highlights and challenges, but through it all, she found herself surrounded by newfound friends, sharing stories, and enveloped in the spirit of the Pink Bubble. Crossing the final finish line in San Diego filled Emily with a sense of pride and accomplishment, reaffirming her dedication to the cause. 

She found that fundraising for five events also required immense creativity and determination, which she embraced wholeheartedly. From running an at-home bakery that donated proceeds, to hosting donation-based garage sales and wine bottling parties, Emily explored various avenues to support her cause. She even involved her daughters who set up lemonade stands throughout the summer to raise money. As a seasoned 3-Day participant, Emily offers valuable advice to first-time walkers: approach the event with an open heart, embrace the unique experiences of each city, and above all, ensure you’re well-trained for the journey ahead. “But seriously, train. 60 miles is a long walk!” Since the conclusion of the 2023 3-Day season, Emily has focused on her recovery from reconstruction surgery and, despite the challenges she faces, she remains resolute in her determination to continue walking in 2024. Emily is consistently training and fundraising with the New England and San Diego 3-Days on the horizon.  

Kat C.  

Kat is a devoted wife, cat parent, and theater enthusiast whose vibrant personality and unwavering passion for all that she does shines through in every aspect of her life. Her journey through the 3-Day is fueled by the memories of her grandmother, Nell Marie Grant Haun, and her mother-in-law, Helen Lockie, who serve as a constant reminder of why she walks. Her “Pink Angels” accompany her on every step of her 15-year journey, however, Kat’s decision to participate in all five events in 2023 was driven by her desire to celebrate the people still with her, including the Pink Bubble family she has gained along the way. 

Since her inaugural 3-Day event in Arizona in 2008, Kat has participated in an impressive 22 3-Day events across various cities, including San Diego, Dallas/Fort Worth, Twin Cities, New England, Chicago, and Denver. She decided to crew in New England instead of walking, which provided her with a new perspective on the event and a newfound appreciation for the dedication of the 3-Day crew. From navigating weather-related delays to ensuring the safety and comfort of walkers, Kat’s experience behind the scenes reinforced her admiration for the tireless efforts of the event staff and volunteers. 

As a seasoned 3-Day participant, Kat emphasizes the importance of training, community engagement and strategic planning, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for the journey ahead. She suggests a myriad of fundraising methods, including personalized emails, social media campaigns, and fundraising events. Since the fulfilling moment of crossing the San Diego 3-Day finish line, Kat has focused on self-care and spending time with loved ones. She spent a pre-Christmas day with her birth family in Texas (her personal and genetic connection to breast cancer), who are an inspiration to Kat. “Playing Cards Against Humanity with three generations gets crazy. I needed that great laugh,” she shared. Looking ahead to 2024, Kat is eager to continue her journey with the 3-Day, participating in all four cities and striving to reach her fundraising goal. 

Nancy M. 

Nancy is a two-time breast cancer survivor and beach enthusiast who has walked the 3-Day 29 times since she took her first steps in the Pink Bubble in the 2008 Philadelphia 3-Day, less than two years after her initial diagnosis. She first heard of the 3-Day when her coworker drove past the camp and told her to check it out. “I went by and pulled over to the side of the road just looking at the sea of pink tents and decided the next year, I would be in one and the rest is history!” she shared.  

This past year, she crewed in New England and Chicago on the medical team, crewed a grab & go in Denver, crewed Friday and Saturday and walked Sunday in Dallas/Fort Worth with her team Pink Soles in Motion, and walked all three days in San Diego. To fundraise for these events, she got creative by hosting in-person events, helping with a yard sale, asking around at tailgates, and doing whatever else she could think of. Nancy’s advice to anyone interested in participating in the 3-Day is to just know you can do it. She has had friends give her excuses like they don’t like porta potties, or countless other reasons, for which she says — just do it anyway! After participating in all four events in 2022 and all five in 2023, Nancy looks forward to embarking on all four 3-Days this year again, crewing in New England, Denver, and Dallas/Fort Worth and walking in San Diego.  

Shirley E.  

Shirley is a 28-year breast cancer survivor who loves to lead an active lifestyle, travel, care for her husband and two cats, cook, and crochet. When not at the 3-Day she choreographs ballroom dancing with her husband, attends two weeklong dance events in the summer, and takes a hiking trip overseas at least once a year; this year she’s headed to the Azores. She began walking in the 2009 San Diego 3-Day after her niece asked her for a 3-Day donation the year prior. “I told her I would support her if she would walk again in 2009 so that I could walk with her. She did, I walked, and I haven’t stopped walking since then,” she shared. Since then, Shirley has walked 32 times, with 2023 marking her second time as an all-city walker.  

Walking 300 miles and fundraising for all five cities was a challenge that Shirley set for herself. When she finally crossed the finish line in San Diego, she was so proud of herself, emphasizing the importance of using a sweep van whenever necessary. Since then, she’s been busy crocheting for her 2024 fundraising and waiting for the weather to warm up a bit to kick off her training. 

Shirley leans on her loved ones to help her expand her network for donations and emphasizes the impact of matching gifts. Her favorite ways to raise funds include Facebook fundraisers, sending out letters to friends, and bringing her crocheted goods to craft fairs including her signature crochet critters. While she would love to do all four cities again, Shirley’s grandson is getting married the weekend of the Denver 3-Day, so she looks forward to doing it all again in New England, Dallas/Fort Worth, and San Diego this year.  

Brooke K.  

Brooke is a woman of many passions, working for an airline, teaching at a university, and helping women achieve financial independence. In addition to her many pursuits, she has participated in the 3-Day 18 times in honor of her mom Kathy, who passed away from breast cancer in 2013. “My goal was to raise $10,000 for her 10-year anniversary and walking all 5 cities felt like the right way to honor her,” she shared. Brooke began walking in 2014 and found that being an all-city walker was empowering and therapeutic as she got to experience each unique city and meet countless new friends. 

For Brooke, the toughest challenge was meeting the fundraising deadlines, but she and her teammates kept each other on track. She raised the $10,000 through many creative means, including cleaning toilets and baseboards, taking surveys online, selling Dippin’ Dots, working at concession stands, collecting coins off the ground, scanning receipts, selling pretzels at Oktoberfest, driving friends to the airport, washing cars, matching gifts, and participating in research studies. Her biggest fundraising advice for any 3-Dayer is to join a team to ensure that you have support and opportunities to be a part of larger fundraising events. She also encourages every first-time walker to never give up and to reach out to 3-Day veterans and your coaches for any assistance and advice.  

Since crossing the finish line with her partner Tim in San Diego, Brooke has been fundraising and gearing up for the 2024 walks, where she will be an all-city walker once more. Her team Pink Soles in Motion has already held a fundraiser where they raised over $11,000 and have been doing training walks and challenges to keep moving forward.  

These All-City participants are incredible, and it takes tremendous commitment, but any way you choose to participate makes a difference. Thank you for being part of the 3-Day! 

Fundraising Tips Straight from the Top

Fundraising is a vital part of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® that sometimes involves a whirlwind of emotions. It can be daunting to set goals, determine how to start, what methods to use, or even who to ask. To help you out, we’ve teamed up with some of our Top Fundraisers from 2023 to share all the wisdom that’s boosted them straight to the top of the leaderboards. From simple emails to elaborate golf outings, these trailblazers share the methods that have propelled them to the summit of fundraising excellence. They’ll spill the beans on what works best for them and reveal their tips and tricks to help you achieve your fundraising goals this year. 

Laura P.: Top Fundraiser ? New England: $50,000+ 

For the past three years, Laura has been walking the Komen 3-Day in honor of her mom and best friend who have both battled breast cancer. Determined to prevent herself and her nieces from having to combat this tremendous disease, she takes fundraising very seriously. She raises most of her money through word of mouth, Facebook, and email, including updating the signature on her work email to include the link to her fundraising page. Laura acknowledges that fundraising can seem formidable, but notes that, from her experience, many people want to donate, especially when someone they know is doing something big like the 3-Day®.  

“Tell everyone what you are doing, don’t be shy. When I send out the email, I include all the people who previously donated, all my friends, some co-workers, and I have included my parents’ friends too. I have been amazed at how many people have been touched by breast cancer or support me due to my mother.” Laura also emphasizes the value of reminder emails and asking people about their company’s matching gift policy. Her brother’s company does a double match one day a year, so he always donates on that day, and a friend of hers works at a company that always does a double match. “It is amazing when you can turn a $50 donation into $150 or $100 into $300.” 

She also emphasizes the importance of sending out thank you notes to everyone who donated. After the walk, she sends a card with pictures from the walk as a wonderful way of including her donors in the Pink Bubble. Laura looks forward to walking again in the 2024 Denver 3-Day as a 1-Day walker. “Breast cancer has had such a negative impact on my life, but Susan G. Komen® has had such a positive impact. I feel as if I can make a difference, because of Komen.” 

Cynthia S.: Top Fundraiser – Chicago: $36,000+ 

As a breast cancer survivor and first-time walker, Cynthia kicked off her 3-Day journey with a goal of raising $10,000 to help find the cures for breast cancer. However, her fundraising efforts took her to unexpected levels as she and her two daughters collectively raised $43,000. Her approach included sending letters, emails and text messages to friends, family, and business acquaintances. She happily shared her story and explained the 3-Day to anyone who asked for more information on the cause. Upon receiving donations, Cynthia sent out a handwritten thank you letter to each donor to let them know how much she appreciated their support in continuing the fight to end breast cancer. Whenever she hit a milestone or was close to achieving a goal, Cynthia’s husband encouraged her to push further and reach out to more acquaintances who she had not initially contacted. In fact, Cynthia and her husband increased her goal 4 or 5 times before settling at $36,000.  

Prior to this effort, Cynthia had never fundraised for any organization. In fact, at the start she was shy about asking friends and family for donations. “I found that sending emails and text messages after I verbally let people know I was walking 60 miles over three days to raise money for [the cures] kind of opened the door for them to give. It was an amazing and uplifting experience to receive daily notifications from the 3-Day that a donation had been made and that alone made me want to reach out to even more potential donors! The realization that people were so happy to help made me even more excited about reaching my goals and beyond. Trust me, if I can do this anyone can! Taking the first step to commit is all it takes. From there the adrenaline will propel you to your fundraising goals, as well as to the finish line!” 

Stephanie C.: Top Fundraiser San Diego – $64,000+ 

Stephanie first participated in the 3-Day in 2006 in Philadelphia with the attitude “Try something once. If you don’t like it, you never have to do it again.” Fifteen events later, she continues to show up to the 3-Day and raise funds as people she is close to continue to go through cancer treatment. “This disease touches so many people and many are silent about it. Being open about raising money for the cause and committing to the walk are ways you can help others talk about and participate in helping others in the journey to recovery,” she shared.  

Year after year, Stephanie puts on a golf outing to raise money for the 3-Day, and each year it grows. She has many repeat supporters whom she sets out to make feel important before, during and after the event. She describes her donors as the backbone of the 3-Day, the true heroes who make it all possible. Her advice to first-time walkers is to start fundraising as soon as possible. Don’t be afraid to ask for donations. “It’s not about the big donations,” she shared, “it is about all the small ones. Use your networks ? tap into your friends to tap into their friends.” She also recommends creating a revenue stream that gives something back to the donor, like her annual golf outing.  

She looks forward to walking again in the 2024 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day with her friends, including a survivor she met in 2021, and her sister who has joined her in walking the past few years. She sets out to match or exceed the amount she raised in 2023. In closing, she advises “It takes a village! Whether you are a top fundraiser or working hard to hit your minimum requirement ? it takes all of us to provide Komen the opportunity to put our money to good work.”