New England Route Preview 2023

We’re kicking off the 3-Day season with our New England 3-Day on August 18 in the historic city of Boston! 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. With its small-town charm, this New England hub contains a wealth of some of the country’s oldest treasures and offers a captivating glimpse into the past. We’re excited to share with you some incredible landmarks you’re sure to see on your 60-mile walk during the New England 3-Day.

Day 1

We’ll start the adventure in the beautiful suburbs of Brookline and Newton where you can enjoy the tree-lined streets and picturesque neighborhoods. As you make your way towards the heart of the city, embrace the history surrounding you! Then as you head over the Charles River, immerse yourself in the vibrant campus atmosphere of Boston University. This beautiful campus sits nestled by the stunning Charles River, providing a beautiful environment for students and walkers alike.

As you complete your venture across the river, you’ll find yourself in the center of the iconic Harvard Square in Cambridge. Here you’ll have the chance to marvel at one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions, Harvard University. Take a moment to soak in the scholarly ambiance and admire the breathtaking architecture surrounding you.

While in Cambridge, you’ll witness a touch of urban artistry as you stroll past Graffiti Alley. Marvel at the vibrant murals and expressive street art that adorn the walls, showcasing the city’s creative spirit, making it a perfect backdrop for some pictures with your Pink Bubble family. Even if you’ve walked the New England 3-Day in years prior, the alley’s constantly evolving nature means that each visit offers a unique experience; kind of like your journey as a walker!

Day 2

Begin day 2 passing by The Old State House, one of the oldest public buildings in the United States that holds great significance in American history. Originally built in 1713 as the seat of colonial government in Massachusetts, this building played a crucial role in several key events leading up to the American Revolution. Take the spirit of the Pink Bubble over to the iconic bar Cheers, made famous by the hit TV show. Snap a picture and see why this classic American bar where everybody knows your name still holds up.

Get ready to dive into the world-class sporting culture of Boston! As you walk past Fenway Park, you’ll be transported to a world of cheering crowds, crackling bats, and the thrill of victory. 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. Learn about the team’s storied history and get close and personal with the electric atmosphere of the legendary stadium.

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.

With inspiration in tow, continue your journey toward the beautiful Jamaica Pond, a picturesque, 68-acre freshwater pond surrounded by lush greenery. Bear witness to sailing, kayaking, and canoeing and breathe in fresh air surrounding the tranquil oasis. Still thirsty for cool Boston landmarks? Next up is a stroll past the Sam Adams Brewery where the renowned beer is brewed daily before wrapping up your day at Symphony Hall.

Day 3

On the final day of your 3-Day walk, you’ll visit the Boston Marathon Finish Line. Pay homage to the spirit of the marathon and the inspiring athletes who have crossed this hallowed mark. Much like your 60-mile journey, this landmark serves as a symbol of determination and resilience.

Make your way to the historic Boston Common and Frog Pond, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, and follow the footsteps of centuries past as you explore the storied Freedom Trail. Here, you’ll be able to admire the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world, and the Bunker Hill Monument, a tribute to the Revolutionary War. Marvel at the Paul Revere Statue and immerse 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 and steep yourself in the exhibits.

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 2023 New England 3-Day?

A Young Diagnosis – Natalie W.’s Story

We know of the statistic, “1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime,” but we often don’t think that could happen to women who are young. Women aren’t advised to get mammograms until age 40, so what happens when you feel a lump in your breast before then? It’s important to be your own best advocate, and that’s exactly what 24-year-old Natalie W. did.

What is your connection to breast cancer?

I like to call myself a “live-r.” I am currently living with metastatic breast cancer.

What is your story?

In Spring of 2021, I felt a lump in my breast while I was showering but I did not think anything of it at the time; some women just have lumpy breasts. Finally, after some more noticeable changes to the area and my intuition that something was seriously wrong, I decided to get the lump looked at by my primary care physician. Two days later I had an ultrasound, a mammogram and emergency biopsy that afternoon. A week later, in November of 2021, at 24 years old, I was diagnosed with stage II HER2+ invasive ductal carcinoma. Body scans a week later showed a few spots of concern on my bones, further progression than anyone had hoped for, and thus, metastatic breast cancer. Since my diagnosis, I have completed six rounds of chemotherapy, had a total mastectomy, 33 rounds of radiation, and continue to get infusions of Herceptin and Zometa.

Why did you sign up for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day?

I actually signed up because I love to walk and challenge myself, not knowing it would turn into an unforgettable experience with my mom and best friends.

Why do you think early detection is important?

Early detection saved my life. Early detection means earlier treatment and that is so crucial when dealing with cancer. We need more awareness for young women to check themselves monthly. A mammogram when you’re 40 should not be the first time you take action.

What advice would you give to other young women going through a breast cancer diagnosis or treatment?

Some days will suck, and you’ll want to lie in bed and cry and scream, “why me?” and you should give yourself that grace and allow that. However, life moves fast and if you’re able to go out and enjoy it, you shouldn’t let your diagnosis hold you back from living. Believe me, this is no fun and no walk in the park, but if you try to treat your life as normally as possible, it really helps distract you from the obvious.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Trust your intuition and your gut. We know our bodies better than anyone. If you think something is wrong, speak up and advocate for yourself and don’t stop until you get to a doctor who will listen.

Trust yourself and trust your body. Breast cancer does not discriminate on race, ethnicity, age or sex.

2022 New England 3-Day Top Fundraisers

The 2022 Susan G. Komen New England 3-Day boasted 800 walkers and 175 crew, all of whom contributed to the $2.7 million we raised in the fight against breast cancer. Our top fundraisers were recognized Saturday morning of the event at our Bank of America Breakfast of Champions. Bank of America celebrates our fundraising champions with a collective $25,000 donation to jump start participants on their 2023 fundraising! Join us in congratulating these top fundraisers for their incredible achievements.

Our first top fundraiser is being acknowledged for multiple accomplishments! Corey H. is our Rookie of the Year as well as our Top Individual Fundraiser, raising over $23,000 for his first ever 3-Day.

Let’s hear from Corey in his own words about his reason for committing to the 3-Day and fundraising for Susan G. Komen:

“I commit in honor of my wife, Sarah. Sarah was a talented photographer, an animal lover, star athlete, and a fierce competitor. More importantly, she was a patient, fun, and loving mother to our two young daughters. And she was my best friend, partner for 17 years, and wife for 12 years. She was the one who always made sure we had a vegetable at every meal, that we consistently got exercise as a family, and she managed the calendar of most social and family events that filled up our weekends. She was healthy and fit at 39 years old. Last year, we were skiing in March and she had just convinced me to buy season ski passes for the next year as our girls were finally reaching the point that we could all ski as a family for a full day. Two months later, she was in a wheelchair ? diagnosed with stage 4 Triple Negative Breast cancer that had spread to her bones throughout her body. There was no known history of cancer anywhere in her family, so this diagnosis came as a complete shock to all of us. Her treatment options were limited because her blood counts were so low, but she fought hard and recovered enough that we were able to make many great memories as a family last fall. She passed away on January 3^rd of this year at the age of 39, just seven months after her diagnosis. A few weeks before she passed away, Sarah underwent genetic testing and learned she had a rare mutation of the CDH1 gene, which significantly increased her chances of developing breast cancer. That mutation also means that each of our daughters now have roughly a 50:50 chance of developing breast cancer as well. So, while I’m walking in Sarah’s honor and memory, I’m also walking for my daughters. I’m walking to help find a cure for this disease before they have a chance of developing it and so it doesn’t take anybody else’s mom, wife, daughter or sister the way it did to us.

Our Top Fundraising Team is Sarah’s Army, captained by our Rookie of the Year and Top Individual Fundraiser, Corey H.! Together their 14 team members raised over $48,000 in their first year as a team.

A fun fact about Sarah’s Army: Team members came from four states to participate in the 2022 New England 3-Day, and they have an “extended team” that’s participating in the San Diego 3-Day and people competing in the Chicago Marathon to help find the cures for breast cancer.

Our Top Crew Fundraiser is Kristin S., who raised nearly $6,000 for the 2022 New England 3-Day and has raised almost $46,000 in her lifetime! Kristin has participated in 14 3-Day events and received a $300 donation from Bank of America towards her 2023 3-Day fundraising.

A fun fact about Kristin: She has walked 9 years, all in Twin Cities, and this is her fifth year crewing (twice in San Diego, once in Seattle, with this being the second in Boston), plus she volunteered one year! All of her crewing has been at Pit Stop 4, where she has a pink megaphone that she likes to use to cheer everyone on .

Our Small but Mighty Team is Walkers for Knockers! The 2022 New England 3-Day was their first, and in total they raised just over $40,000.

A fun fact about Team Walkers for Knockers: They are all fitness freaks with hearts bigger than the states they’re from!

Our Top Youth Corps Fundraisers are Grace and Dylan R., each raising $1,658! They’ve each participated in three 3-Days, with Grace raising $4,841 in her lifetime and Dylan raising $7,453 in his lifetime.

Fun facts about Grace and Dylan: Grace loves to read and will be starting in a communications magnet this fall. She is an amazing friend, a volunteer camp counselor and swim instructor. Dylan loves skiing, baseball, and swimming. He loves to help younger kids, he serves as a swim instructor and swim team group leader and really cares for the kids. In turn they adore him and love to cheer him on too.

Thank you so much to all walkers and crew who raised $2.7 million to find the cures for breast cancer at the 2022 New England 3-Day!