Team ‘Las Bombas’ gears up for the Arizona 3-Day at Opening Ceremony
“Celebration!” was the feeling this morning from Jacki, captain of Team ‘Las Bombas,’ a group of 44 women who are walking 60 miles this weekend in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® in Arizona. “I took over this large team on the Arizona 3-Day around 2008,” said Jacki as she readied herself for the last 16 miles of the course this morning. She was surrounded by teammates Amanda, Carolyn, Jerline, Chesha, and Row. Their coordinated outfits were a lovely shade of purple and made them stand out of the crowd, along with their pink flashing hats. Teams of women and men often train, fundraise and then walk together on the grueling 60-mile course that raises money for breast cancer research, treatment, and screening.
Team ‘Las Bombas’ awaits the opening of the route on Day 3 of the Arizona 3-Day
Six breast cancer survivors help keep the perspective on the large team, which raised over $70,000 on this event. Walking with women who have survived breast cancer can evaporate thoughts of blisters and joint pain, considering the survivors have gone through much, much worse. “The cheering stations are vital!” said Chesha, who is walking the 3-Day for the first time. “Not just the big ones, but the small ones along the way really keep us going. They were essential yesterday.”
Chesha of Team ‘Las Bombas’ walks through camp on Day 3 of the Arizona 3-Day
The team holds an annual golf tournament as a fundraiser, now in its fourth year. There are logos of very supportive sponsors on their outfits, each having sponsored a hole on the course. The rest of the donations have come from individuals, but the team comes together so that every one who wants to walk can participate.
Members of Team ‘Las Bombas’ start the final day of the route in Arizona
“We will be celebrating at the finish line today!” the team agrees as the countdown begins for the route to open. One thing is for sure: Team ‘Las Bombas’ is not going away! “We’re planning on being at other events next year,” exclaimed Jacki as the route opened in Arizona, a beautiful sunrise illuminating a pink sky. “Look for us in other cities as ‘Las Bombas AZ’!”
