What is the Pink Bubble?

When you step into the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® you’re immersed in the Pink Bubble, a place where everyone is in this together. For those familiar, simply hearing this term may bring about a plethora of warm feelings; but what is it really? The Pink Bubble is not tangible but is what we call the Komen 3-Day community and the environment at the event. It’s a place where everyone is generous, selfless, and willing to give the shirt off their back to anyone who needs it. It’s a place where strangers become best friends in a matter of minutes and where you can fall to your knees crying, assured that you will be met where you are. The Pink Bubble is something that you can’t quite understand until you’ve experienced it for yourself, but once you do, you will never look back.

We asked 3-Day® walkers to explain the Pink Bubble to someone who has never experienced it. Here’s what they said:

“The Pink Bubble is unique. It is a place where everyone is welcome, [and] friends are all around you. You are supported in every step you take or in the steps you cannot take. There is no judgement, only love and support. I have met so many people and made so many friends. [The 3-Day] is a weekend that fills my heart in ways I have never experienced before. It is very emotional yet makes me more determined every year to end breast cancer.” —Laura P.

“It’s an aura of positivity from an unfortunate [disease] that brought us together. The [Pink Bubble] gives me space to reflect on the journey I’ve been on and the road ahead.” —Sherrylyn R.

“It’s like a sisterhood of people who want to end breast cancer. [It] seems like everyone knows someone or has fought [breast cancer] themselves and this is a bond among us. I know what it’s like when you’re undergoing or only a few years out of treatment and you come across someone who has made it through to the other side. Now I can be that person to others.” —Elissa R.

“The Pink Bubble is a combination of your best summer camp experience mixed with your best volunteer/charitable experience combined [with] lots of emotions.” —Robert C.

“The feelings and emotions that hit you every time you enter the Pink Bubble can be a little overwhelming, especially your first time. Those feelings and emotions and the stories you hear are also incredibly inspiring. You meet people who are walking with cancer, walking for those dear family members and friends who can’t, or are walking with the angels they have gained along the way. There is laughter, hugs, tears and reflection and all that inspires me every time to want to continue to do this again and again.” —Jenn H.

“The Pink Bubble is hard to describe. You walk into the ballroom and just see the sea of people all there [walking and crewing] to support survivors, thrivers, and [in honor of] family and friends that could not. Everyone has a smile and supportive word, and it is so infectious.” —Debra E.

“Inspiring. It is such a positive (often funny!) community of people that come together and accept you as you are. I was sad to enter back into the real world after the [3-Day] was over, but I try to carry a little bit of the Pink Bubble with me wherever I go now.” —Jennie S.

“Ah the Pink Bubble, it’s a unique, special group you get to join and forever be a part of once you start your 3-Day journey. It’s filled with love, hope, tears of joy and tears of sadness but it surrounds you with love. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll have an experience you never imagined having. You will meet new friends and grow closer to those you already know.” —Marla R.

How would you describe the Pink Bubble?

February Pink Bubble Story of the Month – Rob C.

After 20 years working in corporate training, Rob C. ditched the suit and tie for an apron to pursue his passion for culinary arts as a personal chef and business owner. Rob took the plunge to follow his dreams as a mission to live life as his most authentic self, something that radiates through him in everything he does. “I think what makes me [who I am] is that I’m an open book. What you see is what you get. I love to laugh, smile, cook and be in the moment,” shared Rob. Since 2012, he’s brought these infectious qualities to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®, where he has walked and crewed ten times.

Rob was first introduced to the event by a neighbor and teammate, Tiffany S., who he donated to and cheered for along the route. One day, Tiffany asked Rob what inspired him to donate to the Komen 3-Day, and he shared with her that he lost his mom and aunt to breast cancer. At the young age of 19, his mother passed away from the horrific disease, creating a special place in his heart for the cause. Upon learning this, Tiffany asked Rob if he would be interested in joining her team the following year, beginning his Pink Bubble adventure in Chicago in 2012.

Since then, Rob has walked seven times in Chicago, San Diego, and New England, and has crewed three times in Chicago and Twin Cities. Reflecting on his journey with the Pink Bubble, the one memory that stands out is his first Opening Ceremony in 2012. “The emotions I felt… and the strength I saw from walkers that were [walking while actively] fighting cancer sticks with me and motivates me to continue to be a part of the fight.”

This past year in 2023, Rob walked in New England and crewed at pit stop 4 in Chicago. The energy he brought and the joy he emitted were inspiring to everyone who crossed his path. From an elaborate themed pit stop to incredible outfits and befriending everyone, Rob has a unique way of lighting up a room. He truly personifies the Pink Bubble, which he explains to those unfamiliar as “a combination of your best summer camp experiences mixed with your best volunteer/charitable experiences combined with lots of emotions.” For him, the Pink Bubble feels like a family that is unified and dedicated to its mission. That is, the mission to raise money for research, to find the cures and to provide vital assistance for families in their battle against breast cancer. The 3-Day is a lifeline that can make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by the disease.

As the journey continues, Rob is gearing up for the San Diego 3-Day in 2024 where he looks forward to tackling another 60 miles with his teammate Tiffany. “I keep coming back because of the energy that being around the other walkers gives me,” he shared. For anyone new to the 3-Day, he offers the simple yet profound advice which he received when he first began walking—to smile and cry whenever emotions arise, and to talk to someone new. It’s a testament to the impact that the 3-Day experience has on everyone it touches.

August Pink Bubble Story of the Month: Lindsey B.

In the fall of 2004, Lindsey B. was listening to the radio when an advertisement for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day captured her attention. Little did she know, that commercial would shape her life and ignite a passion to continue walking until the cures for breast cancer are found. As she reflects upon her remarkable story and the profound impact of the 3-Day, Lindsey is more determined than ever to make a difference.

In 2005, inspired by her Aunt Joan’s courageous battle with breast cancer, Lindsey decided to embark on the transformative journey to join the Pink Bubble and walk 60 miles in Kansas City. Despite balancing the challenges of starting graduate school while trying to fundraise for the 3-Day, the unwavering support from her family and friends pushed her forward. Overcome with emotion when she saw her Aunt Joan at the Closing Ceremony of her first walk, Lindsey knew right then that this would not be her last 3-Day. Since then, she has completed a total of 18 walks in various cities, including San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle, and San Diego. This year, she eagerly anticipates participating in the Denver and San Diego 3-Day walks, continuing to contribute her efforts to the cause that has become an integral part of her life.

Lindsey currently acts as a member of the 3-Day Advisory Council which provides her with a platform to actively engage in brainstorming sessions, share insightful suggestions, and work collaboratively towards enhancing the 3-Day Series. She cherishes the opportunity to gather feedback from fellow walkers and crew members, particularly from first-time participants, as it allows her to advocate for their thoughts and ideas, fostering continuous improvement. Her hard work as part of the advisory council is a testament to her unwavering passion for this cause.

Since beginning her 3-Day journey 18 years ago, Lindsey has proudly raised over $130,000 for Susan G. Komen through the 3-Day, while her team, the Ta-Ta’s from KC, has collectively raised over $643,000. She finds solace and encouragement in being part of something greater than herself—the Pink Bubble. Lindsey is certain that the tireless efforts of Susan G. Komen and the grants they provide are instrumental in advancing research to ultimately bring an end to this disease. Additionally, she recognizes the significance of Komen’s support for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer through means such as financial assistance, a breast care helpline, patient navigation services, and screening and diagnostic programs for the uninsured and under-insured. These programs not only provide crucial support during uncertain times but also save lives.

Throughout her journey, Lindsey has received invaluable advice that has enhanced her experience with the 3-Day and is happy to pass it on to others. When it comes to training, she emphasizes the importance of walking in all the gear intended to be worn during the event. This allows her to identify any potential discomfort beforehand and make necessary adjustments before showtime. Furthermore, training in 3-Day apparel presents opportunities to raise awareness and solicit donations from individuals she encounters during her training walks. Spreading the word about her participation and the cause has led to remarkable levels of support, with some even expressing their interest in joining her on the 3-Day as walkers, crew members, or volunteers.

To those contemplating participating in the 3-Day, Lindsey extends a heartfelt invitation to embark on this life-changing experience. The 3-Day journey will undoubtedly leave a permanent mark on one’s life. Within the Pink Bubble, one will encounter a wide array of emotions—heartache and grief for those lost, worry and fear for those currently battling, and unbridled joy and elation for survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer. Above all, the connections formed with fellow walkers and crew members will create lasting bonds, leaving each participant with a network of over a thousand newfound friends.

Inspired by the memory of her brother-in-law’s mother, Mary, who battled both breast cancer and lung cancer, she has made a promise to continue walking and raising funds in the hope of finding the cures for breast cancer and all cancers. Carrying a bandanna adorned with the names of countless individuals affected by breast cancer, she walks those 60 miles as a tribute to their strength. She also walks for the future generations, including her own children, hoping to shield them from the fear of a breast cancer diagnosis.

Why do you walk? Share your story in the comments below.

Read previous Pink Bubble Story of the Month posts here.