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2022 New England 3-Day Recap

Returning to New England for the first time since 2019, members of the Pink Bubble traveled from all across the country to participate in the first 2022 Susan G. Komen 3-Day of the year! August 26-28 were three special days as walkers, crew and volunteers completed 60 miles and raised $2.7 million in the fight against breast cancer.

Day 1

The first day of the event started with excitement and adrenaline during the Opening Ceremony, where we met host Lori Maris and emcee Kimberly Reinika! We raised our Promise Flag and then headed out on the route from the beautiful Marriott Copley Place.

Walkers got a full taste of the Boston suburbs this day, passing through areas such as Brookline and Newton, and also getting to see some of the most historic higher education campuses! We got a full view of both Boston College and Boston University, an institution that benefits from Komen research funds. Komen Scholar Dr. Julie Palmer from Boston University said, “Komen has a long history of working to decrease breast cancer health disparities, most recently with their Health Equity Initiative, which makes community engagement the foundation of change. I hope to contribute to these activities while continuing with my own research projects.”

Unfortunately, lightning and thunderstorms rolled in in the late afternoon, but thankfully 3-Day sweep vans and route safety crew worked together to gather all walkers still out on the route and bring them back to the hotel safely. Spirits were lifted back up with dinner and game night, as we played “junk in the trunk,” re-energized our skin with Natura Bissé Diamond Mist, enjoyed a community sing along and of course, sat in the relaxing Bank of America massage chairs.

Day 2

As always, Saturday morning was the Bank of America Breakfast of Champions, where we honored all of our top fundraisers! The fundraising efforts that all walkers, crew and Youth Corps do is truly amazing, and reminds us all that we’re in it together to put an end to this disease.

On the way to Pit Stop 1, walkers got a beautiful view of both Dorchester Bay and Pleasure Bay before getting refueled. After passing the Seaport District, they re-entered downtown into the beautiful Boston Common for Pit Stop 2.

Leaving Pit Stop 2, it was nothing but smiles as we passed the iconic “Cheers” bar and then Fenway Park, which made for some great photo ops!

We were also able to walk past Harvard University, and Dana Farber Cancer Institute that benefits from Komen Research funds. Interns from Dana-Farber came out and helped cheer on walkers! Komen Scholar and Dana-Farber medical oncologist, Nikhil Wagle, M.D. said “I’m in with Komen because they help support my research in metastatic breast cancer to try to make a difference for all the patients with metastatic disease.”

Lunch on Day 2 is always special, as we have our Halfway Celebration! Walkers ran through the pink streamer arch, relaxed on Mohawk Flooring’s SmartCushion, and participated in our Halfway Celebration dance before heading back on the route.

And though no alcohol is allowed on or off the route on the 3-Day, we did pass by Sam Adams Brewery before returning to the hotel after completing 40 miles of the 60-mile journey!

After taking photos at the Day 2, 40 miles banner, we ate delicious 3-Day mac & cheese and prepared for the Honor Ceremony. The stories and personal experiences told, along with individual declarations by our New England Youth Corps, reminded us all that while the 3-Day is such a fun event, we’re all here for one reason: to find the cures for this disease that has affected us all in one way or another. We lit our candles, placed them in our pink luminaria bags, and lined them up in our hotel room windowsills.

Day 3

The morning of Day 3 is always bittersweet. While excited to complete this journey and accomplish 60 miles in just three days, we don’t quite want this experience to be over yet.

Parallel to us finishing our own marathon of sorts, we started the Day 3 route at the Boston Marathon Finish Line. We then traveled through breathtaking Boston Common one last time before embracing the truly historic sights New England has to offer.

Shortly after passing Pit Stop 1, walkers encountered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where Komen grantee, Dr. Regina Barzilay, is using artificial intelligence to predict breast cancer and personalize treatment.

We then made our way to the Freedom Trail. Not only did we see the historical USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument, but we also saw the Boston Tea Party ships!

Both lunch and Pit Stop 3 had gorgeous views, looking over Boston’s West End at North Point Park and Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, respectively.

But it was the Lawn on D, our amazing Closing Ceremony site, that brought us all home. We were welcomed by a local cheer team, we celebrated our last walker and shared the Closing Ceremony with the smiling faces of our 800 New England 3-Day walkers and 175 crew members.

We raised our commit flags to honor those we walk for, and raised our shoes to salute our survivors. Together, we raised $2.7 million in the fight against breast cancer.

We thank all of our amazing participants not only for the life-changing funds they raised, but for the laughs, the cries, the hugs and high fives we all had together this weekend.

And thank you, New England, for welcoming us with open arms as we kicked off our 2022 Susan G. Komen 3-Day Series!

What was your favorite part about the New England 3-Day? Whether a sight or a story, tell us in the comments!

2021 Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day Recap

The 2021 Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day was two years in the making. With lots of planning and pivoting and Covid protocols and safety measures put into place, the Komen 3-Day family finally reunited in beautiful San Diego this past weekend! And what a beautiful and magical three days it was. Grateful and excited participants, volunteers and staff took over the city of San Diego after a two-year hiatus and picked up right where we left off in November of 2019.  

Day 1 

Friday morning was cool and hazy as walkers, filled with excitement, started to make their way into the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Thousands of people decked out in their pink outfits, pink accessories, and even pink masks eagerly gathered for the Opening Ceremony. The crowd was buzzing with elation and anticipation as the ceremony began, freely waving ribbons in the air. We heard from participants whose lives were affected by breast cancer, highlighting how Komen’s four pillars of research, care, community and action have played a role in their personal experience with breast cancer.

Our survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer led us out on the route to signal the start of our 60-mile journey together. A parade of pink took their first steps on the route, passing Dog Beach and continuing into Del Mar Village.

A tunnel of cheerleaders and walker stalkers greeted walkers as they passed by one of our favorite neighborhoods on the route! Their eyes widened as they passed through the pink-hued bubbles from the bubble machine and welled up as they felt the love from the Del Mar community. Passing through a huge arch of bright pink balloons with pink bras scattered around the building next door was one of the highlights of this spot along the route! 

Walkers then stopped for a quick snack at the second pit stop along Torrey Pines Beach, posing for photos on the lifeguard towers before heading up the infamous Torrey Pines Hill. At the bottom of the hill, walker stalkers cheered boisterously and held signs with words of encouragement. Walkers certainly earned their lunch at Kellogg Park after trekking up the steep hill! 

One of the most beloved spots along the route is the Children’s Pool in La Jolla, where walkers watched the seals down below sunbathing on the rocks. Walkers stopped to pose for photos at this fan-favorite destination.  They made their way through the quaint neighborhood of Bird Rock, where a handful of shops and boutiques were handing out goodies. This was a perfect spot to take a break and admire the colorful mosaic benches scattered throughout the neighborhood!  

Later that day, walkers made their way past Fanuel Street Park and then into camp, buzzing with excitement to pitch their pink tents! Smiles across their faces emerged as they crossed off their first 20 miles. They ended the day with full stomachs from dinner and yummy desserts, some settling into camp overnight, and others heading off in shuttle buses to local hotels. They ended the day with full stomachs from dinner and yummy desserts, the perfectly sweet and tart lemon bars were a favorite among walkers!  

At camp, walkers picked up mail from friends and family as well as legacy pins they had earned. ecoATM provided highly coveted battery packs that walkers used to charge their phones at camp and Natura Bissé provided refreshing mists and samples to try throughout the weekend. There also was a ShopKomen tent with clothing and accessories available for purchase, our sweet mocktails and munchies, and massage chairs provided by Bank of America.

Our Friday night activities officially kicked off as the last walker made his way into camp and raised the flag. Afterwards, the Bingo Boyz took the stage for a night full of bingo, prizes, and lots of laughs! 

Day 2 

At our Bank of America Breakfast of Champions, we celebrated our top fundraisers and awarded them with donations toward their 2022 3-Day fundraising provided by Bank of America. These participants raised an astounding amount of money this year that is helping us get that much closer to a world without breast cancer. 

Afterwards, walkers headed onto the route for Day 2 as they passed over the bridges of Mission Bay and crossed into Ocean Beach, enjoying the views of the water as the sun peeked out from behind the morning marine layer. 

The San Diego bike cops grooved with and greeted walkers into the Sunset View Elementary pit stop before stopping to take photos at picturesque Sunset Cliffs! 

After walking along the stunning ocean-front streets of Sunset Cliffs, walkers made their way to lunch at Bonita Cove where a multitude of walker stalkers and furry friends cheered them on. At lunch our Halfway Celebration welcomed in walkers as they passed through the metallic silver and pink streamers. The DJ cranked up the tunes and gathered a large crowd of hyped-up walkers, crew and youth corps for the “Cupid Shuffle” and “Wobble.” 

They walked through the quaint town of Mission Beach and back along toward camp at Crown Point Shores. On the last mile of the route, the first-ever Memorial Mile featured photos of loved ones who had lost their battle with breast cancer. Quietly and solemnly, walkers made their way back to camp, many with a lump in their throat and tears on their face, as they walked by the beautiful photos of those for whom we walk.   

This led us into the Honor Ceremony later that night where we were reminded of why we walk, why we fundraise, and why we commit to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day.Three participants shared their personal stories with us about the people who motivate and inspire them to walk. At the end of the ceremony, we turned to those beside us and told them about who we walk for, sharing stories, memories, and hugs with strangers who quickly became family. And then we solidified our commitment by lighting our candles for those we’ve lost.  

Day 3 

On the morning of Day 3, walkers woke up to one of the most beautiful orange and pink sunrises emerging over the water at Crown Point Shores as they lined up at the start line to finish their 60 miles. We all took a moment to appreciate the beauty that San Diego had to offer and be thankful for the weekend of sunny skies and warm weather. 40 miles down, and 20 to go. 

Walkers made their way through Mission Beach to the first pit stop at Belmont Park and passed by Sea World. After passing this San Diego staple, they walked to Old Town and conquered Juan Street Hill! We watched as a pair of walkers hiked up the hill and embraced each other at the top with tears filling their eyes. It was an emotional moment, witnessing the strength and determination that is within each of the people in the Pink Bubble.  

After the journey up Juan Street Hill, walkers had lunch at the beautiful Pioneer Park in Mission Hills. Our crew was there with the biggest smiles and made sure everyone received delicious wraps and salads to fuel them along the remainder of their walk. Walkers rested on Mohawk Flooring’s SmartCushions as they enjoyed their lunch under the shady trees before heading to the medical tent for massages! 

Walkers stopped at the Walgreens cheer station in Hillcrest for snacks, drinks, and were elated to be offered anti-inflammatory gel to help them on their final leg of the journey! 

At the final pit stop in Balboa Park, the crew was ready to serve up drinks and snacks as the sun beamed down in the afternoon. A cutout of Captain Jack Sparrow was there to welcome walkers into the “Pirates of the Cari-bosom” themed pit stop. Crew certainly dressed to impress for the theme, complete with everything from pirate hats to eye patches. One walker stalker and his talking pet parrot, Emmy, even came out to cheer everyone on! 

It was an emotional end as walkers crossed the finish line into Waterfront Park in downtown San Diego. Many walkers Facetimed with friends and family who could not be there with them as they walked through to the end.  

Walkers and crew were excited to receive their finisher medal from our National Presenting Sponsor, Bank of America as a symbol of their incredible accomplishment. Our 2021 3-Day season ended with one of the most memorable Closing Ceremonies that honored survivors, walkers, crew, and Youth Corps. The crowd of pink was set against a stunning view of the downtown skyline on one side and palm trees lining the street on the other. Together, we continued the tradition of raising our shoes to salute breast cancer survivors and those living with breast cancer, filled with so much love for our 3-Day family and for those we walk in honor of. 

Our 2,300 walkers, 250 crew and 180 20-mile walkers celebrated as we recognized the incredible accomplishment of the $9.2 million raised in the fight against breast cancer!  
 
From the moment the event started on Friday morning, through the very last seconds of the Closing Ceremony on Sunday evening, we were surrounded by love, hope and kindness. There were endless moments of inspiration. And it was a constant reminder of the power of this incredible community.  
 
While we revel in the accomplishments of the 2021 San Diego 3-Day, we can’t help but look towards 2022 when we’ll have the opportunity to come together in New England, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth and San Diego.  
 
Congratulations and thank you! 

2018 Philadelphia Susan G. Komen 3-Day Wrap Up

Over the weekend, hundreds of walkers gathered inside the Grand Ballroom at Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing ready to take on the fight against breast cancer. The 2018 Philadelphia 3-Day was the first 3-Day to feature a Camp inside of a hotel, and we were so very excited to pilot this intriguing new model for our 3-Day community.

An energetic Opening Ceremony further reminded us why our steps are so very important, and we took off into Philadelphia.

We walked past Independence Hall at 1.2 miles, and then into our first Pit Stop of the 3-Day weekend at mile 3.6, which was themed with bouncing balls. We continued on to Pit Stop 2 at West Fairmount Park, where our walkers stepped into a fairy tale with the Enchanted Pit Stop, complete with 3-Day Dwarves, “Crampy, Blistery, and Achy.”

The smiling faces of our crew at Pit Stop 2 propelled us forward into lunch at Chamounix Field, 9.2 miles into our route. We showed some team spirit with the Eagles theme, and enjoyed resting on our Mohawk pads and stretching before we took off for the final parts of the route.

While a little bit of rain came down, it didn’t dampen our spirits. A quick stop at Boob Street at Rodin Museum Grounds fueled us up for the remaining five miles of the day, and the community came out to cheer us in as we walked back into the Hilton.

The hotel was serving Philadelphia’s pretzels with pink salt, a perfect local treat to get us ready for dinner and a fun camp show where we awarded some of our participants’ amazing fundraising work, and rewarded milestone and impact award winners, Ronald MacDonald and Dawn Kifer. Then, it was off to bed so we could rest in anticipation of a beautiful Day two.

Day two greeted us with ideal weather and no humidity. Walkers tackled the cobble stone streets of the city, and walked past the art museum, where some walkers took a moment to recreate their Rocky moment and run up the stairs.

Next, we walked along the river while teams rowed in regatta races, and then climbed the hills to Belmont Mansion for its incredible views of the skyline. Then it was time for lions, tigers and bears as the route moved through the Philadelphia Zoo before returning back to camp at the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing.

Back at Camp, we relaxed in the zen-inducing Bank of America massage chairs and enjoyed a yummy dinner before an entertaining camp show and our classic 3-Day dance party. On Sunday we headed out to South Philly neighborhoods, with Mile 1 passing by Elfreth’s Alley. Walkers were cheered on by inflatable unicorns and dinosaurs, and we wished we could start every day that way.

We also walked by the dueling Pat and Geno’s Steak Shops at mile 11, with some walkers stopping for a yummy bite to eat. After some classic Philly fare, it was onwards past a cheering station at Marconi Plaza, and then past the Sports Complex (home of the Phillies, Flyers, Sixers and Eagles), being welcomed by the Eagles Drum and Bugle Corps who could be heard from a mile away. We also spotted another dancing unicorn — just the whimsical sight we needed to put some pep in our step as we marched toward Closing Ceremony.

 

The day ended at the historic Navy Yard under sunny skies, with dragon flies whizzing by, reminding us of loved ones lost checking up on us.

Closing Ceremonies were jam packed with friends and family waiting to celebrate our courageous walkers and crew. Together, we raised $2.1 million toward the fight to end breast cancer. Philadelphia, thank you. We are so honored and grateful for everything you do.