The Susan G. Komen Seattle 3-Day Honors Our Opening Ceremony Speakers

We began our 2017 Susan G. Komen Seattle 3-Day with an inspiring Opening Ceremony as the sun started to rise on a perfect fall day on the West Coast. Our Opening Ceremonies this year are led by participants, with special recognition given to our breast cancer survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Crew members, walkers, and supporters joined their hearts and hopes in the shared promise of bringing about the end of breast cancer, one footstep and mile at a time. Take some time to get to know our Opening Ceremony speakers.

Troy Richards – My Wife

I walk for Misty, my wife, and the mother of our two boys. She is the rock and foundation of our family. Her attitude and perseverance should be an inspiration to anyone affected by such an invasive disease. I also walk for women and men still battling to stay healthy and safe. I’m Troy and I am More Than Pink.

Cathy Parsell – My Friend

I’m walking to honor my friend, Carole, a fierce warrior in the animal rescue community. She used that same warrior attitude when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She boldly showed breast cancer that she was More than Pink and won the battle. We love you, Carole! I’m Cathy and I am More Than Pink.

Veronica Claudio – My Mother

I am walking in memory of my sweet momma, Claudia Claudio, who is truly the definition of an angel. She taught me to LOVE life and find the joy in every day, to always turn the radio up when Rick Springfield is playing, and what true courage and strength look like. She will forever be remembered for her signature dimples, her bright light, and the legacy that she left that still lives on today. I’m Veronica and I am More Than Pink.

Holly Raissipour – My Children
It is continually my honor to walk the 3-Day as a survivor all the way from Boston. I am humbled and amazed at the continued generosity, support and love of people. This year is my 8^th year and 11^th walk, and all three of my daughters, my husband and all my friends support and cheer me on from afar to help find a world where no one will ever hear again the words: “You have breast cancer.” I’m Holly and I am More Than Pink.

Heather Jellerson – My Sister

I am walking for my sister, Kimberly Valerine Holmes. Kim lost her fight, but worked so hard to laugh her way through it. I’m participating today because her strength inspires me to walk so that others may have a better chance to win their fight with breast cancer. I’m Heather and I am More Than Pink.

Lauren Leiker – My Aunt

In 2005, I walked my first 3-Day for my Aunt Barb. Today, I walk again for my aunt, a two-time survivor, and for all who have fought and are still fighting breast cancer. I’m Lauren and I am More Than Pink.

Dena McLauchlin – Ceremony Host

I walk for an amazing friend who lost her courageous battle six years ago. I made a promise to her that day that I would do everything I could to keep fighting to end breast cancer. Since Jean passed, I have had four friends lose their courageous fight?two in just the last three months. So as I begin my 14^th walk here in Seattle, I will dedicate these 60 miles to all my friends who were sent home too early, to my two aunts who also fought this fight but earned their wings, to all my friends who are currently fighting, and to all my friends who will fight. I’m Dena, I am More Than Pink… and I’m honored to welcome you to the 2017 Seattle 3-Day!

Congratulations to the 2017 Philadelphia 3-Day Milestone Award Winner

Please join us in congratulating our 2017 Philadelphia Milestone Award Winner; Leedrester Jackson. The Susan G. Komen 3-Day® Milestone Award is given at each event to a walker or crew member who has an outstanding history of participation in the Komen 3-Day. At the Philadelphia 3-Day camp show, we presented Leedrester with this special honor.

This is her 12^th year walking the 3-Day, and she is a 30-year breast cancer survivor, having beaten breast cancer three times. She has also raised nearly $5,500 this year alone!

She is well-known in Philadelphia, and we wanted to hear about the 3-Day and Leedrester’s story in her own words. When we asked these questions, she didn’t know she would soon be selected as our winner!

What was your inspiration to do your first 3-Day?

As a breast cancer survivor, I wanted to be a part of helping people detect cancer early enough to beat it, and finally find a cure. In 2005, The 3-Day came to Philadelphia and the 68 – year old lady “lost her senses” and volunteered to walk 60 miles in three days and if that wasn’t enough, to camp out for two nights.

What has brought you back to the 3-Day year after year?

I walk because… as a three-time breast cancer survivor, I continue to enjoy good health and so I walk for those who can’t.

What is the secret to your 3-Day fundraising success?

I send letters to family, friends and church family (Grace Baptist Church of Germantown – Rev. Dr. James H. Buck, Jr., Pastor) many of whom have been prayerfully and financially supportive of me on my eleven years 3-Day journey. My supporters are committed to helping find a cure for breast cancer. They do the donating and I do the walking.

After the walk, I show them how much I appreciate them by sending thank you letters in which I share the weekend events with pictures.

Leedrester got a standing ovation from her fellow Philly 3-Dayers

What is your best advice to anyone walking the 3-Day?

Practice, practice, practice on the hills because Philly is very hilly and keep your feet lubricated.

What’s a fun fact about you?

2017 Weekend Destination Birthday Celebration celebrated with 74 women. The Lord blessed me to celebrate 80 years young and I am a three-time breast cancer survivor: 30 years, 15 years, and 7 years. This was truly a fun fact weekend.

What are the most important lessons you’ve learned on the 3-Day?

I have learned that you need to stay hydrated, stay alert, keep stretching and take good care of your feet.

On behalf of all of us walking, crewing, and supporting the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, thank you Leedrester.

The Susan G. Komen Twin Cities 3-Day Honors Our Opening Ceremony Speakers

We began our 2017 Susan G. Komen Twin Cities 3-Day with an inspiring and beautiful Opening Ceremony as the sun broke through the clouds in Edina at the Southdale Mall. Our Opening Ceremonies this year are led by participants, with special recognition given to our breast cancer survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Shelly Owens – My Sister

I walk for my bestest friend and little Sister, Angela, who is here today to witness her first ever 3-Day, and is battling Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. She needs a miracle drug so her 3- and 4-year-old children can enjoy many more years with their mommy, and because this world will never be the same for Me if she’s not in it. I’m Shelly and I am More Than Pink.

Carolyn Opsahl Hopp – My Friend

I walk in memory of my friend Becky! She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 30 and lost her courageous fight at the age of 36. I made her a promise to be a part of creating a world without breast cancer, and I have every intention to make that promise a reality. I’m Carolyn and I am More Than Pink.

Lisa Healey – My Family

My immediate family has logged more than 30 3-Day walks, but this year’s 3-Day took on a whole new meaning when my sister, Jill, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Because of Komen, she was diagnosed early, which also helped to make the early stages of her journey a little bit easier. Jill still has a long road ahead, but I’m hoping with the research that Komen continues to fund, a cure will be found very soon. I’m Lisa and I am More Than Pink.

Lauren Rectenwal – My Mom
I am walking this weekend to honor my mom’s strength and determination throughout her battle. My mom is my best friend and I couldn’t imagine my life without her. Cancer sucks! I’m Lauren and I am More Than Pink.

Todd Wallin – My Wife

I walk in honor of my best friend and wife, Kay, who is also a 15-year survivor. I also walk for the future: for my daughter and granddaughter and all of you! I’m Todd and I am More Than Pink.

LeAnn Poirier – My Children

I walk in honor of my children for the sixth year in a row, in the hopes they will NEVER have to fight breast cancer. I walk for those who cannot and for those who have lost their battle against breast cancer. I honor and admire all women and men for their fight and determination to never give up. I’m LeAnn and I am More Than Pink.

Melissa Dickhausen – Ceremony Host

I walk because it is the one thing I can do to help make a difference. I have watched too many of my friends and co-workers battle breast cancer and have lost too many amazing women to it. By walking, I’ve been able to spread awareness about breast cancer beyond just my family and friends, which has led to earlier diagnoses and quicker starts to treatments. And that’s why I continue to walk. I’m Melissa, I am More Than Pink… and I’m honored to welcome you to the 2017 Twin Cities 3-Day!