November Pink Bubble Story of the Month – Debra E.

Every year, thousands of philanthropic individuals come together in cities across the country to walk 20, 40, or 60 miles, united by a common goal—making a significant impact in the fight against breast cancer. Amongst those in the ocean of pink this year was Debra E., a breast cancer survivor who participated in her first ever 3-Day this year in Denver, both as a crew member and 1-Day walker. We met with Debra who shared her personal journey, reflecting on how this experience deeply touched her heart.

Last year, Debra heard about the 3-Day on a Facebook post which prompted her to become involved with Susan G. Komen both locally and with the 3-Day. Inspired by her own survivorship, her grandmother and several close friends who have battled breast cancer, she decided to participate in the 2022 Susan G. Komen Denver More Than Pink Walk. Having loved her experience at that event, she signed up for the 3-Day to further contribute to the cause.

As a first-time 3-Dayer and combination crew member and walker, Debra was unsure of what to expect, but was blown away by her experience. She was able to make friends with both crew and walkers, so while walking on Day 3, crew members that she met in days prior were cheering her on along the route and at the finish line. Recounting her first-time laying eyes on the sea of people who were all there to support survivors, thrivers, and those walking for loved ones that could not, the feeling was indescribable. “Everyone had a smile and supportive words, and it was so infectious,” she shared. “Walking was a very supportive experience. Even when I struggled because I had a knee injury, I was still getting encouragement and support from everyone in the Pink Bubble!”

Participating in the 3-Day necessitates both physical and mental preparation. To adequately prepare for the monumental event, Debra took advice that veteran walkers shared on the Facebook pages and during the online Social Hours. She went on training walks and fundraised through social media and by emailing everyone she could think of.

Debra recalls her favorite moments of the Denver 3-Day meeting the incredible walkers and crew members, and that seeing her loved ones as she crossed the finish line was particularly humbling. Her advice to anyone who is hesitant to sign up is “Just do it! It may sound very daunting, but I expect that you will get caught up in the excitement and won’t even notice the miles go by.” Having loved her experience at the 3-Day, Debra has signed up to crew/walk the 2024 Denver and crew San Diego 3-Day.

It’s people like Debra who make the 3-Day possible and such a rewarding experience. It is about so much more than walking, but coming together to do something challenging as we raise funds to advance breast cancer research, treatment, and awareness. In Debra’s very own words, “We [walk to] raise money so that we can eradicate breast cancer FOREVER!”

See previous Pink Bubble Story of the Month blog posts here.

A Breast Cancer Survivor and Her Pink Jeep

What started as a creative idea at a car show has now turned into a full-blown breast cancer-themed Jeep. It’s owner? Denise B., a breast cancer survivor who travels to different cities for the 3-Day as either a walker or a mobile cheering station (with her Jeep in tow, of course).

How did you first hear about the Susan G. Komen 3-Day?

I moved to Riverview, Florida in 2011 and heard about the 3-Day through local advertisements for the Tampa Bay event. I participated the following year, 2012, in the Tampa Bay 3-Day as a one-year breast cancer survivor.

What is your connection to breast cancer?

I had a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer in the ’90s and beat it. Then, six years later, it came back in her lungs, and she ultimately passed away. In January of 2011, I was diagnosed with breast cancer from a mammogram. My cancer was caught very early; even the doctor couldn’t feel it. I had a lumpectomy and radiation.

Why are you motivated to help put an end to this disease?

I don’t want my daughter or anyone else to have to go through the battle of breast cancer or any other type of cancer ever again.

We heard you have a custom Jeep, can you tell us about it? How did you come up with this idea?

I originally had a black and pink Jeep TJ that had a breast cancer theme. That Jeep’s name was Esperanza, which means “Hope” in Spanish. I went to a car show with that Jeep in October of 2018, which was a benefit event for breast cancer. I purchased pink ribbon magnets for people to write names of survivors and stick them on my Jeep during the car show. I ended up winning that car show! A couple years later I decided to buy a Jeep Gladiator and put a wrap on it with names of survivors and in memory of others who lost their breast cancer battle. I worked with a female wrap designer to help me capture what I envisioned. The Gladiator’s name is Pink Virago, “Virago” is Latin for “female Gladiator/Warrior.” The words “Nobody Fights Alone” run along each side of the Jeep. I originally had about 140 names that I had gathered to put on the Jeep, and intended to fill the ribbon that goes down both sides with names, but over time I ran out of room. So, I expanded the space and now put names everywhere on it. Currently there are almost 400 names. Most of these names are for breast cancer, but as I meet people and they give me names, no matter what kind of cancer they have, I put it on my Jeep.

You usually have a friend traveling with you in a unicorn costume. Is there a story behind that?

The unicorn is actually my friend Elizabeth (she has raised over $100,000 for Susan G. Komen). She frequents Dallas/Fort Worth and other cities as the Unicorn, and in past years has shown up in a pink Gorilla or a banana costume. I met Elizabeth at my first 3-Day in Tampa. My sister worked with her and told her I was doing the 3-Day also. She walked with me on my first 3-Day and is the reason I made it all 60 miles. She was also with me in Dallas/Fort Worth this past year when I did my first mobile cheering station. She was my introduction to the Pink Bubble and represents what the Pink Bubble is all about.

What does the Pink Bubble mean to you?

The Pink Bubble is the culmination of diverse people from all over that come together and form a community over three days to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. But ultimately, it’s a group of people who lift each other up, laugh together, cry together and tell their stories. Just like how a bubble forms from water and soap, the Pink Bubble forms from all the people we meet and stories we share. Then at the end of the weekend, we all go back to our normal lives, but we take a piece of the Pink Bubble with us, in the form of new stories, memories and friendships.

Shannon B. Is Ready to Join the Pink Bubble

Breast cancer survivor Shannon B. will be making her Susan G. Komen 3-Day debut in Chicago this year. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, recently undergoing reconstruction surgery and raising over $32,000 to date, Shannon is ready to take on 60 miles and join the Pink Bubble.

What is your connection to breast cancer?

I was diagnosed with stage 2, HER2+ breast cancer in October 2020, had 6 rounds of TCHP chemo, a full year of Herceptin, a bi-lateral mastectomy with 7 lymph nodes removed, 28 radiation treatments, and most recently, reconstruction surgery.

Why did you sign up for the 3-Day?

Ironically, I have felt so lucky and privileged through this whole process of having support, good insurance, a flexible employer, and a “best possible outcome” of being cancer-free with a low chance of recurrence. I know that SO MANY others have it much harder than I have, and I feel like I NEED to do something to help others fight breast cancer and fund research that has helped save my life. My oncologist told me that just 10-15 years ago HER2+ breast cancer was one of the deadliest because they didn’t yet know how to treat it. It’s because of research, trials, and the incredible individuals before me that my medical team knew the exact path forward to get me to this cancer-free stage.

What do you hope to gain from this experience?

More than anything I hope to make a difference, so others don’t have to deal with this disease, the treatments, side effects, surgeries, etc. Or if they do, maybe the money I raise can help make it just a little bit easier by helping with medical bills, transportation, etc.

How did you raise so much money in such a short period of time?

I am no fundraising superstar, but am surrounded by incredible people in my personal and professional life. I have worked at the same company for over 10 years and have built amazing relationships with people all over the country. My family and friends have never wavered in their support. I created a fundraiser on Facebook and posted on LinkedIn and Instagram. My birthday and anniversary of my last TCHP chemo treatment is coming up so I hope to do a few posts to bring in another wave of donations. I have raised A LOT of money, but it still wouldn’t cover the cost of one of my chemo treatments pre-insurance.

What are you most looking forward to regarding the event?

I am looking forward to being surrounded by others who are so committed to the cause that they are willing to sacrifice their time and energy to this incredible challenge. And selfishly, I am walking with one of my best friends and I can’t wait to have three days together! What am I least looking forward to (not that you asked)? I am a crier and will likely be crying 80% of the three days; it will be a hard weekend emotionally.

What advice would you like to seek or questions you’d like to ask from any veteran walkers?

Please tell me the blisters are avoidable! I can and have survived a lot, but I am a big wimp when it comes to blisters!

Do you have any advice for Shannon or any other first-time walkers? Tell us your best tips and tricks for conquering the 3-Day in the comments!