Why I’m Coming Back to the 3-Day in 2014

The decision to join the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® is a big one. The decision to come back again, for a second, third, tenth, or twentieth time, is equally impressive. We asked some of our 2013 Komen 3-Day walkers and crew members why they have chosen to participate again in 2014. Their answers are inspiring.

Natalie B. was a first-time walker in the Twin Cities this year, but she’s already hooked. “I had donated in the past to friends who did the 3-Day, but before I did the walk, I had no clue what a special experience it would be. There’s something about taking part in it yourself that really makes you feel the enormity of this disease and its impact. I don’t know how to describe it, really, but the shared experience of pushing our bodies to extremes, hearing stories of people affected by breast cancer, and seeing the effort of so many people to put the event on just really makes you feel part of something bigger than yourself and your own little world. I felt very connected to this cause after the 3-Day, much more so than I did when I just donated to friends’ fundraising efforts in the past. I can’t imagine not doing it again.”

One of the top fundraisers in San Diego this year, Lucy M. is a two-time breast cancer survivor, and says, “My annual 3-Day experience is my celebration of my own wellness. I am one of the lucky ones and I walk because I can.” Lucy will be back for her 13^th event in 2014, celebrating another year of survivorship.

Blanche was a member of the Camp Services crew team in San Diego

Blanche C. from Seattle has walked in the 3-Day 12 times in 10 years, but had her very first experience serving as a crew member this year. Blanche shared, “I walk, and now crew, because I’m hooked on making a difference. I originally became involved for a challenge, and my aunt passed away from breast cancer. I have met the most amazing people because of the 3-Day I can’t imagine not participating in some way. And just because I’m crewing that doesn’t mean I won’t fundraise. Here’s to another fabulous year!” Blanche already registered for the 3-Day Crew three times in 2014—in Twin Cities, Seattle and San Diego.

For first-time walker and survivor Gigi C., being part of a team made all the difference. “I can’t even put into words what an amazing experience it was. I was lucky enough to walk with some ‘9 year pros’ from Two Jewels and A Gem and I couldn’t have done it without them! It was such a fun, uplifting and emotional journey for me and I will be joining them again next year.”

Lori M.’s reason for returning to the 3-Day is a specific and sobering reminder of why we must continue: “We have achieved a 99% 5-year survival rate with early diagnosis – and while this is great, there is more to do. This year I met a surprising number of women who experienced a second diagnosis between years 6-10. We have a new mission – prevent the re-occurrence!”

Every member of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day family has unique and inspiring reasons for being involved and for coming back year after year. What will bring you back in 2014?

A Thanksgiving Message

The 2013 3-Day season is a wrap! Our 3-Day gear is stowed away until next year – except for our Victory t-shirts, which we wear proudly to commemorate our recent 3-Day journey. My husband and I are still sharing our San Diego 3-Day experience with our friends and family, and look forward to our 15^th walk next year.

In this season of thankfulness and gratitude, please accept the thanks of the 3-Day Blog team, and our gratitude for your commitment to the fight to end breast cancer forever.

Please take a few minutes to read the Thanksgiving Message from Susan G. Komen® President and CEO, Dr. Judy Salerno.

Sending heartfelt Thanksgiving wishes to our extraordinary 3-Day family. We hope to see you in 2014!

We will never give up.

Wrap Up: The San Diego 3-Day

All along the Susan G. Komen 3-Day^® series this year, participants and crew members had been mentioning why the Komen 3-Day in San Diego was an event of its own. Indeed, every stop along the 14-city tour had its unique and wonderful surprises, but San Diego seemed to embody the mix of California ease with the dedication of groups such as the San Diego Police Department.

The Opening Ceremony at the Del Mar Fairgrounds was an exciting way to kick off the special event, complete with thousands of walkers and hundreds of crew members dancing it up to Zumba and a little community stretching. The walkers danced out onto the route for a 20-mile walk that led through the fabulous community support in Del Mar, by the windy ocean, through Torrey Pines (just a little hill), and back down seaside for a lunch with great views.

The local news agencies gobbled up the scene of the pink walkers that stretched on for miles, as they captured scenes on the ground and from the air. (There were even some local news celebs as registered walkers!) The day was finished strong as walkers pushed on through San Diego and arrived at Crown Point Shores overlooking Mission Bay. The Camp Show Friday evening highlighted Grace Ramirez, who commanded the attention of everyone gathered. What inspiration!

Day 2 on the route led the walkers, assisted by their dedicated crew members, around the breezy (and sometimes chilly!) neighborhoods of San Diego, complete with great views of the Bay and of the ocean. Pit Stop 2 was jazzed up by a local cheerleading group and Bonita Cove provided some extra entertainment for walkers and crew. Pink and red gerbera daisies were once again provided anonymously after lunch, and thousands were handed out to walkers, brightening the final stretches of Day 2. The Camp Show included two amazing speakers who brought the tent to its feet: Eden Becker and John Shinar. It was definitely a Camp Show to remember, capped with games from presenting sponsor Bank of America, some new shoes given out from New Balance, and of course, a legendary dance party.

The route on Day 3 of 16 miles was a fun tour of San Diego with a beautiful walk through De Anza Cove, Mission Hills Park, and the Veterans War Memorial. The route was dotted with walker stalkers and locals who cheered on the walkers. The walkers were met at the finish line with the cheers of a packed area around PETCO Park, filling the sidewalks and public spaces. The Closing Ceremony at PETCO Park was a dramatic finish to the San Diego 3-Day and to the 3-Day season, as the crowd of thousands of walkers, crew, volunteers, and family and friends gathered to celebrate a successful 60-mile walk and to encourage each other on their journey to find a cure. The Survivors’ Circle gathered to raise the flag: “We Will Never Give Up!” and participants danced to “We Are Family” to wrap up another exciting event for San Diego.

See you all next year in San Diego!

ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS