Meet Barbara J., our 2024 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Crew Impact Award Winner!
Since her first Susan G. Komen 3-Day® 14 years ago, Barbara has participated 21 times and has raised a lifetime total of nearly $3,000. Since 2007, she has served as Medical Crew and Medical Crew Captain in Denver, Chicago, Seattle, and Dallas/Fort Worth, bringing a fierce attitude and color-coded schedule each time.
“Barb has been volunteering at the Komen 3-Day since before I knew her. In fact, the first time I heard about the 3-Day® was when she told me about this awesome event she volunteered at every year. She invited me to join her volunteering at the 3-Day the next year. That was 2008, and I have volunteered with her ever since. Her passion and dedication to the mission of helping eliminate breast cancer and helping people in general is infectious. I often marvel at the energy and passion she puts into making sure all our walkers are safe and able to participate to the fullest. She is just amazing, and I thought that even before I married her.” —Dr. Curtis J.
What was your inspiration to do your first 3-Day???
My mom found her insurance policy falling short when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Grants from Susan G. Komen funded the organizations that facilitated her mastectomy and care.
What has brought you back to the 3-Day year after year?
I came in 2007 to do the 3-Day once at the insistence of my late husband, who was ill himself at the time with cancer, to pay back that “debt.” So many treatments cross over from one cancer to another and several of his treatments were brought about through breast cancer research. He passed away six weeks after that event, and the love I found there coupled with the memories of that first time helped sustain me in the following times. I come back to continue to pass on that love.
What is your favorite aspect of crewing the 3-Day?
For me, the 3-Day is a series of core memory events that help me remember why I became a nurse. Outside the daily travails of clinical nursing, the 3-Day is a time to give someone else a core memory.
What is your best advice to anyone crewing the 3-Day?
Breathe and enjoy every moment, even when you are exhausted. Look at the participants’ faces; it’s all there.
What’s a fun fact about you?
When I was in college, my grandmother would tell me she was helping with the “little neighbor girl,” but I don’t ever recall Gramma telling me her name. During my first time at the Seattle 3-Day, I became close to a social worker assigned to my crew. A year later, after trying to figure out why we felt so familiar to each other, we discovered that she was the “little neighbor girl,” brought together divinely by my Gramma. That same Seattle event is also where I met one of my besties, who absolutely did not like me upon our first meeting. We laugh about that to this day.
“Barb is an overall kind human. She is fiercely protective of those she adopts into her family and would do anything for them. As a captain she is detail oriented, approachable and makes a mean colorful schedule. I have been blessed to have known her for many years and have had some awesome experiences with her.” — Clay R.
The Pink Bubble traded their cowboy boots for walking shoes as we headed to the Lone Star State for the Susan G. Komen Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day. From November 1-3,625 walkers and 220 crew members raised a total of $2.2 million for breast cancer research, community health, patient care and advocacy.
Day 1
Walkers began at the Opening Ceremony where we welcomed our new Susan G. Komen 3-Day® host, Beverly Kruse, a breast cancer survivor. Karen D. shared her incredible story as a 44-year-old breast cancer survivor following her diagnosis in April 2024. She is walking in honor of herself, her aunt who passed away from the disease, her friend who is a six-year thriver, and in hope that her stepdaughters and niece never have to hear those four daunting words “you have breast cancer.” “It’s the least I can do for all women and girls,” she shared. Following, Kelley H. shared that in 2004 her best friend Kim was diagnosed with breast cancer, saying, “I remember her son asked one time ‘Why do you have to have cancer?’ and she said ‘Why not? Why not me?’” So, when Kim asked Kelley to walk in 2007, she quickly said yes, walking every year since. In 2014, Kim was diagnosed again, this time with metastatic breast cancer and with her grit and determination she underwent rigorous treatments and participated in countless clinical trials. Ten years later, at the 2024 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day, Kim walked as a thriver hand-in-hand with her best friend Kelley, who sported a stunning bedazzled cane. Both Karen and Kim joined the sea of survivors and thrivers to lead the way out on the route across the Mohawk Flooring Pink Carpet.
Throughout the day, walkers got to experience an abundance of what the city has to offer as they passed by the JFK Memorial, the Giant Eyeball sculpture, and T. Boone Pickins Cancer Center, a prominent cancer treatment and research center where groundbreaking medical advancements are achieved. Pit stops were decked out with themes from Ducks to Toy Story, where walkers were greeted with all of Andy’s favorite toys, a photo booth, and music reminding us that we’ve all got a friend in the Pink Bubble! As they continued their journey, walkers got to pass by the stunning White Rock Lake and Cattle Drive Sculptures, before returning to camp to rest their feet and enjoy all that Bank of America brings to the Komen 3-Day!
The beloved Bank of America massage chairs were a hit as we geared up for the Celebration of Champions where our National Presenting Sponsor awarded our Top Fundraisers, Milestone Award Winner, and Crew Impact Award Winners with donations of up to $500 for their 2025 3-Day® fundraising. They also hosted a raffle where five Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day participants won $250 toward their 2025 fundraising efforts; talk about generous! To wrap up the evening our 3-Day hosts Beverly and Lori taught a dance before walkers and crew rested up for the next day!
Day 2
After enjoying a delicious breakfast and welcoming our 2-Day Walkers, the Pink Bubble went mobile as we hopped aboard buses to Fort Worth. Our Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Ultimate Event Experience winner, Jessica M., led the way, accompanied by her 17-year-old daughter Gianna, who reminds us of the next generation we walk for. During the qualifying period, Jessica raised over $7,000 with a good old fashioned bake sale!
Once in Fort Worth, walkers were able to enjoy the Meg and May Mural, Fort Worth Water Gardens, and Sundance Square Plaza before being greeted by a large cheering station outside of Paddock Park. Here, walkers were welcomed by 4-year-old Aspen who was working hard to draw in chalk and hand out lollipops to walkers who passed by. With a sweet treat in hand, they could play a bit of hopscotch and receive a rating from one of our supporters; everyone seemed to get a perfect 10/10! Another supportive family had flown in from all over the country to cheer on walkers, including their loved ones. Walkers continued toward the Museum District where, outside of the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, the beloved father/son duo of Moose and Dan cheered on every single walker. With big smiles on their faces, walkers made their way toward the Raining Tacos Mural and TCU Campus before hopping aboard a 3-Day bus back to camp.
Once returned to camp, walkers were greeted by Youth Corps, crew, and supporters who cheered them straight to the buffet where they could get a hearty helping of mac ’n’ cheese. We welcomed back our last walker before Youth Corps kicked off the Honor Ceremony by sharing their reason for participating. After speeches from two participants, the entire room lit candles and wrote on luminaria bags to honor those who they walk for, placing each reason for walking in front of the stage. With a sea of light shimmering in the dark, we remembered that this is why we walk; because we must.
Day 3
After departing the hotel, walkers passed through Dealey Plaza, known as the “birthplace of Dallas,” the unassuming brick-paved square that has borne witness to many pivotal moments in Dallas and American history. From here, walkers were able to get a glimpse of the House of Blues, Oak Lawn Rainbow Gateway Sign and Legacy of Love Monument, and Pay It No Mind mural. We met with an XPO employee, Turstacy, who was a 1-Day Walker walking in honor of her mother, a breast cancer survivor, and for everyone else. Though she arrived alone for her very first 3-Day, she quickly made friends in true Pink Bubble fashion!
As walkers continued along the route, the skies opened up and participants were instructed to shelter in place for their safety for a bit until the storm passed. As the sun began poking back out, walkers passed through the AT&T Discovery District as they made their final strides into the Finish Line Festival at Reunion Lawn, boasting a stunning view of the Dallas skyline. As we welcomed in all of our walkers, everyone was able to enjoy the festivities including a photo at the Nature’s Bounty wings, free samples, and a chance to meet Marnie, the artist who designed the booth and bags gifted to the participants.
As our last walkers came in, the Pink Bubble gathered to cheer them on until the Last Walker Flag was raised. The Closing Ceremony began and we welcomed our incredible crew before raising our shoes to celebrate and honor the survivors and thrivers who joined us over the last few days. United in spirit, it was revealed that the 2024 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day raised an outstanding $2.2 million in the fight against breast cancer, prompting a well-deserved dance party to close out the tremendous event.
Thank you to everyone who made the 2024 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day what it was, and we can’t wait to see you back next year!
In 2008, Rae J.’s sorority sister-turned-best friend, Terry H., signed up for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® after seeing an advertisement on TV. Although she didn’t know anyone at the time who had been affected by breast cancer besides Rae’s mom, a 16-year survivor, Terry knew right away that she wanted to walk. She began raising money and recruiting others to join, but it wasn’t easy. “It was very intimidating to have to raise $2,300; asking people for money was new. It was even more intimidating when I explained we had to walk 60 miles; in fact, people said I was crazy,” she shared.
Ultimately, Terry raised the money and walked solo in D.C., crying at times when she found herself alone. However, in true Pink Bubble fashion, Terry made new connections and was so inspired that upon returning home she talked her friends into signing up, Rae included. In 2009, Team Keeping Abreast was born with five walkers and three crew members, including Terry’s dad and his wife, Terry and Rae’s husbands, Chris and Bob, Terry’s niece, her niece’s roommate, and Rae’s sister-in-law. That year, they began carrying a banner with them for each walk where they encouraged other participants to write the names of survivors and those who have been affected by breast cancer.
“We kept our traditions going from year to year: the banner, wearing team shirts on day three, holding up our fists in team pictures, and a shoe circle. The young girls in our team video are all now walkers who, back then, couldn’t wait to be able to participate. Rae’s daughters were first in 2016, when Cameron joined as a walker and Caroline joined the Youth Corps until she was old enough to walk. Next were Rae’s nieces, Abbey and Melanie who joined Youth Corps and are now walkers.”
Team Keeping Abreast walked every year until the Komen 3-Day was no longer offered in D.C. when they decided to crew in Philadelphia. Unsure of how to raise money and afford travel, they missed the following two years. Over time, they kept learning of more and more people who had been diagnosed and when Rae was diagnosed in December 2015, their team got their walking shoes back out and returned to Philadelphia in 2016. That year, they recruited another one of their sorority sisters from Sigma Sigma Sigma, Stacey and Rae’s sister, Dawn. “We walked again and that was the first time she was able to easily convince me to walk with them,” shared Dawn.
In 2016, Rae walked her sixth and final 3-Day® as a Stage IV breast cancer thriver. She gave a speech at the Opening Ceremony, saying “I have walked the 3-Day five times in honor of my mom, a breast cancer survivor and in memory of those we have lost. Who would have thought it would happen to me? Yet here I am having been diagnosed this past December with Stage IV breast cancer. So, this year, I’m also walking for myself and continue to look for the cures so my daughters don’t have to walk for the very same reason. I’m Rae, and I am the 3-Day.”
Rae was beloved by her friends and family and loved the 3-Day more than anything else. Her friends describe her as:
Funny — she loved to laugh, always had a smile
She was the life of the party, the last one to go to bed and the first one up in the morning
She made friends everywhere and kept in touch with all of them
She was an active member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma (Tri Sigs) sorority both as an undergraduate and alumna
She played the trombone in her high school and college marching bands
She had a passion for tennis and enjoyed playing in multiple leagues and tournaments
She knew the words and dances to every song from John Denver to Kid Rock to Run DMC
She was a lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers
She was an accountant by trade but focused on family and friends
She loved holidays and events, including Halloween, the 3-Day, St Patrick’s Day, Christmas, and Easter — all the holidays were so celebrated, and she decked everything out accordingly
She loved getting ready for the 3-Day — the pinker the better!
We could pick up and go anywhere or we could sit on the couch for the entire weekend
She was very passionate about all things in her life
She was a fantastic mother, wife, friend, sister, aunt and daughter
She was a wonderful everything
“Rae fought until the very end. I went to chemo with her on September 27, 2017 and she passed away two days later on September 29, 2017,” shared Terry. “Throughout that year, as Rae’s condition worsened, we didn’t know if we were going to be able to do the walk. The short plan was that the team would still walk, Bob and Chris would crew, I would stay with Rae, and we would possibly drive from their new home in Arizona to San Diego and cheer on the walkers. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it that far but after Rae passed away, we all got ready for San Diego. It was the weekend before Thanksgiving, so we did the walk, and we all spent the holiday together that year. It was good for closure, actually.”
In 2019, Rae’s daughter Cameron spoke at the Opening Ceremony as a tribute to her mother and her husband Chris walked for the very first time. “It was the last walk Rae walked, and I wanted to walk in her footsteps. I did all 60 miles, no sweeping. It was a great healing event,” he shared. Each year since her passing, the team walks with Rae’s shoes attached to their backpacks and their banner adorned with a photo of her for all 60 miles. Since then, three teammates including Rae’s sister Dawn have been diagnosed and are survivors whose names are proudly written on the banner.
This year, Team Keeping Abreast joined together to participate in the 2024 Denver 3-Day, wearing matching jerseys as they crossed the finish line on the seven-year anniversary of Rae’s passing. As they set out on the route for Day 3, a route safety crew member was singing Good Morning, Good Morning, a song that Rae was known for singing each day. The team walked past in awe and, after reflecting, turned around to ask him for a video. Though her two daughters, Cameron and Caroline, couldn’t make it, they spent the day together and were overcome with emotion seeing the video of the crew member singing their mother’s song.
“From there, the story is pretty clear,” shared Terry, the team captain and Rae’s best friend. “We will forever be 3-Dayers. I promised Rae I would continue until there are cures, like many others scorned by the disease.”
