Each year, the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® brings together a powerful community of participants, survivors and supporters who are united by one shared mission: to end breast cancer forever. As participants prepare and train in the months leading up to the 3-Day, they are supported by our dedicated coaches who inspire them, walk alongside them and remind us all why we show up, year after year. In their own words below, they reflect on what this journey means to them.
Coach Staci
I walked my first 3-Day (Avon) in 2002. My mother-in-law was in treatment for breast cancer—between surgery and chemo. I saw my participation as a way I could do something at a time when our family felt very helpless against the disease. My daughters were young, and I also felt I could show them that doing something bigger than yourself is important, powerful and sometimes necessary.
The discomfort of fundraising was offset by the exhilaration of my donors’ incredible support.
The discomfort of training was offset by the exhilaration at the Closing Ceremony and the feeling that, “if I can do this, what else can I do?”
In 2004, I got the chance to become a 3-Day coach, and while my role has evolved over more than 20 years, our shared goal and focus is unwavering.
I am very proud of the $915 million raised by 3-Day participants over the last 20 years. My mother-in-law passed away in 2007. Her breast cancer had metastasized to her bones.
All these years later, I believe the work we do together is vital. If not us, then who? We are making a difference! And in the process, we have created a community like no other, based on love, support, friendship and hope.
The Pink Bubble is a truly special place: three days of how the world should be every day.
Coach Ann
In 2010, my dear friend Susan created a 3-Day team in my honor to celebrate my four years of survivorship. Imagine that—a team of people who didn’t even know me walking for me. I was so humbled. And that started our pay-it-forward journey.
Money raised by the 3-Day supported research that changed my treatment plan and saved me from having an additional 26 infusions. I am a 17-time walker and a 19-year survivor and will continue to pay it forward!
I love being a coach and fostering relationships with our participants. Everyone has a story—a reason why they are walking and committing to this incredible, life-changing challenge. That is really my favorite thing—hearing their whys and helping them have the most incredible experience.
Walking has always been a part of my daily life, and now it is even more so because of the 3-Day. I train for the events and especially get those long, back-to-back miles in. For me, it is not only physically necessary, but mentally necessary. I am fortunate enough to have my incredible co-survivor, my daughter, by my side as we train and walk together; we consider ourselves incredibly fortunate.
When I’m not walking or coaching, I love spending time with my cute grandson and hanging out on a Lake Michigan beach.
Coach Susan
I‘m Susan Fleming, your coach for all things 3-Day. A Denver resident for more than 20 years, I am new to Komen and the 3-Day but have been involved with non-profit fundraising events around this beautiful area as long as I’ve lived here!
I am married with two teenage sons. All native Coloradoans, they keep me busy shuttling them to mountain bike team practice, kayak pool sessions, ski weekends and indoor rock climbing—but I get to read a lot of books while I’m waiting, so it works out for all of us.
My favorite aspect of the 3-Day is getting to know the amazing participants and learning their stories. I’ve already met several incredible individuals who are so dedicated to the cause that it’s impossible not to share their enthusiasm and excitement. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the training schedules and fundraising tools available in your Participant Center—and, of course, to reach out to me and the other coaches with any questions!
Coach Heather
Coach Heather here, excited to be the Dallas/Fort Worth Coach again! This will be my eighth year as a 3-Day coach supporting awesome participants across the country in Michigan, Philly and Chicago over the years.
I was a Michigan 3-Day walker in 2015, so I can speak to the incredible journey that you’ve signed up for! I loved my own 3-Day experience but really had no idea the huge impact that event would have on my life, including my career path.
It’s been an incredible eight years, meeting some of the most inspirational and amazing human beings on the planet!
Prior to 2019, I had not been personally affected by breast cancer. That all changed in early 2019, when my own mama was diagnosed. As you can imagine, having the resources and wisdom of this community behind us was a gift. I am so grateful to say my mom is doing great nearly six years later.
I am excited to take on the 2025 3-Day season with my fellow coaches Staci in San Diego, Ann in New England and Susan in Denver!
If you have any 3-Day questions, feel free to email the coaches:
