“Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.”

Happy Thanksgiving, 3-Day family!

While we couldn’t gather “together” in person this year, the 3-Day family found a way to spread Pink Bubble magic during an unprecedented time. We are so thankful for all you’ve done.

You’ve gone above and beyond. You’ve done special acts of kindness, hit incredible milestones, and helped inspire and teach your peers how to continue fundraising when those fighting breast cancer need it most.

You hit the pavement in your hometowns all year. From our Spring Break virtual training walk in April to the Summer Solstice walk in June, to each of our 2021 3-Day Virtual Kick-Offs, we treasured every moment of joy spent with the 3-Day family.

You were there for each other. We are blown away every day by the power of the 3-Day family, its ability to lift up a family member when they need it most, and how it brings support every day to those who are a part of it.

Despite all of the challenges, you brought joy to 2020. When we think of the 3-Day family, this quotation resonates so deeply with us: “Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” —K. Barth

For every step taken, every dollar raised, every moment shared—today and all days, we are grateful for you and that you are on this journey with us.

When November began and we started this season of gratitude, we posed a question to the Pink Bubble family on social: “Who in the 3-Day family are you thankful for and why?”

At first, Cathy M.’s quick, clever reply on Twitter made us chuckle: “This is kind of like asking who is your favorite child. Teammates? Crew? Volunteers? Medics? Cheering stations? Coaches? I ? them all & am thankful for them all!”

Then, as time went on and more and more of you shared, we read every beautiful note of thanks from the 3-Day family—and our hearts began to overflow with joy and gratitude for this special community.

Dottie C. summed it up so perfectly. “For me, the 3-Day is a collective ‘who.’ Although there are people who are standouts, the Bubble can have a personality of its own. The ‘Bubble moments’ that always grab me are the silent and unsung moments of support and love that are always present during this event. From the opening ceremony, along the route, at camp, to the closing ceremony, we have a rare opportunity to witness some of the best of people. So, to all of YOU in all events. You are my ‘who’ I am thankful for. Cheers!”

Happy Thanksgiving, 3-Day family. We hope you feel our gratitude for you.

Here are a few more responses from the community:

Monica F.: “I would agree with Dottie, the 3-Day is for sure a collective ‘who’ I am thankful for. Almost half of the people in my life today are from the 3-Day. It’s such an inspiring place for all of us collectively.”

Mandie R.: “I am thankful for the entire Pink Bubble—there is truly nothing like it! I am so very thankful for my girls, my sisters, those who I have been with since Day 01, Christine, Becki, and Allie. Through the years, we have cried together, laughed together, supported each other, fought together (not with each other), pushed one another to get up a d*mn hill, dragged the other to the next pit stop/grab & go, or simply whined for hours on end about everything ?. No matter how much time goes by that we haven’t seen one another—we pick up right where we left off! There are truly no words to describe my heartfelt ? for my girls! I love each one of you. Thank you for making my life better because you are in it. Forever sisters but family for life! #theTataSisterhood #SisterFriends”

Mary N.: “I am thankful for Dottie C….a most energetic, devoted, and heart-full participant and champion of the cause. She is an inspiration! ??”

Billy B.: “I am thankful for the friends I have made through the years I have been involved. My very good friend, Joy W., Brad T., and all the other people I have met. They have supported me through the pain of losing my wife, and I have done the same for them with their loved ones. Also, the support of my son and daughter, who lost their mother. She was a daughter, sister, friend, wife, lover, mother, grandmother, and a NURSE. She is missed and loved every day.”

L. G.: “I am thankful to so many in the ‘Pink Bubble family.’ Every coach who inspires walkers to fundraise more and train harder. Every crew member who makes the walks so much easier and enjoyable. Every walker who is brave enough to share their stories of survivorship, loss or doing good for the world.”

What Your 3-Day Coaches are Thankful For in 2019

Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you are all celebrating by surrounding yourself with love and fun! There is so much to be grateful for this year; from all of our amazing participants to our beautiful host cities to the phenomenal amount of money we raised in the fight against breast cancer.

And though many of us are spending the day relaxing with family and good food, we wanted to make sure to throw some love your way! Our 3-Day coaches, from New England to San Diego, are thankful for each and every one of you. But they’re also thankful for travel, their families, each other and more! Here are a few of our coaches’ favorite things this Thanksgiving….

Coach Gayla with her daughter

Coach Gayla

I’m grateful for the hard working and super kind crew members that make this event so special for everyone.

I’m also grateful for the supporters who come out to the 3-Day in each city.

Lastly, I’m grateful for my family and how they love and support me and my passion doing the job that I love, and for my work family who I’m incredibly blessed to work alongside and share so many cool experiences with.

Coach Carol with Jim Hillman

Coach Carol

I am grateful for friendships made, friendships strengthened, and beautiful sights seen along the way!

Coach Tisho (left) with Coach Molly (right)

Coach Tisho

I’m so thankful for the ability to embrace healthy habits that I’d previously neglected. For the opportunity to travel and experience new things. And for coffee. Alllll the coffee!

Coach Molly

The opportunity to do meaningful work.

To be inspired by participants who display kindness and compassion and motivate me with their unwavering support and commitment to the causes they believe in.

To work alongside the most hardworking, loyal and FUN co-workers who make the good days and challenging moments more than worth it.

Coach Heather (left) with Coach Carol (right) and George

Coach Heather

I’m grateful that my Mom is doing absolutely wonderful despite her breast cancer diagnosis early in 2019!

I’m grateful that I chose ME! I’ve embraced life with the “go with the flow” attitude. And it’s been pretty awesome!

I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to be on-event with nearly every 3-Day staff member this season! The combination of various strengths, skills, and personalities from event to event allowed for a great season for me!

Coach Staci

My health, my amazing family and friends (which includes my co-workers because I’m just lucky that way!). I’m also grateful for a continued sense of wanderlust that keeps me energized and keeps my mind reeling, wondering, “What else is there to see?”

We are so thankful for our 3-Day coaches for all their hard work, on our 3-Days and all year long.

We are also thankful for all of you for your continued dedication and support of the 3-Day and the fight against breast cancer. We are honored to continue this fight alongside you.

We hope you are enjoying this day of thanks and love ?

3-Day Ways to Celebrate This Holiday Season

Thanksgiving is this week, which means that the holiday season is upon us! Whether you’re waiting to hang the garlands until this weekend or have had the presents wrapped for weeks already, we know that the next few weeks will be one of celebration for many of our amazing 3-Dayers. And you deserve to celebrate! 2019 was another beautiful year on the 3-Day and you all deserve some much-needed relaxation and fun in December.

To help you make the most of the holiday season, we have some simple ideas that every 3-Dayer will enjoy. Use these to make the most of the next few weeks, or to carry on that holiday spirit into the new year…

  • Sign up for the 3-Day: Don’t forget to register for the 2020 3-Day before December 5 to take advantage of the discount of the year! Right now, you can register for any of the 2020 3-Days for only $35 — no code needed! With a deal like this, you could even gift a registration to your friend or future teammate in addition to buying one for yourself.
  • Re-live all your memories from 2019: All of the amazing photos from our 3-Day weekends are up on our Facebook page and blog, so if you’re looking for a last-minute holiday card photo, pull one from the 3-Day. Nothing will make you smile more than a trip down memory lane.
  • Give someone a high five: We give them out all the time on the 3-Day, but high fives are an easy and effective way to spread love and support.

  • Thank your donors: People love snail mail! In addition to any holiday cards you are planning to send out, don’t forget to send thank you cards to your donors. We so appreciate their support of our 3-Day family!
  • Save your 2019 medal and credentials: Where do you keep your medals and credentials from years past? Add your 2019 mementos to the mix and share a photo of your accomplishments on social media!
  • Update your training playlist: Colder weather means you need a hot new playlist! Or create a fun walking playlist with holiday tunes! You can use our Spotify for inspiration
  • Start your fundraising. Next Tuesday, December 3, is Giving Tuesday, one of the biggest days of the year for non-profit fundraising. After Black Friday and Cyber Monday, your friends and family are in the giving mood, ready to open their wallet for a good cause. If you’re sending out holiday cards, include our holiday card inserts at The3Day.org/Holiday.

  • Set up a Facebook Fundraiser: 3-Day participants who have a Facebook Fundraiser, on average, fundraise $500 more than participants without one. It’s a no-brainer to set yours up during the Giving Season between Thanksgiving and the end of the year. You can learn how to start yours on our blog.
  • Sing a carol! Go Caroling Day is on December 20, and singing is such a fun way to spread holiday festivity! Need some inspiration? Don’t worry – our coaches have you covered!
  • Reach out to your 3-Day coaches: Speaking of your coaches – Send them a little holiday love! They work so hard and deserve all the love and recognition in the world!
  • Catch up on your reading: The 3-Day blog is always here for you and always an amazing resource for any questions or inspiration you might need. Cozy up away from the cold and catch up on your reading.
  • Get outside (safely!) Just because it’s chilly, doesn’t mean you can’t keep up with your 3-Day training goals! Host a holiday-themed training walk and get festive while you get your steps in. ? Here are some tips for safe cool-weather training.
  • Donate to a teammate: It’s the Season of Giving after all! Spread the love by sending your teammate a donation to kick off their 2020 fundraising.

  • Spread the 3-Day joy on social media: The quickest way to spread holiday cheer is by spreading smiles far and near! Tag us in your photos or use #The3Day to share the Pink Bubble joy.
  • Send a holiday card: Not a fundraising letter. Not a thank you card. You can send those too, of course! But sometimes sending a little bit of love for no reason at all means the world.
  • Spend time with your favorite people: 3-Day teammates. Your favorite walking buddies. Your family and friends. Surround yourself with love and wrap yourself in joy this holiday season. You deserve every minute of it. ?

How are you making the most of this holiday season? Tell us in the comments or tag us on social media when you’re getting all festive this season with #The3Day