Tag Archives: The 3-Day

Congratulations to Stephanie C., the Philadelphia 3-Day Milestone Award Winner!

Congratulations to Stephanie C., the Susan G. Komen Philadelphia 3-Day Milestone Award Winner! The 2014 Philadelphia 3-Day is Stephanie’s 7th 3-Day, after having done her first 3-Day in Philadelphia in 2006. Stephanie has also crewed one time in Philadelphia in 2012, an experience that she really enjoyed, noting, “I was on trash clean-up and I loved it.”

Over the years, Stephanie has raised over $135,000; an incredible amount that has no doubt helped change many lives. What’s one of Stephanie’s fundraising tricks? “Do something that is FUN! I hold a golf outing each year and each year I have been able to increase sponsorship fees because I ensure my guests enjoy the day. I now have a following that I believe I will be able to sustain as long as I have the energy,” Stephanie said. Stephanie started hosting the golf outings in 2009, and they end up being big fundraisers for her, sometimes netting more than $20,000.

Like many others who embark on their 3-Day journey, Stephanie joined the 3-Day after a friend who had been touched by breast cancer asked her to walk. “My motto is always that I will try something once and if I don’t like it I don’t have to do it again. I got injured on my first 3-Day in 2006, so I waited two years to walk and my inspiration since then has been all those that have been afflicted by this dreaded disease,” said Stephanie.

As a seasoned 3-Dayer, what is it about the 3-Day that keeps Stephanie coming back? Stephanie describes the moment she knew was coming back when “survivors walked into Villanova stadium after my first 3-Day. I had trained and trained and trained and it was not real until I looked around as all the participants took off their sneakers to pay tribute to the survivors who had the strength to do the walk. It was a humbling and overwhelming experience and even after six walks – I still cry.” (So do we, Stephanie.)

When asked to share her best advice for those new to the 3-Day family, Stephanie said to never underestimate the importance of stretching, and above all, to have fun. “The most important thing is to have fun. I talk to new people and enjoy my surroundings (especially when walking in new places). Anyone who is out there walking is blessed and I am thankful that God has given me the strength and tenacity to make the trek each year. Sixty miles is nothing compared to what those that are battling cancer deal with.”

After raising $135,000 and walking over 360 miles total, Stephanie has one more thing to tell you. “Remember – you make a difference. No matter how small – it adds up to be immense,” she said. We couldn’t agree more.

Healthy Hooters: Because Your Battle is Our Battle.

In July, the Susan G. Komen Facebook page shared a beautiful photo and story that was heard around the Internet: after 26-year-old Brittany B. was diagnosed with breast cancer, her boyfriend proposed at a surprise pre-surgery party. As Brittany embarked on her treatment, a very special friend of her embarked on her own journey: fundraising $2,300 and walking 60 miles so that fewer women and men around the world ever have to hear the words “You have breast cancer.” Meet Jackie S., of Healthy Hooters, who is walking her first Susan G. Komen 3-Day® in Philadelphia this weekend.

Brittany B and Jackie P Susan G Komen 3 Day Philly Walk to End Breast Cancer

Why does Jackie walk? Because Brittany’s battle is her battle.

Jackie was initially asked to join the Komen 3-Day by some of her team members, the Healthy Hooters. The Healthy Hooters is a team made up of neighbors in their Downingtown neighborhood of Pennsylvania. The Healthy Hooters are all new participants, and their past and current experiences with breast cancer brought them all together. Team Captain Melany walks in memory of both of her grandmothers, both affected by breast cancer, and in honor of her friend Michelle, a 36-year-old breast cancer survivor. Team members Kristy and Sara both walk in honor of their breast cancer survivor moms, team member Megan walks in honor of a family friend and team members Janis and Heather also walk for family and friends affected by breast cancer.

Team Healthy Hooters celebrates victory after Day 1 at Camp

Team Healthy Hooters celebrates victory after Day 1 at Camp

Like many other new 3-Dayers, Jackie initially had concerns about joining the 3-Day. “I went back and forth for about three weeks thinking I wanted to, but was always worried about fundraising. My heart eventually lead me to my decision. Eight days after I signed up, Brittany was diagnosed.” Jackie and Brittany have been close friends for eight years, and Jackie calls Brittany her “Little Sister.” “I have no siblings, so to have someone in my life to fill this role has been such a blessing,” said Jackie.

Brittany is more than halfway done with her treatment, and a quick search of her Instagram hashtag, #beitelstrong, shows how many people are rooting her on and showing support. You can follow her journey through the Susan G. Komen Facebook page.

As the team wraps up Day 1 of their 3-Day journey, I ask them if they have any thing they’d like to say now that they’ve conquered 21.5 miles around beautiful Philadelphia.  Their unanimous rallying cry? “Your battle is our battle.”

Jackie adds, “60 miles is nothing compared to the journey that loved ones are going through with breast cancer.  You can do this. You can’t go through life being a spectator. You have to be a participant.” Every day, we’re so grateful to all of our participants – walkers, crew and volunteers, for being such a passionate part of our fight to end breast cancer.

 

Meet the Seattle 3-Day Coaches

Every Susan G. Komen 3-Day® event has a core team of three coaches, each of whom plays a different role in helping our walkers and crew members prepare for the Komen 3-Day. For months, these dedicated staffers have been having personal conversations with walkers to help them with their training and fundraising, have hosted dozens of local events to bring participants together and build a community of encouragement, and have organized and inspired the amazing team of crew captains and crew members.

Let’s meet the coaches for the Seattle 3-Day®!

Aubrey Cushing – Seattle Local Events Coach

susan g. komen 3-day breast cancer walk meet the seattle coaches aubrey

Aubrey at Aubree’s!

Describe your job in 10 words or fewer. – “Arranging events and surprises to keep excitement around every corner!”

We’re a couple weeks from the Seattle event. What’s a typical day like for you these days? – “Lots of emotions, emails, phone calls, confirmations, excitement and anticipation. I’m finalizing cheering stations, camp entertainment and a few surprises!”

What are 3 things that we didn’t know about you? – “1) In addition to Washington, I have lived in California, Montana, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Maine and Florida; 2) I’m often heard singing my sentences…with jazz hands! 3) I’m obsessed with the ocean, trees and tacos.”

 

Paula Hultman – Seattle Participant Coach

susan g. komen 3-day breast cancer walk meet the seattle coaches paula

Paula always stops for a passionately pink fur buddy!

Describe your job in 10 words or fewer. – “I provide information, and receive inspiration from our 3-Day community.”

We’re a couple weeks from the Seattle event. What’s a typical day like for you these days? – “B.U.S.Y! I handle a lot of donations-related matters for participants, and share my fundraising experience and expertise whenever I hear from someone working toward reaching their goal. I think my favorite calls are from first-time walkers, because I remember my first 3-Day pre-event jitters! I can tell them what it’s like to walk 20 miles a day, shower in a truck, and use porta-potties for 3 days, but I can’t prepare them for how the 3-Day will make them feel! Every veteran walker knows what I mean when I say the 3-Day experience is indescribable.”

What are 3 things that we didn’t know about you? – “1) I am a Disneyland junkie, and can point you to any number of ‘hidden Mickeys’ within the park; 2) My husband and I were chosen to be participants on The Amazing Race in 2004, after the casting director met us at the 3-Day in Los Angeles. Sadly, we had to decline the offer due to work schedules. It was our 15 seconds of fame! 3) My secret talent is the ability to tie a cherry stem into a knot with my tongue.”

 

Jon Lueders – Seattle Crew & Volunteer Coordinator

susan g. komen 3-day breast cancer walk meet the seattle coaches jon

Jon meeting his sweet newborn niece

Describe your job in 10 words or fewer. – “I am the support system for all things crew-related.”

We’re a couple weeks from the Seattle event. What’s a typical day like for you these days? – “A typical day involves reacting to many changes that come along in our run up to the event. This mostly involves keeping crew captains informed and being around when the inevitable questions and technical issues pop up.”

What are 3 things that we didn’t know about you? – “1) I once had a car catch fire while I was driving it; 2) I slept with a stuffed animal on my bed from childhood through college (including my away track meets). 3) I have a brand new baby niece (1 day old as I write this).”

 

Going to be at the Seattle 3-Day? Come meet coaches Aubrey and Paula at two special meet-and-greets, on Friday and Saturday in camp, 6-7 p.m., in the 3-Day Lounge.