Congratulations to Bert S., the Michigan 3-Day’s Milestone Award Winner!

Congratulations to Bert S., the Susan G. Komen Michigan 3-Day Milestone Award Winner, who has raised approximately $175,000 over the 10 events he’s participated in (nine in Michigan, and one in Chicago.)

Bert’s inspiration to walk his first Komen 3-Day came after a very dear friend of his was diagnosed with breast cancer. “Her husband and I felt helpless and just felt we needed to do something. We formed our “Mavens” team and that first year was literally life changing for both of us, and we’ve been walking every year, ever since. I am happy to report that my friend has beaten breast cancer – she’s a survivor!” said Bert. (Bert, 81, laughs as he describes the meaning behind his team name — “The wise guys!”, and Bert’s wife, whom he calls “his maven”, defines as a knowledgeable person.)

Milestone Award Winner Bert on his way to 60 miles on Day 2 of the Susan G. Komen Michigan 3-Day

Bert says that fundraising letters have been the key to his success. Bert’s assistant of 34 years, Pam, helps Bert write his fundraising letter. “It wouldn’t happen without Pam,” he said. Bert also notes how details are important when it comes to sending out fundraising letters, as they can help guarantee your success and help your donors realize what they will accomplish by supporting you. “We probably sent out 145 letters this year and we got about 142 responses. You have to tell people how far we’ve come in conquering the disease. And, what a wonderful percentage of recovery we have today.”

As a veteran 3-Day walker, Bert said that his best advice to anyone walking the 3-Day is to train, train, train. “I cannot put enough emphasis on training — start with short distances and work your way up. Stay focused on “finishing” the event,” he said. Bert also adds that in his personal experience, after about fourteen miles, completing the walk is “all mental”.

Like many 3-Day walkers, Bert is aware of the risk of breast cancer and how it can change a family. Bert has been married for 60 years, to his wife Marion, and he has four daughters, three granddaughters, and a grandson. “I have a lot of good friends who have been touched one way or another by this disease. It’s their mother, their grandmother, their wife…This disease can hit anyone at any time and I literally walk today so that someday, there will be no reason to walk. I have met some amazing people over the years and they continue to inspire me with every step of every walk.” You inspire us too, Bert.

The Michigan 3-Day Celebrates Its Top Fundraisers

The 2014 Susan G. Komen 3-Day® season opened yesterday on a stunning morning in Michigan, as walkers and crew gathered with excitement for the first event of the year. Participants were met with some new event elements, and everyone embarked on Day 1 of walking with enthusiasm and anticipation. On return to the Komen 3-Day Camp, there were even more surprises in store (and some familiar favorites, like the Bank of America massage chairs). The 3-Day® camp show was enjoyed by all, and our friends from Bank of America took a few special moments to recognize the top fundraisers for the Michigan 3-Day.

Top Fundraising Team – BC Babes – $103,190 raised

The 54 members of team BC Babes (captained by Beth Northman) celebrates its 10th year as team, during which it has raised an amazing $854,534.

Top Crew Fundraiser – Mark Nadeau – $8,815 raised

This is Mark’s 10^th event, and he has raised more than $28,000 in his 10 years as a 3-Day participant. He is part of the Gear & Tent crew team, and crews with his wife Amy (Camp Services).

Top Individual Fundraiser – Kathy Giller – $34,560 raised

Kathy has participated in 12 3-Day events over the last 8 years, and has raised a lifetime total of $237,934. Kathy walks for her husband Lee who is a male breast cancer survivor, and she is the captain of team Breast Man Walking.

Our gratitude goes to all of these extraordinary participants, and all Michigan 3-Day walkers and crew members for their dedication to a world without breast cancer. To learn more about the top individual, crew and team fundraisers in Michigan, as well as our eight series walkers, check out the framed table-top displays in the dining tent in camp.

What If…?

A couple of months ago, a Susan G. Komen 3-Day® participant sent us the following piece, written by a friend of hers, Larry R., and we really loved the message it expresses. Larry has participated as a walker or crew member in over two dozen Komen 3-Day events, so he’s familiar with all the possible “what if” questions that one might ask before their first 3-Day®. We think he did a great job getting to the heart of why we walk and crew, and as we get ready to embark upon the first 3-Day event of the 2014 season, we think his advice will go a long way in turning those “what ifs” into “why nots.”

What If…?

For those about to walk for the first time, I thought this might help address those nagging questions:

I am so nervous! – Ok, you’re nervous. So what?
What if I can’t walk all the way? – Who cares? No one is keeping track but you.
What if I get a blister? – What if you do?
What if I don’t know anyone? – You’ll meet hundreds of nice people.
What if I packed too much? – You did.
What if I didn’t pack something? – You’ll live.
What if it rains? – You’ll get wet; you won’t drown.
What if there’s lightning? – You’ll be moved to a safe indoor location.
What if it’s cold? – You won’t freeze to death.
What if it is hot? – You’ll sweat.
What if I don’t like the food? – You’ll pass 472 convenience stores; you’ll manage.
What if I don’t like the porta-potties? – No one “likes” porta-potties. You’ll survive.
What if I don’t like the showers? – Ok, don’t shower. But check with your tent mate first.
What if I can’t sleep in a tent? – You’ll be tired; you’ll sleep.

What if…?

Enough already with the “What if’s?” You’ll do fine. Relax and enjoy the experience. Because of the money you’ve raised, money is going to go towards early detection programs. In a few months, a woman or a man is going to take advantage of one of those programs and is going to find out that they have breast cancer. But because of you, they will have found out early enough to get treatment—and to survive.

They’re going to watch their kids grow up, and be at their concerts and games. They’re going to go to their graduations and weddings. They’re going to get to see their grandchildren. All because of you. While they’ll never know it, you will know it. Any more questions? No?

Thanks, Larry!