Joel R. is the 2023 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Crew Impact Award Winner!

Joel R. is a beloved member of the Route Safety Crew and can be described as compassionate, generous, patient, and respectful. A radiant being with supreme character, Joel’s “leadership and work on crew isn’t just a day of volunteering… it’s an attitude of service,” says his friend Barbara B. “He dares to soar by taking on any task asked of him… one of his greatest talents is showing that nothing is impossible.” He truly embodies the spirit of the Pink Bubble and what it means to be a 3-Dayer, bringing his positive attitude to all 33 events that he’s participated in throughout the past 11 years.

Joel was awarded the Crew Impact Award at the 2023 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day and shared a few words with us as he prepared for the event.

What was your inspiration to participate in your first 3-Day?

I was introduced to the world of breast cancer back in 2011 when one of my very close friends was diagnosed as having stage 4. Back then, I had been looking for a way to tie my enjoyment of riding a motorcycle with serving others but hadn’t been looking at charities or big events. I just knew that I wanted to find a way to help others that didn’t involve just writing a donation check or volunteering at church. One Sunday, my friend approached me and was so excited to share the experience she and her husband had at a breast cancer event the previous weekend. She told me about these “guys on motorcycles, all decked out in pink that were having a lot of fun” and how they were really encouraging and helped her make it through the weekend. She was talking about the Route Safety Crew at the Chicago 3-Day. I was intrigued and, after deciding to give it a try, was lucky enough to join the Route Safety Crew the following year.

Unfortunately, my friend battled through a couple of remission/return cycles over the next few years and passed away in January of 2017. My wife and I had the privilege of being able to spend time with her and her family and help wherever we could. Often, that just meant being at their house during treatment cycles just in case she or her family needed anything. We spent a lot of time listening to her and her husband share their emotional and familial struggles. Your heart naturally goes out to someone diagnosed with cancer, but the toll on the rest of the family really showed me how much more broad-reaching the effects of breast cancer are.

What has brought you back to the 3-Day year after year?

It’s the camaraderie between Crew and the many smiling faces of participants. You can’t help but form lasting friendships with those you’ve worked hard alongside for so many hours. Who wouldn’t want to be around an event where the math just doesn’t add up? I’m there to encourage the walkers, but I go away feeling like I’m the one who received a blessing.

What is your favorite aspect of crewing the 3-Day?

Hugs and smiles! I also have to mention how much fun it is to play in traffic! The more challenging the intersection, the better. ?

What is your best advice to anyone crewing the 3-Day?

I think it’s really important to take time to assess how you’re doing at regular intervals. The Crew is here to serve and we can do our best only when we’re not worn out or hangry. Take time throughout the day to pause for a minute and ask yourself, “If someone wiser than me came along, would they tell me I need a break?”

What’s a fun fact about you?

One of my favorite things to do is people-watch. I could sit in one spot for hours at a mall and not get bored. I’m also an introvert and basically don’t talk to my family for the few days leading up to and after the 3-Day since I have to prepare for three days of heavy social interaction. ?

What are the most important lessons you’ve learned on the 3-Day?

Always take more water than I think I’ll need with me to an intersection. The 3-Day also continues to reaffirm that serving others brings a much longer lasting joy than just receiving from others.

“His generosity is beyond compare and I could go on for pages about how generous Joel is. He is giving from his heart, without any thought to receive anything in return. He gives of his time, his knowledge, his friendship, his caring, he gives from his own wallet, he goes out of his way to help those in need and those that are even just in want. He freely uses his own resources to help in any way possible. He literally will give the shirt off his back.” —Barbara B.

The Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Was Incredible!

We wrapped up Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Texas for the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day. From October 27–29, the Pink Bubble gathered in the Lone Star State to walk 60 or 20 miles over the course of three days. Together, 600 walkers and 200 crew members raised a total of $2 million for breast cancer research, community health, patient care and advocacy.

Day 1

3-Dayers traded their cowboy boots for walking shoes as they took on Downtown Dallas! With the sun shining and temperatures high, walkers began at the Opening Ceremony where they were instructed to hydrate whenever they heard the word “Ya’ll,” prompting ample water consumption. A few incredible speeches were made by Kim Hamstead from Bank of America and participants Trish A., and Stacy T. before Brooke K shared the names of those we lost and Kat C. raised the Promise Flag. Feeling touched by the stories from our incredible speakers, the entire room raised their rally ribbons for survivors and thrivers to lead the way out on the route.

Walkers got to experience an abundance of what the city has to offer as they passed through Dealey Plaza, Turtle Creek Park, Oak Lawn Rainbow Road and the AT&T Discovery District. Outfits ranged from t-shirts and cowboy hats to tutus, and one crew member boasted a shark costume at our Under the Sea themed lunch! Cheering stations were packed and full of vigor, with over fifty Bank of America representatives encouraging walkers at pit stop 3 and Expedia holding a variety of fun signs at pit stop 4. Many representatives even brought their children to experience the spirit of the Pink Bubble and the importance of philanthropy.

We met with two incredible walkers, Cameron and Caroline who walk in honor of their mother Rae, a long-time walker who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2017. They each carry one of her shoes with them along the route. We also spoke with David, a first-time walker who said, “I walk for everyone. I’m here to support everyone who’s struggling right now and I want to keep fighting for the cures to breast cancer.”

With temperatures reaching upwards of 90 degrees, walkers made their way into our hotel camp for some air conditioning before a delicious dinner followed by a celebration of the 20^th anniversary of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day! The night commenced with the Bank of America Celebration of Champions, where they awarded our Top Fundraisers, Milestone Award Winner, and Crew Impact Award Winners with donations of up to $500 for their 2024 3-Day fundraising. New this year, Bank of America hosted a raffle where five Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day participants won $250 toward their 2024 fundraising efforts.

Day 2

Would it be a 2023 3-Day if there wasn’t a little bit of rain? Or a lot of rain, in today’s case! After enjoying a delicious breakfast, walkers hopped aboard buses to Fort Worth for Day 2 filled with liquid sunshine. Our Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Ultimate Event Experience winner, Riley W., led the way, accompanied by her dear friend and walking partner, Lyndell W. In the qualifying period, Riley raised over $25,000 in a variety of ways, including singing country music. We were even lucky enough to hear her belt out a tune before heading out on the route!

With ponchos on and taped-up sneakers, walkers triumphed through the route, reminding themselves that “we walk because we must.” Our incredible sweep teams were working hard today as they safely escorted walkers to an indoor lunch. Protected from the elements, they enjoyed a delicious meal while your beloved 3-Day hosts, Cati Diamond Stone and Lori Maris, stayed on-theme with today’s weather as they walked around in snorkeling gear. Back on the route, the Fort Worth Water Gardens were extra lively with the additional supply of water from Mother Nature. Walkers also got to experience Sundance Square, the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, and the Fairmount-Southside Historic District while out and about. In typical 3-Day fashion, spirits were as high as ever, reminding us that not even rain can pop the Pink Bubble.

When returned to camp, walkers were greeted by the Charlie Brown crew from pit stop 2! Everyone soon dried up and enjoyed some mac ?n cheese before our friends from Mohawk took to the stage with a one-of-a-kind 3-Day rap. We welcomed back our last walker and the Youth Corps then kicked off the Honor Ceremony by sharing their reason for participating. Burt L. and Anna B. shared their “why” before the entire room lit candles to line the way to the remembrance room. Enlightened and inspired, participants made their way to bed to rest up for their final day of the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day!

Day 3

Walkers returned to Dallas for their third and final day of the 2023 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day. Though it was chilly, the skies held up and walkers were able to enjoy a mostly dry day! After departing the hotel, walkers were immersed in Texas’ cowboy heritage at the Pioneer Plaza’s Longhorn Cattle Sculptures. They continued their day immersed in Deep Ellum and even witnessed the iconic Giant Eyeball sculpture.

Cheerleaders from the University of Texas at Arlington ruffled their pompoms alongside crew and Youth Corps to support walkers as they completed their 60-mile journey. 600 people crossed the Mohawk Pink Carpet with smiles on their faces to receive their well-deserved victory shirt and medal. They entered the ballroom for the Closing Ceremony, which was adorned with proud loved ones, a photo opportunity from Nature’s Bounty, delicious READY bars, and the beloved Bank of America massage chairs.

Since we don’t celebrate until everyone is home, we welcomed our last walker with cheers and applause that echoed throughout the room. The Closing Ceremony began and we learned that our 600 walkers and 200 crew raised an incredible $2 million to fund breast cancer research and treatment. Together, we raised our shoes to welcome in our survivors and thrivers who make 60 miles seem easy in comparison to their journey.

Did you walk the 2023 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day? How did you stay motivated with every step along the way?

Congratulations to Our Top Fundraisers of the 2023 Chicago 3-Day!

The 2023 Susan G. Komen Chicago 3-Day boasted 700 walkers and 180 crew members who collectively contributed $2.1 million in the fight against breast cancer. To wrap up Day 1, our top fundraisers were recognized Friday evening at the Bank of America Celebration of Champions. This year, Bank of America is celebrating the accomplishments of our 3-Dayers by donating a collective $42,000 to the top fundraisers to jump start their 2024 fundraising efforts. Join us in congratulating these teams and individuals for their incredible achievements and contributions!

We kicked off the ceremony by recognizing our Rookie of the Year, Cynthia S., who raised $36,505.40 for her first ever 3-Day, also making her the Top Individual Fundraiser of the Chicago 3-Day! The crowd applauded her for her incredible contributions as she posed for a picture with Bank of America’s very own Kim Hamstead who delivered her two $500 donations to kick off her 2024 fundraising.

Angels for Angels was then awarded with our Small but Mighty Team award after their eight-person team raised a whopping $53,708.74. Team Capitan Rina W. was awarded a $500 donation and each of her teammates received $60 to kick-start their 2024 fundraising. We’re always so impressed by our Small but Mighty Teams!

Our Top Fundraising Team, Hakuna MaTaTas, was recognized for the $66,842.84 they teamed up to raise. With 35 members, they also stood as the largest team of the event and were captained by Christina Z. who walked alongside a very special guest, her doctor. Christina humbly accepted her $500 donation courtesy of Bank of America and her 34 teammates were each awarded $60 toward their 2024 fundraising. In their two years as a team, Hakuna MaTaTas have raised a collective $100,660.81 to help end breast cancer.

With our walkers accounted for, it was time to congratulate our incredible crew members, who collectively raised $72,276.44 in the Windy City! From Pit Stop 4, our Top Individual Crew Fundraiser, Sara Z., was honored for the $8,680.00 she raised this year for her 17^th event. The Pit Stop 4 Crew Team not only brought an incredible beach theme, but also rang in as the Top Fundraising Crew Team with nine members raising a collective $17,214.84!

We then honored our youngest fundraisers from the Chicago 3-Day, Youth Corps, who altogether raised $4,934! Ava H. participated in her second 3-Day and raised $944.80 this year, making her this event’s Top Youth Corps Fundraiser. Ava will be receiving a customized Hydro Flask courtesy of Bank of America which she can use with pride. We are so grateful for and proud of our Youth Corps who continually remind us of the future we fundraise to improve.

Whether you were a top fundraiser or hit your own fundraising goals for the 2023 Chicago 3-Day, the work that you do and the funds that you raise are ever important. We are so grateful to each and every one of you for making our departure from Chicago so memorable and impactful. On behalf of Bank of America and Susan G. Komen, thank you for all that you do to help fight breast cancer.