We kicked off the 2023 3-Day season in historic New England where members of the Pink Bubble gathered from all across the country between August 18-20 to participate in the momentous event! Together, the walkers and crew of the 2023 New England 3-Day raised a total of $2.1 million in the fight against breast cancer.
Day 1
New England 3-Dayers began their journey doing what they know best: adapting to change and overcoming obstacles! In the early hours of the morning, the skies opened up, resulting in a weather delay and route change. Despite these unforeseen challenges, our determined and courageous participants set out to paint the town pink! We began the day with an exciting Opening Ceremony, where walkers and crew gathered to ring in the first day with cheers and pins (so many pins!). Brothers James and Billy D. honored their late mother and all those who have lost their lives to breast cancer as they raised our Promise Flag for the crowd.
Inspired and well-rested, walkers embarked on the New England 3-Day for a 10-mile walk starting from the beautiful Marriott Copley Place. The sun mimicked the smiles of our walkers and crew, shining through the clouds as the Pink Bubble took to the streets of downtown Boston. Walkers brought the spirit to Brookline and Chestnut Hill where they enjoyed a delicious lunch before turning around toward home base. As walkers poured in, so did the rain! Showers briefly started back up as Day 1 wrapped up and our final walker returned to camp. After relaxing in the well-deserved Bank of America massage chairs, walkers enjoyed a delicious dinner. We even heard that a few committed walkers returned from the route only to head straight to the hotel fitness center to complete their 20 miles!
The Celebration of Champions soon commenced where Bank of America rewarded our Top Fundraisers, Milestone Award Winner, and Crew Impact Award Winners with donations up to $500 for their 2024 3-Day fundraising. New this year, Bank of America hosted a raffle where five New England 3-Day participants won $250 toward their 2024 fundraising efforts. Participants who have participated for 18+ years joined at the stage to cut the 3-Day’s 20th anniversary cake and celebrate this momentous event. With Day 1 complete, walkers headed to bed to rest their feet for tomorrow!
Day 2
The day started and ended with the sun high in the sky, shining proudly despite the challenges of the day before. Valiant walkers took to the streets of Boston at 7:45 a.m. as Ultimate Event Experience winner Alison R. and her team Cousins 4 A Cure: Twice as Nice led the way!
With spirits high, walkers set out to complete their next 20 miles through the streets of Boston. They snapped some photos in front of the iconic Fenway Park and walked the bubbly streets toward Sam Adams Brewery. The city was alive in Boston Commons, with smiles in every direction and tour guides decked out in historic garb. Walkers experienced other lively pit stops along the way thanks to our beloved crew who offered a glimpse into Beauty and the “Breast”, Pirates of the Caribbean and more!
No Saturday would be complete without a hearty serving of mac and cheese before heading into the Honor Ceremony. Members of the Youth Corps shared their stories as they lit candles in honor of their loved ones who have been affected by breast cancer. The rest of the crowd followed their lead, lighting the way to the remembrance room, a beautiful tribute showcasing the friends and family members behind the “why” of our Pink Bubble family. With hearts full and feet tired, walkers and crew rested up for the final day of the New England 3-Day.
Day 3
Today began with welcoming the 20-mile walkers to join us in the Pink Bubble during a delicious and nutritious breakfast to fuel up before heading out on the route. With the sun shining, walkers spent the day witnessing many of Boston’s historic sites including the Freedom Trail, USS Constitution, and Bunker Hill Monument to name a few. While on route, walkers were greeted at multiple pit stops by lively crew members adorned with Disney themed outfits and décor to keep spirits high. Our National Series Sponsor, XPO, even set up an incredible cheer station with bubbles and candy to inspire our walkers to push through toward the Finish Line Festival!
Walkers took their final strides into the Finish Line Festival where they picked up their New England 3-Day medal, victory t-shirts, and enjoyed a protein bar from Ready Nutrition. With tears of joy and smiles from ear-to-ear, walkers snapped some pictures at the Nature’s Bounty photobooth fully equipped with warrior wings and props… pink of course!
As the last walker made their way across the Mohawk Flooring pink carpet, they were cheered on by the hundreds of walkers, crew, staff, and supporters who were gathered together. When the final walker raised the flag, the Closing Ceremony began with a sea of sneakers in the air while our survivors and thrivers made their way toward the stage. Comradery, love, and support radiated from every single person in attendance as the New England 3-Day came to a close. We can’t wait to see you back in Boston in 2024!
Were you at the New England 3-Day? What was your favorite part?
