Sidewalks to Science: Getting to know Dr. Carmen Bergom, M.D., Ph.D. at Medical College of Wisconsin

IMG_3093-Edit

Dedicating her life to finding a cure for breast cancer, Dr. Carmen Bergom is driven to help Komen meet our Bold Goal of reducing the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50% by 2026. As a radiation oncology physician, she works closely with patients and patient advocates that inspire her to improve breast cancer outcomes through research and clinical care.

In this month’s Sidewalks to Science blog, we will get to know Dr. Bergom a little better.

When I’m not in the lab I…

Love to spend time with my husband and three wonderful daughters, ages 5 to 13
Enjoy spending time on the lake with my family
Love to ski

Bergom Komen Event 2

What I do… study the tumor cell microenvironment to potentially enhance treatment options

My team studies the environment around the breast cancer tumor cell that influences growth, spread and treatment response. Better understanding these environmental factors could lead to improved targeted treatment options for patients.

Breast cancer is… personal to me, my friends and family

I have a family history of the disease and have witnessed too many loved ones be directly impacted by breast cancer. These experiences led me to become a radiation oncology physician scientist, specifically treating breast cancer patients as well as leading a breast cancer research lab.

Bergom Lab 4

Working with patients… has helped shape my current research program

In my interactions with patients, I would see people who had the same stage, tumor markers and other predictive features, and then have vastly different outcomes from treatments. That’s what made me focus my work on recognizing these non-tumor differentiators, and this research that could lead to more personalized and effective treatments.

People with breast cancer should… ask for help when they need it

Friends, family, support groups and organizations like Komen are always there to help breast cancer patients in need. Using resources to assist with cancer-related challenges may reduce stress and anxiety in some patients, helping to ease an already challenging time.

sidewalkes

Komen is… helping the community

I have a special affinity for organizations like Komen that battle breast cancer on all fronts — advocacy, research, and community — all improving patient outcomes. In addition to participating in the Race for the Cure and local Affiliate fundraisers, I have also had the privilege of giving laboratory tours to patient advocates, helping them see our research at work.

“Like everyone touched by breast cancer, I believe improved outcomes for breast cancer patients cannot be achieved soon enough!”

Learn More About the 3-Day Host Cities

We are almost done with our 2017 3-Days, and we can’t believe how the time has flown! It has been an amazing few months, and we are all excited to close out our year in San Diego next week. The support and love from all our host cities has been just what our participants needed to complete their 60-Mile journeys.

To spread our excitement for our final event, and get you ready for our 2018 walks, we have made photo slideshows of some of our favorite spots you’ve seen on the 3-Day routes.

Whether you were walking in your own home town, or traveling to a 3-Day city far away, take a look below! Also, click on the city you’ll be walking in 2018 to link to our coaches’ Facebook pages. They are a wonderful resource for everything you’ll need to know about the 3-Day now and for next year.

[wpvideo NusR0YHi]

[wpvideo lgypOCS0]

[wpvideo JDuNH7qh]

[wpvideo 95xGC5eb]

[wpvideo BsiOGnTT]

[wpvideo zBR620HY]

[wpvideo Hkzgex1j]

What are you most looking forward to seeing on the 3-Day? Tell us in the comments below!

What You Can Expect from a 60-Mile Walk for Breast Cancer

What is the 3-Day? It’s been called everything from “The Pink Bubble” to “Pinklandia” and more. Those who have walked or crewed or even seen the 3-Day experience each have their own feelings about the 60-mile life-changing journey.

Those who haven’t can only look forward to the 3 days that lie ahead of them. If you want a sneak peak of what it’s like to be a part of our 3-Day family (and who wouldn’t?), we are giving you a look from the outside in. And now is the perfect time to learn more, because through February 5th, you can register for only $50! Read on, and we’re sure you’ll want to sign up!

one-ii

On the 3-Day, you can expect…

To be challenged

For some people, training is the toughest part. For others, it’s fundraising. No matter who you are, raising money for a good cause and training for a good long walk, all while making new friends or working with existing ones, can be a lot to put on a to-do list. However, part of joining the 3-Day family is to challenge yourself! It’s in challenging yourself that you grow, find new strengths, and create a support system you’ll have long after you walk.

One tip is to identify what most scares or challenges you about the 3-Day, and really focus in on that. Stick to a training schedule and get a work out buddy to motivate you. Give yourself small fundraising goals and reward yourself when you hit them. Make new friends on your team by the end of the weekend. Whatever helps you, go for it and grow! Don’t forget that your coaches is an excellent resource for you if you need support in any way – you can find them on their Facebook pages, separated by walk, on these Facebook Event Pages, on our website at The3Day.org/Coaches or by calling 800-996-3DAY.

two-ii

To make lots of new friends

In speaking with coaches, walkers, and crew, everyone has a story of someone they have met and connected with on the walk. Some meet on training walks, others with a random tent-mate, at the dining table or along the route. The welcoming spirit is pervasive throughout the whole 3-Day experience, so lean in and go for it! Walk up to a stranger. Compliment someone’s shoes or tutu or team T-shirts. You never know, you could be meeting your brand new bestie.

To feel a whole lot of emotion

Yes, even those who claim to “never cry” might shed a tear or two, especially during the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. That’s okay! Emotion is welcomed and encouraged at the 3-Day. You will meet survivors, people currently battling breast cancer, and people who have lost loved ones. Maybe you are one of those groups of people. Maybe that’s why you walk. No matter the reason that brought you to the 3-Day, you’ll likely get hit with all the feels on the walk – and we embrace it, because the 3-Day is healing.

three-ii

To be tired and sore

Walking 60 miles is no joke. No matter how fit you are, this will take a toll on your body. That is why it’s important to properly train, continuously hydrate, and pay attention to your body during each step. Also remember that there are Sweep Vans patrolling the entire route that can take you to the next rest stop, or camp, if you have walked as far as you can. We know you can do it, and we know you know yourself and just how far you can go. You got this!

To spread the love

Once you’ve walked the walk, you’ll want to talk the talk too. Tell your friends, your family, your doctors, teachers, dog walkers, book club, financial advisor, and anyone you can! Spreading the 3-Day love will help you recruit new team members, expand your fundraising list, and put smiles on people’s faces. You can also spread the love online by interacting with our community on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

four-ii

To come back again

One of the greatest part of the 3-Day is seeing people year after year, and often times in multiple cities each year. Once you get hit with the 3-Day “bug,” you’ll probably want to come back for more. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself signing up for your tenth walk before you even know it! We’ll be happy to have you back, and welcome you into the 3-Day family with open arms every time.

Have we convinced you to join us on this 60-mile journey? Register now! Through February 5th, you can take $20 off your registration. So, join us in 2018! We can’t wait to have you on the 3-Day!