This past weekend, the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® returned to New England, and the Pink Bubble showed up in full force with 930 walkers and crew members raising $2.4 million.
Before the walk began, 3-Day veterans were reminded to keep an eye out for first-time walkers to offer encouragement and support through a fist bump, hug or high-five along the route.
Day 1
At the Opening Ceremony, held at the Marriott Copley Place, powerful speeches from participants deeply connected to the Pink Bubble community set the tone. Heather B., diagnosed with breast cancer at age 39 during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, shared her story of isolation during her treatment and her journey toward healing. “This June, I celebrated five years as a survivor,” she said. “Until there’s a cure, I’ll keep showing up.”
First-time walker Maureen O. took the stage and said she was inspired by her friend, Lynn, a breast cancer survivor who has completed 18 3-Days. Maureen walked for her sister, Kelly, a two-time breast cancer survivor. “I walk for the survivors. For the fighters. And for the families who ‘ve lost too much,” Maureen said. “And I walk for my seven nieces and nephews, believing that because of the Pink Bubble they’ll grow up in a world without breast cancer.”
The Promise Flag was raised by sisters, Heather and Kristen, honoring their mother, Birgit M., who died from breast cancer 25 years ago at the age of 59. “We walk for her and for all the mothers, sisters, daughters and friends we’ve loved and lost—dreaming of a day when no one has to walk in memory,” they said.
Survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer led walkers out for their first 20 unforgettable miles. The route wound past Boston icons like the Citgo sign and through the tree-lined neighborhoods of Brookline, Chestnut Hill and Brighton.
That night, the Celebration of Champions, sponsored by national presenting sponsor Bank of America, recognized top fundraisers and teams, plus the youngest crew members and fundraisers from the Youth Corps.
Gregory B. was honored as the 3-Day Rookie of the year, raising over $14,000 in his first walk.
New for 2025 were participant superlative awards, chosen by the 3-Day Advisory Council, veteran 3-Day walkers and crew members who, in addition to raising money and walking 60 miles, also volunteer to serve this group, working closely with Komen all year long to help steward this special community.
Coach Heather presented the Milestone Award to Karen E., a 19-time walker who has raised over $182,000. Coach Kiah awarded the Crew Impact Award to Kirstin B. She has raised over $26,000, participated in 28 3-Days and is an integral part of the medical crew.
Day 2
Day two began through the Underground at Ink Block and continued by Boston’s historic sites, including the Old State House, Fort Point Channel and the iconic Cheers bar made famous by the long-running TV sitcom. Walkers even passed Fenway Park, the famed home of the Boston Red Sox since 1912. Along the way, the Memorial Mile offered a moment of quiet reflection for loved ones who have lost their lives to breast cancer.
Among the walkers was Kim G., who is living with metastatic breast cancer. She walked her second 3-Day on her last weekend of being 60. “I participated in my first 3-Day in Washington D.C. 21 years ago,” Kim said.” I’m thrilled to be walking 60 miles in the Pink Bubble.”
After more than 40 miles walked, the massage chairs provided by Bank of America were a welcome end-of-day relief.
That evening, the Honor Ceremony celebrated the Youth Corps, who raised $8,930 and helped support walkers along the route. Each shared their personal connection to breast cancer and were applauded by the audience for their courage.
Mary Beth M. spoke at the ceremony and honored her husband, Ron, who died from metastatic breast cancer four years ago saying, “His spirit still walks with me, every mile, every step,” she said.
Courtney L. honored her mother-in-law—who is a breast cancer survivor—and her mother, Brandy, who walked the 3-Day and died 10 years after being diagnosed with breast cancer. “Every step feels like time spent with her. It’s like we’re walking together; me on earth, and her in heaven,” she said.
Participants lit candles and placed them in luminaria bags with names of loved ones, creating a moving close to Day 2.
Day 3
As temperatures rose on Sunday, the 3-Day adjusted for an earlier start. The route brought walkers past Boston Common, the Frog Pond and along the stories Freedom Trail. Along the way, they encountered historical landmarks like the USS Constitution, Old Church North and Paul Revere’s House. Walkers were even greeted with some 3-Day supporters dressed as colonialists.
Justin G., a four-year participant and XPO employee, walked the final day to support his aunt, sister and friend who were affected by breast cancer. “This cause is huge to me and to everyone who walks it,” he said. “It means everything to me.”
At the Closing Ceremony, Shirley E., Jennifer S, Mary C. and Tracy F. were welcomed into the Lifetime Commitment Club after raising over $100,000 each for the 3-Day.
As the final mother and daughter walker crossed the finish line, the Pink Bubble gathered to cheer them on. The Last Walker Flag was raised and everyone celebrated, hugged and lifted their shoes in honor of every survivor and thriver who made the 3-Day journey unforgettable.
The New England 3-Day was a weekend filled with dedication, celebration, hope and remembrance. The $2.4 million raised will power groundbreaking research and provide critical support to those impacted by breast cancer.
None of this would be possible without the generous support of our national series sponsors Mohawk Flooring, Ready and XPO and Bank of America, our longtime national presenting sponsor. From the pink Mohawk carpets to the Bank of America massage chairs, Pit Stop cheer squads from Ready and XPO’s amazing employees walking with us and helping transport our event must-haves from city to city, these partners make every step of the 3-Day journey possible, and we couldn’t do this without them.
