Fundraising During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Throughout October, an outpouring of attention is brought to breast cancer, survivors, thrivers, and ongoing research efforts. From media outlets to football games and everything in between, communities are rocking pink in support of the cause all month long. Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings people together with shared stories, pink ribbon campaigns, and community events, making it easier to garner support. While the magnifying glass is on the fight against breast cancer, it’s the ideal time to rally to raise both awareness and funds to create a future free from this disease.

People are more likely to engage in charitable activities and donate when they see others around them participating and notice an emphasis on the cause. To maximize your contributions in the fight against breast cancer, we highly recommend joining the pink wave this fall whether you’re fundraising for the 3-Day in 2024 or 2025.

Start by clearly identifying why you participate in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®. Did you or someone you love battle breast cancer? Has Susan G. Komen had a personal impact on your life? Regardless of your reasoning, clearly communicating why you walk will significantly impact your donors’ contributions. From here, understand how Susan G. Komen uses these dollars and show your donors how their donation could help, the Komen 3-Day’s impact since 2003, and why Komen. Together, this knowledge can help someone finalize their donation to your walk and the breast cancer cause.

Next, choose your fundraising format. Will you be hosting a donation-based workout class on the weekends, or a pink-ribbon bake sale after school hours? Will you utilize social media or dress up in all pink and trick-or-treat for donations? There are countless opportunities to raise money, and, during the month of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, people are more likely to give. Reach out to local companies, as many participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month by donating a portion of sales, providing items for auctions, or sponsoring events. Their involvement can significantly boost your fundraising efforts and increase your visibility. Regardless of how you choose to fundraise, it’s helpful to have a team of close friends or family to share responsibilities with who will support you along the way.

Finally, plan your timeline to ensure your hard work pays off! Begin your outreach and preparation early in the month and host events midway through. Throughout the month, consider offering a small incentive like a wearable pink ribbon or social media shout-out to thank your donors for their contributions. Use a countdown to build a sense of urgency amongst donors and, at the end of the month, individually thank each donor and report on your progress toward your fundraising goal. If not for their contributions, we wouldn’t be able to make the strides we do in the fight against breast cancer.

No matter how many donations you bring in, utilize Breast Cancer Awareness Month to share the impact that breast cancer continues to have on people throughout the world. Encourage your friends and family to get a mammogram, share their personal stories, and spread awareness whenever possible. With advocacy and fundraising, we can end breast cancer together.

Crystal’s Wonder Woman

“Omg that is me! I did it for my aunt who survived triple negative breast cancer. She is truly a hero in my eyes and the strongest woman I know. She is my Wonder Woman.”

When we saw this comment on one of our favorite 3-Day photos on Instagram, we knew we needed to find this walker and her aunt to learn more. In a time where we cannot gather together in-person, social media allows us the opportunity to continue to build community even when we’re apart.

Today, we’re excited to introduce you that amazing walker. Crystal Fazio joined us to walk the San Diego 3-Day in 2019 when her aunt, Ilsia Rangel, was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. According to Crystal, “We were devastated with the news. Her chances of getting through it were extremely low. My aunt was a fighter though and explored her options.” After difficult chemo sessions, lymph node removal, and a double mastectomy, Crystal’s aunt has been in remission for 18 months.

Crystal continued, “We as a family stayed by her side and helped her through for better and worse. We wanted to give back in support of breast cancer awareness. That’s when we found the Susan G. Komen 3-Day.” Crystal’s aunt immediately said. “Let’s do this, we got this!” No one hesitated, and eight friends and family members founded The Bouncing Bellas.

Crystal and the Bouncing Bella’s treasured every moment they walked with Crystal’s aunt. “She truly is a super woman to me and my family because of all the challenging obstacles that came in her way. She fought back, blisters and all!” exclaimed Crystal. As first-time walkers on a new team, the Bouncing Bellas had a lot to take in. When asked what she’d tell other first-time walkers, Crystal shared, “My message for first-time walkers is that it will be tough and challenging. Train hard, stay hydrated, and keep pushing through, because the experience is worth all the pain and blisters. It is truly an experience of a lifetime. Oh, and don’t forget the PICKLES!”

Crystal’s aunt recently learned that her cancer has returned as lung and liver cancer, yet her family continues to come together and rally in support of Ilsia. Crystal proudly states, “She is still our Super Woman and puts on a smile every day. Nothing! Not even cancer is slowing her down!”

Thanks to Crystal for sharing her powerful smile with the 3-Day world via our Instagram page and especially for relaying the story of her Wonder Woman, her aunt.

In true social media form, when asked if she could share a DM with each person in the 3-Day community, Crystal said: “Stay positive, have fun, and remember, you are not alone!”

We are so lucky that we can still connect with walkers like Crystal – and all of you! – virtually over social media and at our virtual kick-off events, even though we can’t join together in person this year.

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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!”