The Breast Cancer 3-Day
Promoting Awareness and Raising Funds to Put a Stop to Breast Cancer
Oct 18, 2009
Those who participate in the Breast Cancer 3-Day will walk 60 miles over the course of three days and will have raised at least $2300 by the start of the event. The participants’ backgrounds are as diverse as the reasons why they choose to participate. Some are celebrating the breast cancer survivors they know, while others are mourning the loss of a family member or friend who succumbed to the disease. Still others have had no personal experience with the disease but are committed to the cause of research and prevention. Regardless of their motivation for participating, it is clear that this event is a life-altering experience.
Training, Fundraising, and Team Morale for the Breast Cancer 3-Day
Training for a 60-mile walk requires dedication and commitment to the cause. Teams often begin training for the walk months in advance and work together closely to reach their goal. Each team designates its own name (many of which include some variation of the word “breast”: "tatas," "boobs," etc.) and a team captain is elected.
In addition to preparing mentally and physically for the challenge, the teams are also constantly working to meet their fundraising goals. With a minimum fundraising requirement of $2300 for each participant, most teams spend a significant amount of time raising money for the cause. Many teams coordinate large-scale events in their cities, and some groups have raised thousands of dollars through car washes, bake sales, and other types of gatherings.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund
The revenue from the event is divided between two nationally recognized breast cancer charities. Susan G. Komen for the Cure receives 85% of the revenue and 15% is given to the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. These organizations have raised approximately 1.2 billion and 640 million dollars, respectively, for breast cancer awareness, research, prevention, and treatment.
The Breast Cancer 3-Day Event
The three day event kicks off with an opening ceremony in the early hours of the first morning. After that, the participants begin their walk. Each day consists of a course that is roughly 15-22 miles long, for a total of approximately 60 miles over the course of the three days. It is a grueling test of one's determination and stamina; however, the camaraderie is such that the participants are constantly encouraging each other, and there is often a crowd of spectators who support the participants from the sidelines. In fact, special cheering stations are set up along the route in each city and family and friends are encouraged to take part.
At the end of each day, the participants make camp in a designated location. Food is provided to the participants and, most nights, there is a program with entertainment too. This is a time when the walkers get to know each better and can take a rest after a long, tiring day.
After successfully completing the three days, the closing ceremony is a time to celebrate. The participants receive T-shirts and other memorabilia to commemorate their participation and family and friends are encouraged to attend the ceremony and witness the “victory walk” that brings the event to a close.
Crew Members and Volunteers for the Breast Cancer 3-Day
Crew members and volunteers are an important part of making this event a success. The main difference between crew members and volunteers is simply the amount of time that they can dedicate to the event. Crew members work with the event for four full days, the three days of the event as well as a preparation and training day before the event starts. Volunteers, on the other hand, donate however much time they have available. This may be a few hours or a full day or two. The volunteers and crew are not required to fundraise beyond the $90 registration fee that they pay, but they are certainly encouraged to do so.
Information for Potential Participants
Those interested in taking part in the event must be at least 16 years of age and must be committed to raising the full $2300 needed to participate. Every participant must also have health insurance coverage in the event of an emergency.
Additional Information
For a schedule of events throughout the nation and for additional information about the cause, please see the Breast Cancer 3-Day website and help make this year’s 3-Day the most successful one yet!
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