Discover How the Susan G. Komen Foundation 3-Day Walk Empowers Communities, Raises Awareness, and Funds Critical Breast Cancer Programs
by Stefanie Michaels
I never wanted to join this club. But, I did. Not by choice, but by DNA factors. My family history, and genetics– 7 women in my family have had breast cancer (none have died from it) were diagnosed with varying types of breast cancer.
My doctors had been on top of my breast checks since my teens. I always said, it wasn’t so much an “if” but a “when”. I just knew that eventually my familial DNA would weigh in and I’d have to face the biggest challenge of my life. I have survived cancer that was so aggressive, had it not been found when it was, I would have been dead by the time of my next mammogram.
Since, I’ve passed my 8-year mark now. Being a breast cancer survivor, I can attest to the journey and why it’s called “a journey” after everything I went through to save my life– rounds of chemo, nine surgeries in 3 years, and a staph infection from one of those life-saving surgeries, which put me in bed for 12 weeks and daily doses of vancomycin to stave off the infection.
You can read more about my story in this book, and the story of many others who have beaten so many odds stacked against them. I hope it inspires you, too.
I know the “C” word is scary, but what’s more frightening is not going in for annual checkups.
Do you know why?
Because breast cancer is “curable” or, at the very least, for some, manageable. There are new advances in medicine and care everyday. Survival rates are increasing, and now with new technologies, more and more will live full and long lives.
As a woman to women out there, I’ll be a little stern here with you all. It’s because I care. I’ve been through it. And, you need to get your annual mammograms for YOU, then get checked for your family and friends who adore you.
Breast cancer is a devastating disease that affects millions of people worldwide. In the United States, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and the second leading cause of cancer death. Despite the progress that has been made in breast cancer research and treatment, there is still much work to be done.
The Susan G. Komen Foundation 3-Day event is a significant fundraising and awareness-raising opportunity for breast cancer research and treatment.
For three days, participants walk 60 miles to raise funds and awareness for the cause. The event is an empowering and community-building experience that honors and celebrates those affected by breast cancer.
Do you know someone going through her journey right now? Check out these gifts and ways you can support her. Everyone needs a little pick-me-up, and especially dealing with something like this.
To Participate: Go to this Susan G. Komen Foundation registration page.
Here are some of the reasons why the Susan G. Komen Foundation 3-Day event is so important:
- Raising Funds: The 3-Day event is a significant fundraising opportunity for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The event funds help support breast cancer research, education, screening, and treatment programs.
- Raising Awareness: The 3-Day event raises awareness about breast cancer and the need for research and treatment. The event draws attention to the issue of breast cancer and encourages people to get involved in the fight against the disease.
- Empowerment: The 3-Day event empowers participants to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Participants can make a tangible impact by raising funds and awareness for breast cancer research and treatment.
- Community Building: The 3-Day event brings together a community passionate about finding a cure for breast cancer. Participants bond over their commitment to the cause and create lasting connections with others fighting the disease.
- Honor and Celebration: The 3-Day event provides an opportunity to honor and celebrate those affected by breast cancer. Participants can walk in memory of loved ones who have lost their battle with the disease or in honor of survivors.
Did you know?
that since its inception in 2003, the Susan G. Komen Foundation 3-Day event has raised over $890 million to support breast cancer research and treatment programs. The event has brought together over 500,000 participants worldwide, making it one of the largest and most successful fundraising events in the fight against breast cancer.
A little history:
The Susan G. Komen Foundation, now known as Susan G. Komen, was founded in 1982 by Nancy G. Brinker in honor of her sister Susan G. Komen, who died of breast cancer at 36. The Foundation’s mission is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all, and energizing science to find cures.
Initially, the Susan G. Komen Foundation started as Nancy promised her sister to do everything she could to end breast cancer. In the early days, the Foundation focused on raising awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.
In 1990, the Foundation launched the Komen Race for the Cure, which quickly became one of the world’s largest and most successful breast cancer fundraising events.
Over the years, the Susan G. Komen Foundation has expanded its mission to include funding breast cancer research, supporting those affected by breast cancer, and advocating for public policy changes to help end breast cancer.
The Foundation has also expanded its reach globally, partnering with organizations in over 60 countries to advance its mission.
Today, the Susan G. Komen Foundation is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, investing more than $2 billion to fulfill its promise, working to end breast cancer in the U.S. and around the globe.
