We walk because we must.

Check Yo’ Self who are we:

Rheannon has been participating in the 3-Day since 2007. She initially became aware of the walk via a television ad, and just thought it would be a fun experience. Her Husbands Aunt was a one year Breast Cancer Survivor so she figured….”why not”. That first year Rheannon walked alone in the rain, but she didn’t let that stop her “To me it’s such an important health issue and I feel like if all I have to do to help is walk, then I will walk.

Jessica F. has been participating since 2017. After years of encouragement from Rheannon and the unexpected death of her Sister in Law to Breast Cancer Jessica decided to join the team to honor Jenn. Jenn passed away just 11 months after her initial diagnosis. “ Jenn has always been my main motivation, but it’s shocking to me how many people go through this. So I’m doing it for them”

Rachel has been since 2018. I was on a weight loss journey, trying to better my own health. For years I supported Jessica as she helped her friend fundraise for the walk. Jessica encouraged me to join her, on this journey that she has begun the year before. Since joining the team, I have found my why. “I’ve met so many people who have struggled with this disease and am humbled and honored to walk in their honor / memory”.

We are strong because the journey demands it.

We’re not going to lie, walking 60 miles can be painful! My first 2 walks took place in San Diego California. Boy was it beautiful, but as I’m sure you know California isn’t exactly flat. There are several hills to walk up on the San Diego 3-Day, you get to a point in the day when you think I can’t take one more step. I can’t remember exactly how many blisters I had that first year, but it was more than 10. What I learned my first year, was the importance of good socks and shoes!

Walking the miles isn’t the most important thing in this event. You’ll learn very quickly that being a part of the 3-Day is an honor and a privilege. When you first arrive you are immediately engulfed in “The Pink Bubble” Everyone around you has stories to share, encouragement to give and a smile to keep in your heart forever. There will be tears perhaps of sadness, but also tears of joy. Everyone has some kind of goal at the 3-Day, my first year my goal was BIG it was to walk all 60 miles. It didn’t’ happen but I came really close and I have never felt like I didn’t achieve greatness on that weekend. My second years goal was to walk as much as my body would allow. I did, and as a bonus got to spend some extra time with friends at a bar before dinner.

My goal for New England 2024 is to raise $3,000.00 and walk the miles my body allows. I already know my body is going to hurt, but I don’t care, because a little pain is way better then receiving a Cancer diagnosis.

Together in body and united in spirit, we walk for this generation and the next.

It was day 3 of my first 3-Day walk; we were about 10 miles from the finish line. With around 50 miles under my belt already I was struggling. My feet were on fire, my body was absolutely exhausted, I felt like crying and wanted to quit. I was completely drained; stripped all the way down mentally and physically and emotionally. I stopped for a water break and told my team to go on ahead of me, that I would catch up.

Trying to find my motivation to take another step. I was in an area where the sweep vans couldn’t get to me, so I knew I had to keep moving; but I told myself as soon as a van is in sight I was getting on and riding to the finish line. I pushed off the wall I had been leaning on and took about 10 steps around a corner and saw this beautiful women holding a sign that read “People Like You Saved Me”. I’m not sure if it was the sign, her smile, her unspoken words of encouragement, or the amazing aura of strength that surrounded her, but all the sudden I had the strength to keep going.

Seeing her standing there with her bandanna on holding that sign struck my soul. She’s why I’m walking, she’s my strength and my courage, she’s the reason I’m here. I walk for the people who can’t, be it because they are sick or because they physically can’t. I WALK BECAUSE I CAN.