More Than Just a Color

Many things define a culture such as shared beliefs, common experiences, ethnic background, geographical location, etc. Each of us belongs to several subcultures. One that I have recently become a part of is a group of men and women who participate in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day For the Cure Walk. 

Each year, the Susan G. Komen organization sponsors walks in cities all over the country. At each of these weekends, groups of 1,000 to 2,500 men and women walk 60 miles in 3 days to raise money that funds research for breast cancer treatment and cure. 

There are many characteristics that define this subculture of individuals but the most obvious, the most 'colorful', is the color pink. Pink is, of course, symbolic of breast cancer awareness in general. At the 3-Day, pink is not just a color, it is an attitude, a commitment, a bond that joins hundreds of strangers with a common goal. 

Pink Freedom

As the Walkers and Crew gather very early on Friday morning, the gathering takes on the look and feel of a party, a costume party even. The Walk is an annual celebration, a culmination of months and months of fundraising and training and preparation, a time to renew old friendships and make new ones, a time to remember lost loved ones and rejoice with survivors. 

The most important article in the 3-Day dress code is footwear. Well made, great fitting tennis shoes or walking sandals with the proper socks, all of which have been worn for several training walks to break them in, are essential to making it through the weekend on your own feet. Aside from from that, pretty much anything goes. The 3-Day weekend attire needs to be functional and practical for the task at hand but for many, the weekend affords the opportunity for self-expression, 3-Day style. 

(Disclaimer - Because the 3-Day is a event to raise money for breast cancer research and cure, much of the decoration and attire are related to the female breast. The following pictures and commentary contain references to slang terms for breast and can include images that some might consider mildly sexual. No nudity or profanity is involved.)

For some, the choice of costume is an expression of team unity and spirit:

For others, its purely a vehicle for expressing individuality, for setting oneself apart from the crowd:

Wearing Your Thoughts

The 3-Dayers have their own version of the expression "wearing your heart on your sleeve." We wear ours on our backs, and sometimes our fronts too. Each year I buy special shirts to wear just for the event with expressions like, "I Wear Pink for the Survivors, the Fighters and the Taken", "Don't Let Cancer Steal Second Base" and "I'm a Street Walker." 

Some shirts note the Walker's sponsors, some are printed in memory of those who cancer has taken from our lives, many are humorous expressions of team spirit and devotion to the cause:

Angels in Pink

Providing for the basic needs for a group of a thousand Walkers or more is not an easy task. We do all the walking, the Crew does all the background work that makes our walking possible. In addition to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and the private celebration in Holding before the grand march into Closing, there are Pit Stops every 2-4 miles along the trail each day and, of course, Camp. The Crew is a group of amazing, dedicated, kind, enthusiastic, incredible people without whom myself and my fellow Walkers could not make it through the weekend. They share our fierce dedication, inexhaustible enthusiasm and.. our flair for creativity and love of all things pink:

Safety is THE most important theme underlying the weekend. The path each day can be along busy city streets, a rec trail along a major highway or a trail through a wooded area or park. The safety team consists of members on bikes and motorcycles who ride with us in places without van access, ride alongside us to monitor the physical condition of the Walkers, provide additional safety at major intersections and, most importantly, share their energy and enthusiasm with us. There are costumes for the team member himself or herself plus festive decorations for their bikes/motorcycles and loud, upbeat music to keep your feet moving along:

Of course any discussion about safety, as it relates to the San Francisco Bay Area 3-Day Walk, must include our very favorite walking companions, the San Jose Bike Cops! They ride with us all day long, providing that additional note of authority that some drivers need to "remind" them to yield plus they keep a close eye on Walkers and help those in need. They, too, don pink shirts and tutus and all sorts of unique pinkness. These men and women volunteer their time to be a part of the Walk, both in SF Bay and in San Diego as well as for the Avon Walk in San Jose. Representing the department on this bike team is considered a great honor and there is a long waiting list of names of men and women who want to take part. We love our San Jose Bike Cops! They provide companionship, help, some awesome music to keep us moving... and they're not bad on the eyes either... 

The SF Bay Walkers also have fans on several fire departments and the Coast Guard, among other public health and safety organizations, many of whom take time out of their day to show their support. 

Pink: It Isn't Just for People Any More

Another safety feature on the 3-Day weekend is the Sweep Vans. They patrol the route, circling round and round, following us as we walk. At any time, you can signal a passing Sweep Van and they will pick you up and take you to the next Pit Stop, to lunch or back to Camp. This is an important safety precaution for Walkers on a very physically demanding quest.

The vans and crew join in on the pinkness of the celebration:

As previously mentioned, the bikes and motorcycles join in the vehicular decorating scheme as well:

The Camp, as you can imagine, is the height of decorating pinkness, the most striking feature being row after row of pink pup tents:

My absolute favorite picture of the pink pup tents is from my first year as a Walker, 2009. We were camped in Crissy Field at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. I took this pic on Sunday as we walked away from Camp before sunrise. Being a huge fan of SF in general and the Golden Gate and Embarcadero area in particular, I absolutely fell in love with this shot. It represents all of my best memories of my first year as a Walker and my introduction to the 3-Day community:

Pink Groupies and Walker Stalkers

As part of each 3-Day Walking route, there are Spectator Cheering Stations set up, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. These formal Cheering Stations are filled with family, friends, families, survivors and their loved ones, representatives of local businesses and Walker fans. They provide incredible emotional support and a huge infusion of energy for the Walkers. Many of the Walkers who responded to my survey about their experiences raved about the cheering stations and fans:

"They are the BEST! The home made signs, the gifts, the candy, the stickers. BUT especially the survivors who are crying and clapping and smiling at the same time. They are our inspiration."  Sherry, DFW Walker

"They kept me going. When I thought I would have to flag down a van, I would see the spectators or a cheering station and it would give me the energy to continue on. The costumes and the outfits are so funny. People playing music puts a little more strength in my steps. To know that so many people care to take time out of their life to bake cookies, go buy stickers or beads, pass out goodies and come cheer us on, helps me know that the walking is worthwhile. It's not just about donating the money." Susan,  DFW Walker

"The cheering crowds were amazing! As I passed through the crowds I seen a woman, sitting in a wheel chair, she had lost her hair, and was holding a sign that said, "Thank you for walking for me, Im a survivor!" It was heart wrenching." Sharlla, Atlanta Walker 

Walker Stalkers is a term I learned just this year although I knew about these lovely people pretty much from the first few steps I took on my first Walk. The first Walker Stalker I met was the Kleenex Lady. She positions herself near the beginning of the route every morning, a box of Kleenex in each hand and a big old paper grocery bag to toss them in when you're done. It might sound odd but we start very early, right at daybreak, and the cold morning air makes her personal contribution so very necessary and helpful. Later in the day, she would be there again, with hard candies or little bottles of water or other niceties along with the Kleenex and always, always words of encouragement and thanks for us. She is just one of the many, many amazing Walker Stalkers who add so much to our 3-Day Weekends. In the words of one of the survey respondents:

"To be honest, there was a point during day 3 where I wanted so badly to say I quit, I am getting on the bus and going to the next pit stop. I would get close to the pit stop and see a group of people cheering us on and I would say.. well maybe the next one.. and I would get to the next one and would think.. oh.. maybe the next one. These people literally kept me going. I just kept thinking about how selfish I was being wanting to take (for me) the easy way out, when these people were standing in the pouring rain cheering us on. My friend brought my 3 sons to see me. My oldest (4 at the time) and my twins (2 at the time) were so proud of mommy. I had been telling the oldest all about the walk and the 3 day and helping others, when I saw them it was a huge boost. They had their pink on and were sitting anxiously in the truck waiting for mom. Smile guy and little grin were two amazing supports, the barbie girls, the melon men... I will never forget many the gratitude I felt towards all of them. The older woman who lost her daughter to breast cancer who sat in a folding chair in the rain and followed us all three days. The woman at the finish line. I don't think the 3 day would be even a quarter of the experience without the spectators and cheering stations. When you want to quit, they are such a huge pick me up. More so when they bring the jell-o shots :-)" Bethany, San Diego Walker

The Culture of Pink

Just as it would be difficult to sum up the totality of you and who you are in a single word, the word "pink", even with the expanded definition I've tried to describe here, is still so inadequate to describe the experience of the 3-Day and the culture it encompasses. I'll let those who have been there share their thoughts on how the 3-Day has changed the other 362 days of the year for them:

"I'm more patient, understanding, and compassionate." Katrina, DFW Walker

"I think you live your life to the fullest. Enjoy happiness and know that when a challenge presents itself that you can get through it. The benefits are that it makes you be thankful for your health and makes you want to live the healthiest life. I will absolutely continue self breast exams and yearly exams with my OBGYN. Early detection is the key." Jessica, Tampa Bay Walker

"I now have something to look forward to for next year because this has become a part of my life. I can't imagine a year going by where I don't participate. I love meeting people in my community who want to help support the cause. Fundraising throughout the year brings awareness to myself and others." Lauren, SF Bay Walker 

"Walking for the 3 Day meant being part of something that is positive for me on every imaginable level. On an exterior level, I raised money for a great cause, and I supported my wife. On an interior level, I provided myself with many months of motivation to exercise. Through recent introspection, I have realized that in periods of my life where I was working on a big goal, i.e. a college degree, I have done well and have thrived - both on obtaining those goals and in secondary goals as well. Without a large dragon to slay on the horizon, I have struggled. Komen was a central personal mission for me for over a year and it yielded benefits to me beyond my expectations." Nelson, Atlanta Walker 

"Not sure if I can describe it. I am a part of something way bigger than myself. If I can carry someone's plate to the trash to save them a dozen steps so they can walk 60 miles, it's an honor! this year I knew a walker and her survivor mom so the event was more personal. They were friends with a boy who carried a flag into opening and his mom who raised the flag at closing - definitely brought the experience home for me." Susie, Atlanta Crew 

"I'm a camper and so when I read about the walk I wanted to share the experience of completing a 60 mile walk, raising money for breast cancer, and sleeping in a pink tent! Now, four events later, I know too many people affected by this awful disease to ever go back to a life without the 3-day. To feel the uplifting love and compassion of working so hard together for such a cause is life changing. For as long as I can, I will participate in the 3-day event." Aymee, Atlanta Walker and Crew