There was a lot I didn’t know before I did the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day last year. Top on the list is that I didn’t expect I would do the walk this year, but a close second was how meaningful the cheering stations would be for me. The walk is hard. Over the course of three days, we aim to walk 60 miles. There is an emotional weight and the physical challenge. Being cheered on by total strangers is uplifting and incredibly important and brought me to tears more than the pain in my legs.
If you are in Chicago or the suburbs next weekend, please take some time and come to a cheering station or to closing ceremonies. Here is the schedule from the site. Of course it isn’t too late to donate to my team.
Cheering Stations Public cheering stations are a great way to show your support along the route to encourage walkers and let them know that you are with them every step of the way. Seeing familiar faces cheering them on can provide that extra burst of energy that gets them to take that next step or go the next mile. Create banners, hold up signs, bring some music and make some noise – anything to make them smile, get energized and keep walking.
Friday, August 7
9:00 am – 12:00 pm Elder Lane Park Sheridan Road & Elder Lane Wilmette, IL 60093
10:15 am – 2:00 pm Centennial Park 2300 Old Glenview Rd. Wilmette, IL 60090
Saturday, August 8
7:15 am – 10:15 am Evangelical Free Church of Des Plaines 55 W. Golf Rd. Des Plaines, IL 60016
11:00 am – 5:00 pm Woodland Trails Park 1500 E. Euclid Ave. Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
Sunday, August 9
8:30 am – 12:00 pm Lincoln Park Just north of Belmont Harbor at W. Addison Dr. near clock tower Chicago, IL 60613
9:45 am – 1:45 pm Lincoln Park Just south of Lincoln Park Zoo along Stockton Dr. Chicago, IL 60614
Camp Our campsite is meant to be a special place for your participants to relax, reflect and bond with the Breast Cancer 3-Day community. To help us maintain a safe, secure and organized campsite for your loved ones, we ask that you respect our “no visitors” policy. Also, if you wish to call your walker or crew member, please do not call after 9:00 pm “lights out,” when camp is a quiet zone.
While at Home Capture the Breast Cancer 3-Day in the news: While walkers are taking steps to end breast cancer, save any media coverage of the Breast Cancer 3-Day. Aside from being a nice addition to your participant’s Breast Cancer 3-Day memorabilia, it will show his/her impact on the community.
Engage the kids in the cause: Since holding down the fort may include taking care of the kids, you can make this time meaningful by connecting them with the breast cancer cause.
Have them create signs or decorations if they are able to go to a cheering station.
Have them create a welcome home banner.
Give them journals so they can write or draw what they’ve been doing for three days.
Have them plan a welcome home meal or put together a care package with goodies, movies, comfy slippers, etc.
Use this as an opportunity to talk to your kids about community, helping others and making a difference in the world.
Closing Ceremony After three days and 60 miles, participants will take a final and incredibly emotional victory walk into the Closing Ceremony. Friends, family and supporters should arrive at the Closing Ceremony site at least one hour early to get the best view of the program. Please allow extra travel time due to expected traffic congestion at the site. Lollapalooza is occurring just north of the Museum Campus.
All walkers and crew members should remain in the Participant Holding Area where they will receive a victory shirt, cheer on fellow walkers and crew members and celebrate one last time together before their dramatic victory walk. The Participant Holding area is CLOSED to spectators. If you wish to meet with a participant before the Ceremony begins, please have them meet you at the Closing Ceremony site. All participants must return to the Holding Area no later than 4:00 pm in order to join the victory walk.
Don’t forget to continue the spirit of kindness we’ll be building on the Breast Cancer 3-Day throughout and beyond the Closing Ceremony!
Sunday, August 9th
4:30 pm
Soldier Field 1410 S Museum Campus Dr. Chicago, IL 60605
Friends and family are highly encouraged to attend, though please note that seating will not be available, so if you are unable to stand for 30-60 minutes, you may want to bring a folding chair.
Directions:
Public Transportation – The RTA Travel Information Center provides scheduling information for all CTA, Metra and PACE services. For information, please call 312.836.7000 or visit http://www.rtachicago.com/.
Driving from I-55 – Take I-55, the Stevenson Expressway, northbound to Lake Shore Drive/Highway 41 North. Take LSD north to the 18th Street exit.
Driving from I-290 – Take I-290, the Eisenhower Expressway, east to Congress Parkway. Take Congress Parkway to Columbus Drive. Turn right and take Columbus Drive south to the 18th Street exit.
Driving from I-90/94 – Take I-90/94, the Dan Ryan Expressway, north to the Lake Shore Drive/22nd street exit. Stay to the right and exit to LSD. Take LSD/Highway 41 north to the 18th Street exit.
Driving from I-94 – Take I-94, the Kennedy Expressway, south to the Congress Parkway exit. Follow Congress Parkway to Columbus Drive. Turn right on Columbus Drive and follow Columbus south to the 18th Street exit.
Parking is available for $16 a car in the Waldron Parking Deck on 18th St.
After the Event Your participant has participated in two emotional celebrations, a challenging 60-mile journey and a life-changing experience in just three days. Now, it’s time to go back home. Here are some tips on how to help your walker make a smooth transition back to their daily routine.
Have a welcome home meal prepared and make it an evening of rest and relaxation.
Encourage your participant to share the Breast Cancer 3-Day experience.
If you can’t attend the Closing Ceremony, be sure to ask how much money was raised!
Unpack, clean and put away gear.
Share the newspaper articles or news footage that you’ve collected over the weekend.
The following day, give your participant a massage or schedule a day of pampering at a spa.
In the days to come, help your participant write thank you notes.
Print pictures and assemble a scrapbook.
Help your participant plan a reunion party to keep in touch with other walkers.
Get ready to do it all over again! Maybe you’ll be joining the Breast Cancer 3-Day in 2010!
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