Hi! My name is Danielle and I am 21 years old. I have been involved with the 3-Day since I was 8 years old, when I became a Walker Stalker for the first time in Philly! I watched my uncles, the TuTu Brothers, ride their bikes on route safety and cheered on hundreds of walkers. I officially became involved when I was on the very first Youth Corps in Philly in 2011, and I participated again with YC in 2012 and 2013. I then walked the 60 mile journey for the first time in 2016 in Philly with my mom and a team of YC alumni. In 2017, I walked again with my mom in Michigan. I was a One Day walker from 2017-2019 in Philly, and I also volunteered with Medical Crew in Philly. I was also on Hotel Crew with my mom in Boston in the summer of 2019. Now, I am so excited to say, after 2 years of waiting due to Covid, I will be a Youth Corps leader in Chicago in 2022!

Phew!

Susan G. Komen first became a part of my family's lives back in 2006, when my grandmother was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. I was only 6 years old at the time, and my brother was 2. After rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, a clinical trial funded by Susan G. Komen, and lots of love and support, my grandmother became breast cancer free later that year. As a thank you and as a way to give back, my uncles participated in their first 3-Day event in 2008. 

In late 2010, my grandmother was diagnosed again with breast cancer, and in April 2011, she lost her battle. I was only 10 and my brother was only 6. Over the years, my reasons for participating have been increasing. I add more names to my list of people I participate for. I learn more about people I know who have been affected by breast cancer in one way or another. I participate in the Susan G Komen 3-Day so no other grandchild has to lose a grandparent at such a young age. I raise funds and awareness for the survivors, the fighters, and the angels. I am a part of this event for a brighter future, and a world without breast cancer. 

Please support me as I commit to an incredible challenge. The Susan G. Komen 3-Day is a 60-mile walk over the course of three days. It will be hard, but it’s not as hard as breast cancer. It’s not as hard as chemo. It’s not as hard as getting bad news at your latest scan. It’s not as hard as saying goodbye. And that’s why I know I have to do this. That’s why I commit. That’s why I’m walking and why I’m raising money – to end breast cancer forever.