Daily Archives: November 17, 2009

Before the Event
Getting ready for the Breast Cancer 3-Day is a big job. Here are some ways to support your participant before the big day arrives.

• Write a letter expressing your love and support to your walker. Send it to our P.O. Box, and we’ll collect the letters and deliver to them on the event at the Breast Cancer 3-Day camp. Send letters to:
  Breast Cancer 3-Day Post Office
  ATTN: INSERT NAME OF PARTICIPANT
  PO Box 720386
  San Diego, CA 92172
  Envelopes only, please. No boxes or large packages. Mail must be postmarked no later than November 10th in order to ensure delivery. Any mail that is not retrieved by the participant by December 4th will be destroyed.

• Organize a group to host your very own private cheering station. (Contact sroos@event360.com for more information.)
• Organize a group of Camp Angels to assist participants with setting up and striking tents and unloading gear. (Contact aschwager@event360.com for more information.)
• Help raise money.
• Go on a training walk.

Opening Ceremony
The Breast Cancer 3-Day begins early Friday morning with the Opening Ceremony. There will be a group stretch to warm-up the body, and inspirational speakers who will warm-up the spirit – all leading up to an exciting and emotional send-off!

This celebration is not just for participants. 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. Please allow extra travel time due to expected traffic congestion at the site.

After the Opening Ceremony is over, participants will begin walking the 60-mile route and start a journey of a lifetime. It will be even more special if you are there to help send them off with smiles and encouragement. We’ll also have a Breast Cancer 3-Day gear store on site if you’d like to purchase a souvenir for yourself or your participant.

Friday, November 20

Del Mar Fairgrounds
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
Del Mar, CA 92014

Schedule for the Day:
4:00 am – Crew members should arrive.
5:30 am – 6:00 am – Walkers should arrive.
6:30 am – Opening Ceremony begins with community stretching.

Driving Directions:
From Interstate 5, take the Via de la Valle exit and head west (a left turn from the freeway exit if you are northbound; a right turn if you are southbound). Take Via De La Valle to Jimmy Durante Boulevard and turn left. The Fairgrounds will be on your right. Please enter the main gate.

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, November 20:

11:20 am – 2:20 pm
Coast Park Blvd
430 Coast Blvd. (south of Cuvier Street)
La Jolla, CA

12:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Fanuel Street Park
4000 Fanuel Street
San Diego, CA 92109

Saturday, November 21:

9:15 am – 3:30 pm
Ocean Beach Surf Spot
1900 Abbott Street
San Diego, CA 92107

10:50 am – 3:30 pm
South Mission
2600 Mission Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92109

Sunday, November 22:

6:45 am – 8:45 am
De Anza Cove
2700 North Mission Bay Drive
San Diego, CA 92109

11:15 am – 2:45 pm
Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater
2150 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101

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.

  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 a half hour prior to the Ceremony 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, November 22
  4:30 pm

  Petco Park
  100 Park Blvd
  San Diego, CA 92101

  Driving Directions:
  From the North – Take 5 South, exit Imperial Ave. OR exit 10th Ave. (both lead directly to the stadium).
  Take 163 South, exit 10th Ave.

  From the East – Take 94 West to F St. Turn left onto 14th Ave.

  From the South – Take 5 North to B St.. Turn left on 10th Ave. OR 5 North, exit J St.

  Parking – Suggested Parking Lots are at 10th and J, Imperial and 14th (Ace and 5 Star) and J and 13th.

  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!