I became involved in the 3 Day almost by accident. After moving to Chicago with my husband from Los Angeles, we were looking for a multiday event to do together. He always waxed poetic about the California AIDS rides and how great and life changing the events were. Well, there was no multiday AIDS ride here, but he stumbled upon the 3 Day. We signed up for Gear and Tent, and did the event. It was hard - that was the year there were dual camps, and in our case, dual relocations. Lots of rain and mud and tired angry walkers yelling at us, and more rain. Oh, did I mention it rained? I found the experience...well...exhausting. I met lots of people, some who had been affected by breast cancer, and was satisfied that I did my philanthropic duty for the year.
That December, my husband and I dutifully sent out our holiday letters to friends and family, telling of our summer adventure. A few weeks later, I received a letter in the mail from my grandmother in Germany, hastily written in broken English that in 1973, she had a double mastectomy. My jaw hit the floor....I was not aware that this ever happened. I immediately called my parents and asked why this was not ever mentioned. In typical German denial, my father simply states..."she had it. Now she doesn't. End of discussion. We didn't feel like it was important". Jaw...floor...again.
I looked atmy husband and said..."sign us up again".
Six years, and 10 3 Day events later...I am still at it, and every year become more and more attached to this event.
This year, Dora celebrated her 96th birthday, a 36 year survivor. Her strength, courage, and tenacity is admirable. And for you Oma, I fight.
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Chicago, IL