OCTOBER 24, 2012
Susan G. Komen 3-Day in Arizona Nov. 9 - 11
Young mother and breast cancer survivor will walk 60 miles to help find a cure
PHOENIX – As a cytogenetic technician, Ryan Bailey helps diagnose different cancers for a living. She never imagined that at only 32-years old, she would receive her own breast cancer diagnosis.
“Everything happens for a reason,” said Bailey. “If there is any good that can come out of this, I will make it happen,” which is why Bailey and a group of close friends are participating in the 2012 Susan G. Komen Arizona 3-Day.
“I’m an open book and want to share my story with as many young people as I can to let them know age does not matter,” said Bailey. A mother of two young girls at the time of her diagnosis, Bailey often speaks to other young mothers who are recently diagnosed in hopes to help guide them and offer her support.
This will be Bailey’s first time walking in the Komen 3-Day and she has received the honor of carrying the belief flag during Opening Ceremonies in hopes to inspire other women and men to believe in their selves and in finding a cure.
Arizona-area residents are encouraged to visit designated sites to cheer on Bailey and her team, the Sole Sisters, as well as other 3-Day participants as they raise awareness and funds in the fight against breast cancer. These individuals spend months training for the event’s physical demands and fundraising at least $2,300 to help fund breast cancer research, scientific programs and community-based breast health and education programs. All of the participants’ dedication and preparation culminates by walking 60 miles over the course of three days.
“The Komen 3-Day participants invest a lot of time and energy into their three-day, 60-mile journey,” said Sheri Phillips, national spokesperson for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day. “We often hear from participants how grateful they are for the community support they receive while on-event and what a difference it makes.”
Supporters are invited to visit any of the following public stops along the Arizona 3-Day route:
Friday, Nov. 9
Opening Ceremony
6:30 a.m.
Crossroads Park
2155 E. Knox Road
Gilbert, AZ 85296
Public Cheering Station
9:15 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Downtown Chandler
Arizona Ave. between E. Boston St. & E. Buffalo St.
Chandler, AZ 85225
Public Cheering Station
12 – 4 p.m.
Safeway Parking Lot
SW Corner of E. Elliot Rd. & S. McClintock Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85284
Saturday, Nov. 10
Public Cheering Station
8 – 10:30 a.m.
Ahwatukee Palms Shopping Center
SE Corner of E. Warner & S. 48th St.
Phoenix, AZ 85044
Public Cheering Station
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
New Life Church
11832 South Warner Elliott Loop
Phoenix, AZ 85044
Sunday, Nov. 11
Public Cheering Station
8 – 10:30 a.m.
Downtown Tempe
Mill St. between 5th St. & 3rd St.
Tempe, AZ 85281
Public Cheering Station
12 – 3 p.m.
5th Ave. Shops
5th Ave. between Indian School Rd. & N. Craftsman Ct.
Scottsdale, AZ
Closing Ceremony
4:30 p.m.
Scottsdale Stadium
7409 E. Osborn Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
The people who participate in the 3-Day and other Susan G. Komen for the Cure® events understand firsthand how breast cancer affects their lives, and how much Susan G. Komen is doing to end suffering from the disease. Komen funds more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit – more than $740 million to date.
Additionally, Komen is the only breast cancer organization that attacks cancers from all angles: research, community outreach (especially for uninsured and low-resource women); advocacy and on the global stage. As a result, the five-year survival rates for early stage cancers now average 99 percent (versus 74 percent when Komen started in 1982) and breast cancer death rates in the U.S. have dropped by 33 percent since 1994.
For updates throughout the Arizona 3-Day weekend, follow the event on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook. Additional updates may be posted on The3Day.org.
