Cheer on the 3-Day walkers in Philly this weekend!

It’s that time of the year again.  Over two thousand people (mostly women) will converge in our city to walk SIXTY MILES in THREE DAYS.  Come rain or shine (and it looks like they’ll have both), they’ll sleep outside in tents, work their way down from Abington to the Navy Yard, and be looking for moral support throughout their long and winding route.  The 3-Day Walk is designed to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation, an organization whose mission is “to save lives and end breast cancer.”

The 3-Day Walk offers Philadelphians across the city many opportunities to cheer on the walkers:  

The first day of the walk is this Friday, October 5, with a cheering station in Chestnut Hill from 9:30-1:15pm.  

On Day Two, Saturday October 6, you can join cheering sections at either Lord & Taylor (9:15-10:15am) or at the Overbrook Presbyterian Church (from 10:30-3:30).  

So please, bring the kids and come and root for the walkers as they make their way through the City of Brotherly (and Sisterly!) love.  For more information, you can view a map of the route and cheering sections here. 

So what would I do if I came to the cheering station?

Literally clap, cheer, sing, dance, wave, or just smile at people as they walk by.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

Supplies are optional.  Signs, posters, banners, pom poms, noismakers, and candy (for them, not you!) are big hits. 

Who should come cheer?

Anyone who wants to support the walkers- each of whom has personally raised a minimum of $2300 to go towards breast cancer awareness and research.  Many of whom walk for loved ones who’ve battled breast cancer.  Last year, there were 2,200 Philly walkers.  Almost 300 of them were breast cancer survivors themselves.

And most importantly, what should I wear?

PINK!  Of course.  (though technically, that’s optional too).  Outlandish outfits make particularly fabulous cheering attire.

Although I’m well versed in the controversy that the Komen Foundation caused last winter with their actions regarding Planned Parenthood, they’ve since reversed that decision.  And controversy aside, each walker is making an enormous committment to battling breast cancer, and these volunteers are delighted to see adoring fans of all ages cheering them on.   It’s an amazing sight to see, so many mothers, daughters, friends, partners, husbands, sons, aunts, uncles and grandparents from all walks of life… all marching for better health for women.   Last year, my (then) four year old and I cheered the walkers on as they re-emerged after their lunch break in Mt. Airy.  I wore a sign, that said, “Thank you for walking so that my daughters won’t have to.”    And that is why I cheer them on.  Please come join the cheering this year!

Northwest Philly Parents is a partnership between Newsworks and Germantown Avenue Parents.