SAN DIEGO — 3 days and 60 miles later, thousands from San Diego and across the country helped Susan G. Komen raise $9.2 million dollars. The “Komen 3-Day” started in Del Mar, ended at Waterfront Park and brought us closer to a World without breast cancer.
• • • • •
San Diegans and people from across the country are walking the streets of San Diego to raise funds and awareness in the fight against breast cancer.
They are gathering for the 2021 Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day, which will wrap up on Sunday and is the only in-person 3-Day event for 2021, since the COVID pandemic.
Participants in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day walk to end breast cancer crossed the halfway point Saturday afternoon in Mission Bay completing 30 miles.
Walkers will take 7 million steps over 60 miles when the event ends Sunday at Waterfront Park in San Diego.
“We are happy to be here. Day two we are excited,” said Shannon Tenney. This marks the 18th year of the walk in San Diego. The pink bubble has 2,300 participants this year. From Del Mar and La Jolla to the Mission Beach boardwalk, the group has covered a lot of ground passing 23 San Diego landmarks.
“With the Survivors along the way that you meet that share their stories, you are constantly touched. It’s like a rollercoaster of emotions. You're crying, you're smiling and then you're laughing,” said Tenney.
Some are walking in memory of a loved one, others are survivors, but most are supporters. Kiki Drimmel is currently a fighter in the middle of treatment with a powerful message.
“I want to share that anyone that is diagnosed never ever give up. There is something in each of us that can fight and when we fight, we win,” said Kiki Drimmel.
Drimmel traveled all the way from France to walk for those who can’t. She recently found out her cancer has returned for the third time.
“There will always be someone sicker than me. I am here and even if I am in pain I will finish,” said Drimmel.
Even the daunting hills are no match for this fighter.
“No way am I taking that pink car no way. I am taking that hill,” said Drimmel.
She walks with a supportive group of women that have stood by her side since the first diagnosis in 2005.
“Women have that solidarity and even the men now because we have more men joining the group. There is nothing like the three day” said Drimmel.
The 3-Day is a 60-mile journey that ends Sunday, November 21 at Waterfront Park. It began at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and walkers will make their way through the streets of La Jolla, Pacific and Ocean Beaches, Mission Hills and Hillcrest. And there will be cheering stations along the route encouraging participants on their journey.
During the 2019 3-Day in San Diego, more than 2,225 women, men and teens joined the journey, raising $5.7 million for breast cancer research, screening and treatment.
The San Diego 3-Day has raised more than $140 million in the fight to end breast cancer since 2003.
RELATED: Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day 2019
WATCH RELATED: Previewing the Komen 3-Day Walk in San Diego (Nov 9, 2021)