Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure ~ A Look at the Time Line.

For those of you that have never been to, or participated in a Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure here is a time line of the events for Cleveland 2011.   It will be kicking off in just 19 Days!  The excitement is starting to build!   It is a time of Great Celebration and Bitter Sweet Remembrances.  As we Boldly walk 60 Miles.  Some do it to say that they are now able to and can.  Others walk for those that are unable to, and many walk carrying the voice of those that have gone before us.  Our Pink Warriors that fought their battle with every breath they took.  They will never be forgotten.   With each step we take we remember their love, life and the moments that we shared together.  For three days we walk to show the world that we will not give up, we will walk until there is no longer a need for us to lace up our sneakers.   

Opening Ceremony:

The 3-Day for the Cure begins early Friday morning with the Opening Ceremony. When you arrive, take a moment to write the names of the people in your life who have lost their lives to breast cancer on the white ribbons we will provide. Those ribbons will be used to create a special memorial flag that will be raised during the ceremony.

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.

Friday, July 29
Port Authority Lot
237 Erieside Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114

Schedule for the Day:
4:00 a.m. - Crew members should arrive.
5:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. - Walkers should arrive.
6:30 a.m. - Opening Ceremony begins with community stretching.
Driving Directions to Spectator Parking:
Participant drop-off and spectator parking are is located at 1060 W. 3rd Street, on the west end of the Cleveland Browns Stadium.

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, July 29

8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
 Lakewood Park
14532 Lake Avenue
Lakewood, OH 44107

11:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Rockport Plaza
19799 Center Ridge Road
Rocky River, OH 44116

Saturday, July 30

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Rocky River Presbyterian Church
21750 Detroit Road
Rocky River, OH 44116

12:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Energizer
25225 Detroit Road (Park around back of building)
Westlake, OH 44145

Sunday, July 31

8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
North Olmsted Park
28114 Lorain Road
North Olmsted, OH 44070

11:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Downtown Berea
Front Street between Center & Grand
Berea, OH 44017

On some portions of the route you may find areas that are deemed “quiet zones” which will be indicated by signage on the route. Please assist us in respecting our neighborhoods and communities during this time.

Camp:

Our campsite is meant to be a special place for your participants to relax, reflect and bond with the 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 on their cell phone, please do not call after 9:00 p.m. “lights out,” when camp is a quiet zone.

While at Home:

Capture the 3-Day in the news: While walkers are taking steps to end breast cancer, save any media coverage of the 3-Day. Aside from being a nice addition to your participant's 3-Day memorabilia, it will show her/his 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. We encourage you to carpool or take public transportation. Not only is it better for the planet, but it will help lessen traffic congestion for everyone.

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 4:00 p.m. in order to join the victory walk.

Don't forget to continue the spirit of kindness we'll be building on the 3-Day throughout and beyond the Closing Ceremony!

Sunday, July 31
4:30 p.m.
Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds
164 Eastland Road
Berea, OH 44017
Spectator Parking:
All traffic will enter the fairgrounds from Bagley Road, at the main fairgrounds entrance.

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 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 3-Day in 2012!