When you step into the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® you’re immersed in the Pink Bubble, a place where everyone is in this together. For those familiar, simply hearing this term may bring about a plethora of warm feelings; but what is it really? The Pink Bubble is not tangible but is what we call the Komen 3-Day community and the environment at the event. It’s a place where everyone is generous, selfless, and willing to give the shirt off their back to anyone who needs it. It’s a place where strangers become best friends in a matter of minutes and where you can fall to your knees crying, assured that you will be met where you are. The Pink Bubble is something that you can’t quite understand until you’ve experienced it for yourself, but once you do, you will never look back. 

We asked 3-Day® walkers to explain the Pink Bubble to someone who has never experienced it. Here’s what they said: 

“The Pink Bubble is unique. It is a place where everyone is welcome, [and] friends are all around you. You are supported in every step you take or in the steps you cannot take. There is no judgement, only love and support. I have met so many people and made so many friends. [The 3-Day] is a weekend that fills my heart in ways I have never experienced before. It is very emotional yet makes me more determined every year to end breast cancer.” —Laura P. 

“It’s an aura of positivity from an unfortunate [disease] that brought us together. The [Pink Bubble] gives me space to reflect on the journey I’ve been on and the road ahead.” —Sherrylyn R. 

“It’s like a sisterhood of people who want to end breast cancer. [It] seems like everyone knows someone or has fought [breast cancer] themselves and this is a bond among us. I know what it’s like when you’re undergoing or only a few years out of treatment and you come across someone who has made it through to the other side. Now I can be that person to others.” —Elissa R. 

“The Pink Bubble is a combination of your best summer camp experience mixed with your best volunteer/charitable experience combined [with] lots of emotions.” —Robert C.  

“The feelings and emotions that hit you every time you enter the Pink Bubble can be a little overwhelming, especially your first time. Those feelings and emotions and the stories you hear are also incredibly inspiring. You meet people who are walking with cancer, walking for those dear family members and friends who can’t, or are walking with the angels they have gained along the way. There is laughter, hugs, tears and reflection and all that inspires me every time to want to continue to do this again and again.” —Jenn H.  

“The Pink Bubble is hard to describe. You walk into the ballroom and just see the sea of people all there [walking and crewing] to support survivors, thrivers, and [in honor of] family and friends that could not. Everyone has a smile and supportive word, and it is so infectious.” —Debra E.  

“Inspiring. It is such a positive (often funny!) community of people that come together and accept you as you are. I was sad to enter back into the real world after the [3-Day] was over, but I try to carry a little bit of the Pink Bubble with me wherever I go now.” —Jennie S. 

“Ah the Pink Bubble, it’s a unique, special group you get to join and forever be a part of once you start your 3-Day journey. It’s filled with love, hope, tears of joy and tears of sadness but it surrounds you with love. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll have an experience you never imagined having. You will meet new friends and grow closer to those you already know.” —Marla R.  

How would you describe the Pink Bubble?