WHITE SALMON — Tracy Barkhimer considers herself lucky. At 60 years old, she is a two-time breast cancer survivor in the past 10years. Her diagnoses were both made early thanks to monthly self-breast exams and annual mammogram screenings. She personally knows of several women who have lost the battle to breast cancer that might still be with us if only they had gotten their screenings early.
This week, Tracy Barkhimer, a White Salmon resident, has committed to walk 60 miles in the Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day along with hundreds of other women and men who participate to make a personal difference in the fight to end breast cancer.
This will be her second 60-mile walk. Tracy has a teenage daughter at Columbia High School and is inspired to walk in order to raise awareness for young women and secure funding so that every woman (and man) has access to medical screenings. Last year, she started her journey alone and at the kickoff for the San Diego event, after raising her hand to the emcee’s multiple questions on being a first timer at the 3-Day, being a survivor, being a 2-time survivor, being a Veteran and being a solo walker, a woman with a pink ‘poof’ on top of her head, came up to her, wrapped her arms around her and said, “Come with me, you’re not alone anymore.”
And with an absolute overwhelming feeling of emotions and tears in her eyes, she was ‘adopted’ and became part of an amazing, small group of women. She stayed with the group for the entire three days.
These women, beautiful, sisters and cousins. Walking for their mother, aunt who lost her battle. Highly educated, native New Yorkers, lawyers, an electrical engineer, business executives, a homesteader, a beekeeper and farmer, teachers, an EMT, philanthropists, and world travelers. One who is still helping her NC community recover from the devastation Hurricane Helene left behind. And the most brave, warm, fun, open and loving group of women she’d ever met. She just fell in love with each of them and is now a part of the ‘Pink on Top’ team.
Barkhimer has already embarked on a physical and emotional journey in preparing for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day. Like other Komen 3-Day participants, Barkhimer has spent months training for the event’s physical demands and fundraising at least $2300 to help support breast cancer research and community outreach programs. All of the participants’ dedication and preparation culminates by walking 60 miles over the course of three days. As of today, Pink On Top has raised more than $22,000.
The Susan G. Komen 3-Day is the boldest breast cancer event of its kind, with equally bold commitments. Participants are asked to walk farther and raise more money than any other event. However, the choice to participate was easy for Barkhimer. “I’m a 2-time survivor. I’m here. I simply have to give back for my daughter and those who will need access and help in the future,” said Barkhimer. “Sixty miles is no easy task, but this is something I can do. Something I must do. And it will be easier with my team, Pink on Top.”
The Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day is a place in a world where differences are embraced, bonds are formed, and every moment — from the Opening Ceremony on Friday morning, Nov. 15, to Closing Ceremony on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 17 — is full of meaning, emotion and celebration. Walkers cover about 20 miles a day with hundreds of dedicated volunteers and crew members supporting them throughout the three-day journey.
The net proceeds raised by the Susan G. Komen 3-Day help Susan G. Komen help people facing breast cancer today, while tirelessly seeking tomorrow’s cures. Susan G. Komen has transformed how the world treats and talks about this disease and have mobilized the largest and most passionate community. Since 1982, we've funded nearly $1.1 billion in research, more than $2.5 billion in education, screening and treatment, serving millions in more than 60 countries worldwide. The funds raised by passionate 3-Day supporters and participants is used to invest in cutting-edge research that will lead to new, more effective treatments, working in communities across the country to ensure all people can access the care they need, and mobilizing passionate supporters to make certain the voice of the breast cancer community is heard by policymakers.
In the U.S. in 2023, about 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women and about 2800 new cases of breast cancer in men. To help Barkhimer reach her goal of a world without breast cancer, make a donation to team by visiting http://www.the3day.org/goto/TracyBarkhimer.
To learn how to participate r volunteer with the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, visit The3Day.org or call 800-996-3DAY for more information.
Susan G. Komen 3-Day
The Susan G. Komen 3-Day is a dedicated community of fundraisers and advocates who, each year take on an incredible challenge; a three-day and up to 60-mile journey to end breast cancer. Whether we walk 20, 40, or all 60 miles — every step and every dollar raised matters. It’s a big commitment, but it’s totally worth it. Since 2003, the Komen 3-Day has raised more than $902 million. The net proceeds raised by the Susan G. Komen 3-Day help Komen save lives and end breast cancer through breakthrough research, patient care services and policy and advocacy efforts to make care more accessible for all.
Please visit www.The3Day.org or call 800-996-3DAY for more information. Connect with us on Facebook at Facebook.com/The3Day, Twitter @The3Day and Instagram @Komen3Day.
About Susan G. Komen
Since 1982, Susan G. Komen is the only organization at the forefront leading research, public policy initiatives, global education and outreach and providing direct patient care services to make the biggest impact against breast cancer.
For 40 years, Komen helped reduce the breast cancer mortality rate by 42% from 1989 to 2019 (the last year for which data is available). We have shown no signs of stopping until the cures are found — investing nearly $1.1 billion in research and more than $2.5 billion in patient support services, including education, patient navigation, screening and diagnostic services, and financial assistance, serving millions of patients in more than 60 countries.
Komen is the leading breast cancer organization and as the trusted healthcare guide for breast cancer, Komen is dedicated to supporting the breast cancer community by accelerating research, expanding our impact on public policies through advocacy, providing direct patient services that address the economic, medical, social and emotional (psychosocial) impact of a breast cancer diagnosis, and advancing health equity for all dealing with breast cancer.
Visit komen.org or call 1-877-GO-KOMEN. Connect with us on social at https://www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/.
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