Technology Helping to Fight Breast Cancer
In October, I took advantage of LaunchSquad’s volunteer time off policy to participate in the San Francisco Bay Area Breast Cancer 3 Day benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The 3 Day visits major cities across the U.S. to organize thousands of walkers through a 60-mile course over 3 days. The event helps to raise millions of dollars and infinite awareness for breast cancer.
I once participated as a walker in the Los Angeles 3 Day and was unbelievably impressed with the seamless orchestration of such a massive event. This year, I decided to sign up as a crew member (unknowingly checking the “captain” box in spite of my lack of crew experience), which helps organize on-event to make sure things run smoothly and the walkers are taken care of. My assignment was captain of the check-in team, which meant scanning walkers out of camp every morning and into camp every evening of the walk.
Given that we were to spend four days outside (camping at Chrissy Field) with a lot to do, I was actually looking forward to giving up technology and modern conveniences for a weekend. I figured I’d spend time outdoors, get some exercise, enjoy the gorgeous fall weather and generally disconnect, all while supporting a great cause.
But wait, technology is everywhere, even on the 3 Day.
Forgive me for stereotyping, but given the demographic of 3 Day participants (women over about 40) and the personal and emotional elements of the cause, I didn’t expect technology to play a huge role. But then I would be underestimating just how widespread the everyday use of technology and social media are in our lives.
Check-in crew team member Robin Shannon, an inspiring 6-year breast cancer survivor, led the Twitter initiative (@Walker4Life), tweeting throughout the event from her iPhone. She communicated with walkers out on the route while we were back at camp, exchanging pictures and giving updates on walker progress. Seeing the walker perspective in real-time – views from Ocean Beach and the Golden Gate Bridge, supporters who dressed up and came out to cheer, the infamous and fabulously decorated 3 Day Pit Stops – added depth to the experience and made it more complete.
I myself was decked out from head-to-toe in tech gear with a bar code scanner, walkie talkie and Nextel radio – none of which I knew how to use very well, even though I was supposed to be the young, tech industry maven. When I said goodbye to my crew members (all of whom I loved and was so lucky to work with!), we not only exchanged phone numbers, but Twitter handles and Facebook pages as well.
In advance of the event, all walkers and crew members were given online fundraising pages and I even downloaded a Facebook fundraising application for my friends to donate to the cause and see my fundraising progress.
The San Francisco Bay Area 3 Day included 1400 walkers, 250 crew members and raised more then $4 million for breast cancer research. Each person’s experience and each dollar raised was, to my surprise, enhanced by technology and social media.
This year’s 3 Day season has come to an end, but be sure to follow the 3 Day on Twitter to see how you can sign up for 2010!