Breast cancer walk a volunteer joy for Mesa man

There was no late-night birthday celebration for Byron Roe Thursday.

The just-turned-43-year-old was due by 4:30 a.m. today at Gilbert’s Freestone Park, where about 2,000 people were counting on him to sort their luggage.

SLIDESHOW: View photos from Breast Cancer 3-Day walk - Day 1

SLIDESHOW: View photos from Breast Cancer 3-Day walk - Day 2

“When they need help locating their bags, they all say, 'It’s the black one with the pink ribbon.’ Well, they all look like that,” jokes Roe, a Mesa field service engineer who’s volunteering for the Breast Cancer 3-Day.

The 60-mile walk to raise funds for breast cancer research kicks off today in Gilbert. Over the weekend, about 2,000 walkers will cover 20 miles per day through Gilbert, Chandler, Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale. A crew of about 300 staff and volunteers will see to the walkers’ every need, including setting up a sprawling camp full of tents, showers, a chow hall and nightly entertainment.

Roe, who’s volunteering for the third time, leads the gear and tent crew this year. He and his team act as bellhops, in a way, equipped with nine 24-foot U-Haul trucks for transporting luggage.

“We’re up at 4:30 every morning. We load their luggage, drive it to the campsite, unload it. We hand out the tents. We try to assist and help out, whether it be directing people around the campsite or making sure the water is stocked and sports drinks are available. Whatever anyone needs, we’re there to help,” says Roe.

The team is not only up before the walkers; they wait to shower and go to bed after the walkers turn in each night. The days are long, but Roe says he loves volunteering so much he’s signing up to help at Denver’s 3-Day next year.

“After my first year, I just knew I was in it for life. The camaraderie is so great. I met people the first year that I’m still in contact with all the time. People come from all over the country, but it’s like a family. And seeing the walkers faces when they turn that corner and they’re on their last leg, when they see us cheering and they light up — that’s awesome. They inspire me.”

Roe was compelled to help with the event after his mother survived two bouts with breast cancer. But he didn’t see himself as a walker.

“I’ve been crewing from day one. I categorize myself as a fairly athletic person, but I couldn’t imagine walking 20 miles three days in a row every year. You don’t have to walk to be involved. You get just as much gratification out of it, and trust me,  there’s never a dry eye in the house at the closing ceremony.”

The Breast Cancer 3-Day takes place annually in 14 cities nationwide and raises millions of dollars for breast cancer research, education, and community outreach programs. Participants must raise a minimum of $2,200 and walk 20 miles each day. Susan G. Komen for the Cure receives 85 percent of net proceeds; 15 percent goes to the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.

Roe says his mother is thrilled that he participates.

“She’s excited. She wants me to take a picture for her since my hair’s pink. I dyed it. I figure, go big or go home, you know?”

Get involved

While it’s too late to walk in this year’s Breast Cancer 3-Day, you can still show your support at several stops throughout the weekend. The public is welcome to join in the following free events.

FRIDAY, Nov. 14

Opening Ceremony

7 a.m. at Freestone Park, 1021 E. Juniper Ave., Gilbert

Cheering Stations

9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Target, 2150 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler

Noon to 4 p.m. at Pueblo Grande complex, 1825 E. Guadalupe Road, Tempe

SATURDAY, Nov. 15

Cheering Stations

 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at De Las Lomas Elementary School, 11820 S. Warner Elliot Loop, Phoenix

 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Joann, Etc., 5021 E. Ray Road, Phoenix

SUNDAY, Nov. 16

Cheering Stations

 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the east side of Mill Ave between Seventh Street and Third Street in Tempe

10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Papago Complex, 1557 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

Closing Ceremony

4:30 p.m. at Scottsdale Stadium, 7408 E. Osborn Road

The Breast Cancer 3-Day takes place in 14 cities nationwide each year. Some interesting facts:

• Approximately 6,100 pounds of pasta are cooked to feed walkers and volunteers over the course of the nationwide walks.

• About 88,200 bananas are eaten during the series of events.

• Approximately 45,000 gallons of sports drinks  are consumed.

• This year’s Arizona Breast Cancer 3-Day walkers include 225 breast cancer survivors and 218 males. Crew members include 35 breast cancer survivors and 83 males.

• There is one walker in the Arizona Breast Cancer 3-Day who will walk in all 14 cities this year.

• There were 2,100 walkers in the 2007 Arizona Breast Cancer 3-Day.

• Those Arizona walkers raised $5.7 million dollars in 2007.

• Nationwide, the 2007 Breast Cancer 3-Day series raised more than $86 million.

• Since it began, the Breast Cancer 3-Day series has raised more than $300 million for breast cancer research, education and community outreach programs.

• The 2009 Arizona Breast Cancer 3-Day will take place Nov. 13-15, 2009. Visit www.the3day.org for registration and schedule information.