Cheering for Komen 3-Day walkers at Idylwood Park

Three signs, all lined up in a row, said it all: “Thank you — For Fighting Today — For a Cure Tomorrow.”

At Idylwood Park last Friday, Cindi Evanger from Port Ludlow and part of her Kindred Spirits group assembled a small pink fence to mark their cheering spot as they waited for Susan G. Komen Seattle 3-Day walkers to stop by on their way to their Marymoor Park digs for the night.

The annual event is a fight against breast cancer — with proceeds benefiting research and community outreach programs — and walkers helped raise more than $1.4 million during their 60-mile journey throughout parts of Seattle. Over the years, Seattle Komen 3-Day events have raised $61 million.

Evanger’s daughter, Theresa, was one of the walkers who cruised through that afternoon and the two embraced by the pink fence.

“(It’s) amazing, I”m so proud, I love it. It’s nice to see her (Cindi) and it’s a great feeling,” said Theresa, who was participating in her fourth Seattle Komen 3-Day.

Cindi is a three-time survivor and has been eight years breast-cancer free. Seven members of her family have had breast cancer.

“Every year is an emotional day,” said Cindi, who has lost three family members to the disease. “We’re grateful for those walking out there and bringing awareness. It’s just a good format to bring everyone together to tell their stories.”

Kim Schmeling and her friend Michelle Berndt both traveled from Wisconsin to take part in the Seattle Komen 3-Day.

As the pair arrived at Idylwood and strolled through a line of cheering supporters — some donning pink tutus and all handing out pink beads — Schmeling and Berndt sported wide smiles.

“It’s been wonderful. (I’m walking for) my mom and my friend, and they’ve survived, so that’s a good thing,” said Schmeling, who was participating in her fourth Komen 3-Day; she chooses a walk in a different city each year. “The camaraderie’s been nice. Nice support in the community, which has been great. We like the cheering stations and the people honking as we’re walking.”

The Seattle Komen 3-Day began Friday morning at Seattle Center and featured a closing ceremony on Sunday back at Seattle Center’s Memorial Stadium.

“With every step, we work towards saying goodbye to breast cancer forever. The amount of dedication and passion our participants have is inspiring, we are so proud and thankful for the entire 3-Day community,” said Carrie Stovall, Susan G. Komen senior director of events, in a press release.