'The 3-Day pays you back in so many ways.'

Charles R. Gallagher III, 37St. PetersburgGOAL: To be part of the crew at the Tampa Bay Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure, assisting with the health care needs of the walkers for the fifth year. The primary goal is to ensure that each and every walker we see is fully supported.

WHY I DID IT: Walkers trek 60 miles over three days to raise money and awareness for breast cancer treatment, research and advocacy. Last year the 3-Day raised more than $4 million, all of which stays in the Tampa Bay area. Participants walk 20 miles daily, then camp out until the next day. The event involves approximately 1,800 walkers and a crew of 300. As the event closes, there is not one dry eye.

Crewing the 3-Day was my personal way of making a difference. When I first started it years ago, I thought it would be great to get back to my athletic training/sports medicine roots. As an attorney, I missed working in sports medicine. After working the first year of the event, I realized it was so much more. It's a life-changing experience. Meeting other walkers and crew is amazing and life-affirming.

HOW I DID IT: I'm the sports medicine team captain. Our team preparations begin about 10 months before the walk and include recruiting medical professionals and addressing all of the logistics of such a large-scale event. We treat hundreds of walkers each day, so the advance work is significant.

HURDLES: The event is physically grueling for walkers and crew alike. I've spoken to people who have run a marathon, completed a triathlon and walked the 3-Day, and they all felt that the 3-Day was the toughest, in part because of the short recovery time from day to day. The medical tent is busy from 6 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. We get out of bed at 4 a.m. to tape ankles and treat participants before each day's walk, so fatigue is a big factor. But none of the crew or walkers ever complains. It's truly a labor of love.

GOING THE DISTANCE: The feeling when you walk into the closing ceremonies makes it all worth it. Even though you are working on four or five hours of sleep, you are energized beyond belief. Seeing the walkers come through and that you have helped is so rewarding. The high-fives and thank-yous don't seem appropriate in view of the walkers' real sacrifice. Knowing that many of the walkers are currently battling breast cancer or are survivors really puts things into perspective. You bond with walkers and crew alike, and friendships are made that last throughout the year.

BEST ADVICE: Take a leap of faith and be courageous! Walking 60 miles in three days is crazy, but the 3-Day pays you back in so many ways. I treasure my experiences and look forward to the event each year.