Kristi’s Story: Metastatic Breast Cancer and the 3-Day

Kristi T. at the 2023 Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day.

When Kristi T. heard about the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®, she was in treatment for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and searching for community. 

“I thought it would be cool to walk with others who were going through a similar situation as I was, or who had a loved one or friend with a similar diagnosis,” she said. 

Diagnosed in 2021 at just 37, Kristi was navigating life as a single mom while undergoing an intense treatment plan that included chemotherapy, monthly injections of pertuzumab and trastuzumab, and targeted therapies for HER2-positive MBC. 

Despite everything her body was going through, Kristi was drawn to the idea of the 3-Day and wanted to be surrounded by others who understood the realities of breast cancer. 

Stepping Into the 3-Day 

Kristi T. was a guest speaker at the 2023 Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day.

Kristi signed up as a solo walker for the 2023 San Diego 3-Day and was asked to share her story as a guest speaker. She said she felt support every step of the way. Kristi joined other participants in Central Oregon for training walks and started building connections before the event. Once she got to San Diego, those connections grew even more. 

“There were teams that I kind of clung to,” Kristi said. “I started out with some of the women from Central Oregon, but as the weekend unfolded, I met so many other amazing people.”   

Initially, the thought of walking 60 miles was intimidating to Kristi, especially while undergoing treatment. She had recently started taking chemotherapy pills that caused pain and sensitivity in her hands and feet. 

But her fears eased after she reached out to her 3-Day coach, who explained that sweep vans, pit stops and medical crews would be available throughout the route.  

 “She told me I didn’t have to walk the full 20 miles a day, and knowing there were options helped calm my nerves a lot,” Kristi said.

Another challenging aspect was the 3-Day fundraising. To help reach her goal, Kristi leaned on creativity. With help from her friends and co-workers, she hosted a Barbie-themed fashion show fundraiser, complete with Barbie and Ken outfits strutting down the runway.  

Kristi T. at her Barbie-themed fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day.

“A lot of people donated, and I felt really lucky to have that support,” she said. 

When the first day of the event arrived, Kristi was up for the challenge. 

On Day 1, adrenaline carried Kristi forward. She said she felt “amped.” By Day 2, exhaustion and foot pain set in, but the 3-Day medical crew stepped in, wrapping her feet and bandaging her toes so she could keep going. 

“They did a great job of taking care of me,” she said.  

On the final stretch of the 3-Day, another surge of adrenaline kicked in. 

“You’re like, ‘Okay, this is the last of it—we’re hitting the finish line,” Kristi said.  “I knew my parents were going to be there; my sister and my son were waiting for me, too.”  

Crossing the finish line was an emotional moment for her.

“Finishing the 3-Day gave me a new appreciation for my body—I felt more confident again,” she said. 

Kristi T. at the 2023 Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day finish line.

Looking Ahead with Hope

Today, Kristi’s cancer has remained stable through daily medication and monthly bone infusions. In April 2025, she got married and said she lives each day with gratitude and optimism. 

“I’ve accepted that I will have breast cancer for the rest of my life,” she said. “But seeing people with MBC who have been living with it for over 20 years is hopeful and empowering.”  

Kristi said she hopes to walk the Boston 3-Day soon with her sister. To read more about Kristi’s story, visit komen.org.

Kristi T. and her family at the 2023 Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day.

Join the 3-Day and Help Us End Breast Cancer

Survivor procession at the 2025 San Diego 3-Day.

Each year, the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® brings together thousands of dedicated people nationwide who are united by one shared goal: help end breast cancer.  

In the months of fundraising leading up the 3-Day, participants help raise critical funds. Since 2003, over 500,000 participants have raised more than $927 million to save lives, expand community programs, improve access to patient care and fuel groundbreaking research, therapies and treatment.  

The impact created by the 3-Day community over the years has been extraordinary, and this year we’re focused on pushing that progress even further. 

Why the 3-Day 

The 3-Day is a powerful journey that spans three unforgettable days where participants walk up to 60 miles. It’s a challenge that reflects personal commitment and collective impact, and it’s unforgettable. Along the 3-Day route, participants receive community support from residents and businesses who line the streets in appreciation. And through each step, participants share stories of survivorship, remembrance and hope for a world without breast cancer.  

Along the route of the 2025 Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day.

For Monica G., a newer participant of the San Diego 3-Day, walking was a way to honor the family members and friends in her life who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. She walked on her own, motivated by her desire to take action in a space that leaves many feeling helpless. 

“I can only imagine what treatment must have been like for them,” Monica shared. “I felt that the least I could do was help raise money to support the breast cancer community and challenge myself to do something meaningful. 

Ways to Participate 

In the upcoming season, Komen 3-Day events will take place in Boston (Aug. 21-23), Dallas/Fort Worth (Oct. 23-25), San Diego (Nov. 13-15) and Tampa Bay (Feb. 19-21, 2027). 

The 3-Day is flexible and inclusive of all fitness levels, with multiple distance options. While many choose the full three days and 60 miles, others choose the 1-Day (20 miles) or 2-Day (40 miles) options. 

The 2025 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day walkers.

From the day you register, participants are supported by a dedicated coach who provides fundraising resources, training guidance and encouragement every step of the way. 

The 3-Day is more than just a series of endurance walks. It’s an experience known to change lives and keep participants coming back year after year. 

The Pink Bubble 

At the heart of the 3-Day is the “Pink Bubble”— the energetic, creative and welcoming community of walkers, crew members and volunteers, who strive to end breast cancer with every step they take. The Pink Bubble is known for its touching pink-clad tributes honoring survivors and loved ones throughout the 3-Day weekends, and for its unwavering support, deep connection and compassion.  It’ something you must experience to truly appreciate.  

The Pink Bubble is a place where strangers become teammates, and by the time you reach the Finish Line, you’ll be moved to do it all over again. 

The 2025 Susan G. Komen Denver 3-Day.

If you’re ready to experience the Pink Bubble, we invite you to register today! We’d love to have you join us at one of our 3-Day events. 

Visit the 3-Day to learn more. 

Jacki P.’s 3-Day Story: 78 and Still Showing Up

Jacki P. at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day.

When Jacki P. was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996, she was terrified. Today, at 78, she is a survivor who—after 20 years of participation—remains deeply committed to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®. 

“Last year, I thought I should hang up my shoes because it’s so hard to raise fundraising dollars at my age,” Jacki said. “But when a former teammate was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, I realized I can’t stop. I need to do more.” 

The Mammogram That Changed Everything 

Jacki’s life changed with a routine mammogram in 1996. Shortly after the exam, she received a phone call from a breast cancer surgeon that changed everything. 

“My thoughts immediately started racing,” Jacki recalled. “Will I see my children grow up? Would I be there to attend their high school graduations and weddings, or hold my grandbabies? I was terrified.”  

At that time, most of what Jacki heard about breast cancer were the “horror stories” about being sick, scarring and pain from treatment. Jacki’s breast cancer was caught early, a fact she credits with saving her life.   

“The lump was deep,” she said. “I never would have found it on my own.” 

Jacki underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy. In August, she celebrated her 29th year of survivorship. 

 

A New Perspective  

Jacki P. celebrating 29 years of breast cancer survivorship.

Surviving breast cancer changed how Jacki viewed life. She became more mindful of her health, more grounded in gratitude for her family and more committed to paying it forward. She said she listens more, helps where she can and still treasures every day. 

“Cancer becomes part of your soul. It never really leaves you,” Jacki said. “Even now, it brings tears to my eyes. There’s always that question in the back of my mind: ‘Will it come back?’”  

Rather than living in fear, Jacki has chosen to keep moving forward with purpose. 

20 Years of the Komen 3-Day 

Jacki first participated in the Komen 3-Day in Arizona in 2005 and later joined Team Las Bombas. In 2021, the team reached the Million Dollar Team milestone. In 2025, Jacki spoke at the Denver 3-Day and achieved her personal lifetime  goal of $50,000. But, she’s not done yet. 

“I’ve walked for 20 years, crewed four times and have met the most incredible people,” she said with a smile. “Although I am 78, I am still in very good condition.” 

Jacki P. at the Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day.

This year, Jacki plans to walk the San Diego 3-Day and crew in Tampa Bay. The support and connection within the 3-Day community are what keep Jacki coming back year after year. 

“There’s still work to do. That’s why I keep walking and crewing,” Jacki said. “That’s why we all keep doing the 3-Day. Until breast cancer is behind us, we’ll keep showing up.”