When Scott S. was 18, his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now in his 50s, he has spent more than two decades honoring her memory through the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®. Today, he participates alongside his sons, passing down the traditions and purpose that have carried him through his grief.
A Mother’s Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Scott’s mother, Connie, was 49 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in the fall of 1991. She underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy and Scott — who was a freshman in college at the time — remembers how much she endured.
“After some years in remission, her cancer unfortunately came back and it had metastasized,” Scott said. “In the summer of 1997 doctors said she probably had a year or less to live, but she participated in new treatments that were being piloted at that time and lived until early 2004. She was really tough.”
In those extra few years, Connie was able to be a part of some of his family’s most special moments: her oldest daughter’s wedding, Scott’s engagement, his college graduation and her younger daughter’s high school graduation.
Connie’s Kids
The year after Connie died, Scott’s sister, Melissa, signed up for the 3-Day. Scott joined her, and together they formed a team for their mother: Connie’s Kids. What began as a way to honor their mom has grown into a lifelong family tradition.
“I decided to be my sister’s walking partner in 2005, and I have been with the 3-Day every year since,” Scott said. “Whether it be walking in Atlanta with my wife, Jessica, volunteering or being a member of the crew.”
As Melissa and Jessica became mothers, Scott shifted from walking to crew in the Twin Cities and San Diego — eventually becoming a 3-Day Youth Corps Leader in Dallas/Fort Worth and San Diego.
Passing the Tradition Forward
This year will be Scott’s fourth leading as a 3-Day Youth Corps leader in San Diego, a role that has become one of the most meaningful ways he keeps his mother’s memory alive.
“I have four boys. My oldest, Porter, is 16. He first came to the 3-Day when he was just three –weeks old,” Scott said. “Now he’s looking forward to switching over to becoming a walker or crew member in a couple of years.”
When his sons reached the age to join the Youth Corps, Scott began a tradition: each boy’s first year would also be a solo father-son trip. The Youth Corps is a special group of young volunteers, ages 10 to 16, who support walkers during the 3-Day by offering a helping hand, cheering them on and lifting their spirits every step of the way.
Porter joined the San Diego Youth Corps at age 10 and has completed three seasons, including Dallas/Fort Worth. Scott’s second son, Lincoln, has served twice and will return to San Diego this year for his third Youth Corps experience.
Scott’s third son, Miller, completed his first Youth Corps a few years ago and is joining Scott again this year. Hudson, the youngest at 9, is already counting down the days until it’s his turn.
Even though none of the boys ever met their grandmother, they know her through photos, stories and the 3-Day traditions they have become a big part of over the years.
“The 3-Day is an emotional connection for me and the boys see that,” Scott said. “It’s a great way for them to see how to be of service in different ways.”
For Scott, the 3-Day is more than an event, it’s the place where he feels close to his mother and where his boys have learned to support others and how to serve with purpose.
“I love the 3-Day because you can let life’s little things go for three days. Everyone who is there is just focused on the mission,” Scott said. “You’re exhausted but energized. I love the camaraderie and being able to connect with my mom.”
