Meet Sharon R., a passionate advocate for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day. What started as a simple act of volunteerism in 2011 has turned into a deep-seated commitment to making a difference in the fight against breast cancer. With an impressive track record of 18 Komen 3-Day events under her belt and two more already on the horizon, Sharon’s commitment to the 3-Day is fueled by her dream of no one having to lose a loved one to this disease ever again. 

What is your connection to breast cancer? 

My connection to breast cancer started with someone I met who was an advocate at a local hospital and we started talking about it. I never realized how many people this disease affected, so I knew I had to be involved in any way I could. 

When did you first get involved in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day? 

The first time I got involved with the 3-Day was when I was volunteering for the local Komen affiliate in Dallas and was asked to help volunteer at the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day. WOW! I had no idea what I was in for. I started helping at 3-Day Main Street, sorting mail and legacy pins. The amount of mail people sent to the walkers and crew was overwhelming; so many people supported their friends and family on their journey. I met many great people and heard many moving stories. On Sunday of that event, we went to Fair Park to help hand out victory shirts and flowers to the survivors as they crossed the finish line. Another WOW! I was not prepared for all the emotions I felt that day. I felt happy to see everyone complete their journey, sad that the event was ending, heartwarming to hear more stories. I was hooked and signed up to crew for the following year, and so my journey began and continues on to this day.   

How many Susan G. Komen 3-Day events have you participated in? What cities are you participating in this year?  

Since my first event volunteering in 2011 to present day, I have participated in 18 3-Day events. I have gone to Dallas/Fort Worth, Michigan, Boston and Chicago. I have done multiple cities in the same year. This year I signed up for Chicago and Dallas/Fort Worth. 

Why do you think raising money for this cause is important? 

Without funding we cannot research and help find the cures for this disease. Fundraising also brings awareness to people who may not otherwise know where the money goes.  

Why are you so passionate about wanting to put an end to breast cancer? 

I am tired of hearing about friends and family passing from breast cancer. I am tired of seeing the suffering of those going through it and how it affects their family and friends. I am tired of children not knowing what it’s like to have a healthy mom or dad. I am just tired and heartbroken at the loss of life.  

What would you say to someone who is on the fence about registering for the 3-Day? 

It is so hard to put our Pink Bubble into words without experiencing it. Being with thousands of people all there for the same reason is an extraordinary experience that is addicting. You must be a part of it to totally get it! Just try it and you will see what I mean.  

Anything else you’d like to add? 

The friendships I have made through the 3-Day are life changing and could not have been possible if I had not become a part of this great fight. It saddens me for those we have lost, but I am grateful to have known them and called them family. 

Read our other Pink Bubble Story of the Month features on the 3-Day Blog here.