Cliff M. has been an inspiration to many in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® community, leading his team, Cliff’s Crew, in the journey to end breast cancer. His passion and unwavering dedication to the 3-Day began in 2002, after the heartbreaking loss of his dear friend, Betty Lou, to breast cancer. The following year, while watching a TV commercial about the 3-Day in Santa Barbara, Cliff said to his wife, “I want to do this in memory of Betty Lou.” And so, his journey began—and continues to this day.
A 20-Year Legacy of Hope
This year marks Cliff’s Crew’s 20th anniversary of participating in the 3-Day. Since 2005, the team has raised more than $1 million dollars for breast cancer research and is recognized as a Lifetime Fundraising Commitment Team. Their heartfelt motto: “Our journey will end when a cure is found,” reflects their profound commitment to finding a cure.
Cliff’s Crew has become a symbol of hope, inspiring not just strangers, but family and friends alike. Over the years, Cliff has trained more than 100 women and men for the 3-Day and has walked alongside his wife, his son, Brian, his daughter-in-law, and even his two granddaughters.
His granddaughter, Taylor, now 29, was so deeply moved by the 3-Day community that she decided to pursue a career in medical physics. She specializes in childhood cancer survivorship and treatment-related breast cancer risk at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
“We didn’t realize the 3-Day would make such an impact on Taylor’s life choices, but it did, and we are so proud of her,” Cliff said.
The Strength of Family
When you speak to Cliff about his team and his journey, you immediately sense his genuine love, excitement and passion for the Pink Bubble—the unforgettable community surrounding the 3-Day. But Cliff’s story also includes personal hardships too, like many in the 3-Day community.
A few years ago, his beloved wife, Karen, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and Cliff was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Despite these personal trials, Cliff has continued with his family’s quest to end breast cancer.
“We joked about it when she was first diagnosed,” Cliff recalled. “She said to me, ‘Here you are walking for breast cancer since 2002, and you ended up with prostate cancer, and me with pancreatic cancer.’ She fought for a year and a half, then passed away in 2022 with a smile on her face, the same year we would have celebrated our 50th anniversary.”
Before Karen passed away, she had one final wish. “I remember her telling me, ‘Make sure you go down to San Diego,” he said. And two weeks later, he did, continuing the walk she had encouraged him to finish.
Supporting From the Sidelines
At 76, Cliff no longer walks in the 3-Day, but he remains a fixture at the San Diego 3-Day, supporting his team year-round and raising at least the annual minimum of $2,300. Cliff’s Crew is now managed by his son, Brian, and friend, Jana Armendariz.
“I am not as strong as I used to be, but I am still here supporting the team, cheering them on, going to San Diego and raising money not just for a cure for breast cancer, but hopefully for all cancers,” Cliff said.
For Cliff, the 3-Day is not just an event—it’s been a life-changing journey he will always cherish. “When people ask me questions about the 3-Day, I always tell them, ‘Come join me and I promise you it will change your life like it did mine,” Cliff said.
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