Nicole with her husband and sons at the San Diego 3-Day in 2024.

In 2009, Nicole S. walked in her first Susan G. Komen 3-Day® with her mom and sorority sisters in San Diego, unaware of how deeply breast cancer would one day affect her life. By 2024, she was walking again—this time as a two-year breast cancer survivor. 

“Both 3-Day walks were meaningful, but being a survivor this time around made it extra special and emotional,” Nicole said. 

In 2022, Nicole was a mom to two little boys and a busy orthodontist when she noticed a change in her left breast around the time she stopped breastfeeding her youngest. Her husband urged her to reach out to her doctor, and things moved fast. After an ultrasound and diagnostic mammogram, Nicole was diagnosed with stage 3, HER2-positive, hormone receptor-negative invasive ductal carcinoma with a subcategory of inflammatory breast cancer.

During one of her chemotherapy sessions, Nicole texted her mom and friend: “When I beat this disease, I want to walk a 3-Day with you guys again.” And they held her to it. 

Nicole’s treatment was intense—six rounds of chemotherapy every three weeks, a non-nipple-sparing double mastectomy, axillary lymph node dissection and 33 rounds of radiation therapy. Through it all, she stayed determined. 

Nicole and her team, Breasties Against Breast Cancer, in San Diego at the 2024 3-Day.

In November 2024, Nicole completed her second San Diego 3-Day with her mom and seven friends. “My favorite part of the 3-Day was walking alongside the women who prayed and supported me throughout my treatment,” Nicole said. “And the support from the San Diego community is unmatched.” 

This year, Nicole said her team, “Breasties Against Breast Cancer,” will return bigger and stronger than ever. 

Nicole and her parents at the San Diego 3-Day in 2024.

Visit the 3-Day to register and learn more. 

Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their health care provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.