Sierra B.’s connection to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® began long before she was old enough to walk the route. Inspired by her mother, Janice, who became a dedicated participant after supporting a great aunt and a close friend who had breast cancer, Sierra grew up watching the 3-Day impact lives.

“In the Pink Bubble, you meet people who change your life and your perspective on how valuable life is,” said Sierra, now 24.

In 2007, breast cancer struck close to home. Sierra’s grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer and passed away in 2012 after being re-diagnosed. Sierra’s other grandmother died in 2022 from breast cancer. At the time of her first grandmother’s diagnosis, Sierra was only 11 and not old enough to walk the 3-Day, so she joined the Seattle 3-Day Youth Corps instead. The Youth Corps is a select group of young volunteers, aged 10 to 16, who support walkers during the event. She called it an “eye-opening” experience that led to lasting friendships.

“A lot of the other kids had lost grandmothers, aunts and even their moms who had either fought breast cancer or who died from it,” Sierra said. “Youth Corps showed me I wasn’t alone.”

When she turned 15, Sierra began walking the 3-Day with her mom and the Babes 4 Boobs Atlanta Gang. Since then, she’s walked in the Twin Cities, San Diego, Atlanta and Denver. The team has raised $253,961 for the 3-Day and has found success with different fundraisers. In the summer the team hosts a very successful golf tournament. In the fall they put together a corn hole tournament. They also organize a Super Bowl-themed fundraiser. One year, Sierra made and sold chocolate-covered strawberries for Valentine’s Day, raising over $800.

Now with even more close family members and friends getting diagnosed with breast cancer within the last two years, Sierra says her commitment to the 3-Day is stronger than ever. Sierra began recruiting friends in 2023; now two of her best friends walk with her in the 3-Day each year. Aside from the fundraising, Sierra said she values the challenge of the 3-Day and the sense of accomplishment.

“You cross that finish line after walking 60 miles and you think, ‘I really just did that.’” she said. “I could do anything.”

Visit the 3-Day today to register for the final Denver 3-Day!