When Jessica P. participates in the Susan G. Komen Tampa Bay 3-Day® in 2027, she’ll walk with nearly three decades of connection to the Komen community. First as a teenage volunteer and now as a two-time breast cancer survivor. 

A Lifelong Connection to Komen 

Jessica became involved with Susan G. Komen® at just 14 years old while completing community service hours for the National Honor Society. What started as volunteer hours during high school evolved into something that would give her a deep sense of purpose. 

“It was a really empowering place to be when I was young,” Jessica said. “I remember after volunteering at the West Palm Beach Race for the Cure events, my parents would pick me up and I would tell them about all of the inspiring stories I heard.” 

Jessica continued volunteering with Komen in West Palm Beach, Florida, into adulthood. She got married, had a family and continued to participate in annual Komen events through volunteering and walking — often bringing her family along.  

For years, she stayed closely connected to the mission that first inspired her as teenager. 

When the Mission Became Personal 

Then in 2019, the cause she had spent years supporting suddenly became extremely personal when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. 

“I honestly didn’t think it would happen to me. I had a 5-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old daughter whom I immediately had to stop nursing when I was diagnosed,” Jessica said. “It was an added emotional and physical strain that nothing could have prepared me for.” 

Just two years later, in 2021, Jessica was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time. Her treatments included a double mastectomy, reconstruction surgeries, radiation therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy due to surgery complications.  

Finding Strength Through Community 

Even during her most difficult moments, Jessica said she found strength in the women she had encountered within the Komen community over the years. 

“Through volunteering for Komen, I had been around breast cancer for so many years and I saw the survivorship. I saw the women holding the signs that said 20-plus years, 30-plus years,” Jessica said. “So, if they could be strong enough, I knew I could do it, too.” 

Giving Back 

In September, Jessica will celebrate five years of survivorship.  

Today, she continues to show up for Komen as a passionate fundraiser preparing for her first 3-Day. After spending decades hearing stories from participants and survivors, she understands firsthand the impact that every dollar raised can make. 

“After I was diagnosed, it kind of flipped something inside of me,” Jessica said. “My almost 45-year-old self went back to being 14 or 15, remembering those stories and those women. It lit a fire inside me. I knew I had to help.” 

Successful Tips for Fundraising 

As Jessica reflects on the fundraising lessons she’s gathered over the years, her advice for fellow participants is simple but powerful: 

• Reach out to previous donors and always send a personal thank you.  

• Never underestimate the power of Facebook and social media to connect with potential donors and supporters. 

• Add a personal touch and share your story honestly. 

• Don’t be afraid to go out to your community and ask for a donation. 

• Use tools like QR codes to make donating simple and accessible. 

• Remember, every dollar counts. 

Jessica has raised nearly $77,000 through her participation in Komen events. She hopes her story reminds others that every step, every story and every donation has the power to make a lasting impact. 

To learn more about the 3-Day, visit the3day.org.