A Lifelong Vigilance: 3-Day Walker Shares Her Breast Cancer Journey

Julie Staggs has always approached her health with vigilance, knowing that routine mammograms were not just a precaution, but a necessity because of her family’s history with breast cancer. Along with her mother, Julie’s grandmother and aunts have all had the disease. “For me it wasn’t a matter of if, but when,” she said.

Julie’s breast cancer diagnosis came in July 2023 after a routine mammogram. She was told she had stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma. However, a second diagnosis was coming. One tumor was found on the mammogram, while a second tumor was discovered when Julie was in surgery.

“It was shocking when they found it,” Julie said referring to the additional tumor. “It was invasive lobular cancer which is known for not showing up on mammograms.”

Julie received more unusual news when she did genetic testing and learned she was negative for BRCA inherited gene mutations.

“My oncologist was blown away by my genetic testing results. She ordered a comprehensive genetic panel to pinpoint the genetic marker that could indicate the cancer, but there was nothing found,” Julie recalled. “So, it’s not that it’s not a genetic factor, it could be that researchers haven’t found it yet.”

When Julie, a 55-year-old registered nurse, received her breast cancer diagnoses she didn’t panic. Instead, she switched on her nurse brain. “I thought to myself, ‘Okay, let’s do this and I started going through and sorting out all the things I had to do.’”

Julie decided to have a double mastectomy in September 2023 and later had additional surgeries for breast reconstruction. In December 2023 she had a hysterectomy and oophorectomy because her breast cancer was estrogen and progesterone receptor-positive, HER2-negative. “My interest was in removing any kind of estrogen that the cancer could feed off,” Julie said. She is also taking tamoxifen for the next five years to help reduce her chances of a cancer recurrence and deals with the side effects of the medication which include joint and bone pain.

Even as Julie was navigating her treatment plan, she knew she had to take action. So, she signed up and started training for her second time walking 60 miles in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® in San Diego. She participated for the first time in 2007 in support of her mother who was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 30s, and in November 2024, she walked for herself and other loved ones.

Julie said despite what her body was going through, she still needed to walk in the 3-Day to lend her support to others.

“My mother is now 84 and is a breast cancer survivor. But recently a few of my sorority sisters found out they had breast cancer,” Julie said, fighting back tears. “And so really it’s the realization that this is very close to home, and I just need to do something.”

Julie’s 3-Day team, “The Rack Pack,” consisted of six teammates made up of her lifelong friends and sorority sisters some from San Diego, and others who traveled to the event from Alaska and New Mexico. They raised more than $9,000.

Julie credits a good recovery plan from her surgeries for being able to prepare for the 60-mile walk. She urged others to take part in a 3-Day event and said while it may seem daunting, it goes by pretty fast.

“You just take one mile at a time and you’re talking and chatting and looking at the great scenery and before you know it, you’re at mile 20,” she said.

The Komen 3-Day is an annual three-day up to 60-mile fundraising walk to end breast cancer held in Boston, Denver, Dallas and San Diego. Since 2003, participants have raised more than $915 million to support Komen’s work to end breast cancer. Visit www.the3day.org to register or make a donation.

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. 

Join Us for a 3-Day Journey to Help End Breast Cancer

Each year, the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® events bring together thousands of passionate people united by one powerful mission: a world without breast cancer, for this generation and the next. 

Over the course of three unforgettable days, participants walk up to 60 miles, and share stories of remembrance, survival and hope, after months of dedicated fundraising to reach their goals.  

The Komen 3-Day events, held in Denver (Aug. 1-3), New England (Aug. 15-17), Dallas/Fort Worth (Oct.24-26) and San Diego (Nov. 14-16) are more than just walks – they are transformative journeys that begin the moment you register.  

A dedicated coach will guide and support you as your train for your walk, mentor you through your fundraising efforts and keep you motivated every step of the way. The 3-Day is also more inclusive than ever, offering three distance options. While many choose the full three days and 60 miles, others choose the 1-Day (20 miles) or 2-Day (40 miles) options. 

The 3-Day “Pink Bubble” community is made up of walkers, crew members and volunteers, all bonded over the same purpose of ending breast cancer forever. Throughout the event, you’ll have the chance to form lifelong connections and experience powerful moments, like the touching Honor Ceremony. 

The Opening Ceremony sets the stage for the 3-Day. You’ll feel the passion and dedication that fuels our cause, and as you walk, you’ll see beautifully curated pink outfits that tell the stories of survivors and honor loved ones. The Pink Bubble atmosphere is filled with positivity, hope and unwavering support. 

Nikki participated in her first 3-Day in Dallas in 2022 after completing treatment for breast and ovarian cancer and was blown away by the support of the community. “I love the Pink Bubble and all that it means,” she said. “That year, we walked through east Dallas, which is where I live. We walked by the lake where I cried after my diagnosis. We walked past the facility where I was diagnosed with cancer, the hospital where I had my surgery and my oncologist’s office. I finally got to give myself the closure I needed. I walked past all those places that were connected to so much sadness and was able to create a happy memory and celebrate all that I’ve been able to do.” 

It’s an experience you’ll never forget. Along the 3-Day route, you’ll encounter people who’ll make you laugh, cry and motivate you to keep going. By the time you reach the Closing Ceremony, you’ll be overwhelmed with a deep sense of gratitude and hope for the future.  

Since it began in 2003, the Komen 3-Day series has united more than 500,000 participants and raised more than $915 million to support cutting-edge research, improved access to care and advocacy efforts to amplify the voice of the breast cancer community. 

So, are you ready to take the first step? Register today! We’d love to have you join us at one of our 3-Day events. 

Visit the 3-Day to learn more.  

Choosing Your Path: How You’ll Participate in the Komen 3-Day

The  Susan G. Komen 3-Day® is a dedicated community of fundraisers and advocates who take on the challenge of a 60-mile, three-day journey to end breast cancer. Designed for those committed to Komen’s vision of a world without breast cancer, the 3-Day is a tough yet deeply moving and rewarding experience. 

The 2025 3-Day series includes events in Denver (Aug. 1-3), New England (Aug. 15-17), Dallas/Fort Worth (Oct.24-26) and San Diego (Nov. 14-16). The 3-Day is more inclusive than ever, offering three different distance options. While many participants take on the full 60 miles, others opt for one- or two-day alternatives.

Whether you are a 3-Day veteran with multiple events under your belt or a first-time walker like Kimian Benitez, who participated in the San Diego 3-Day solo last fall, there’s a good chance that after walking once, you’ll want to return. 

“I don’t know anyone or have anyone close to me who has gone through breast cancer, but how I think about it is the money I raised and the effort I put in could go toward finding the cure, whether for me, tomorrow, or for someone I know and love,” Kimian shared. 

No matter how far you walk – 20, 40 or all 60 miles – every step and each dollar raised matters. We invite you to join us at the 3-Day. Bring your family, friends and co-workers and walk with us to save lives and end breast cancer. 

The Komen 3-Day series has welcomed more than 500,000 participants since it began in 2003 and raised more than $915 million. Visit the 3-Day to learn more.