Sculpting Strength: A Teen’s Tribute to Breast Cancer and the 3-Day

Sidh J. is a member of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Youth Corps.

At just 17, Sidh J. found a unique way to honor the breast cancer community that has been a meaningful part of his life through his experience growing up around the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®: a ceramic sculpture that features a woman’s body, a heart, flowers and a pink ribbon.

“The flowers represent a sort of regrowth and renewal that survivors may feel after everything they have been through,” Sidh explained. “And the ribbon represents the fight people have had against breast cancer. The arms holding the heart is to show that love continues even when someone is no longer here.”

Family Ties to Breast Cancer

The inspiration behind Sidh’s artwork is deeply personal.

From a young age, breast cancer was something he knew about. His grandmother was diagnosed at 39 and died from the disease before Sidh was born. She was just 42.

“My family has always talked about my grandmother,” Sidh said. “She was really strong while she was facing breast cancer, so I knew a lot about it.”

In 2012, Sidh’s mom began participating in the 3-Day, walking 60 miles in memory of her mother. Since then, the 3-Day has played an important role in Sidh’s life. He attended 3-Day events in Philadelphia and New England when his mom walked, and his older sister participated in the Youth Corps. Inspired by those experiences, Sidh joined the 2023 New England 3-Day Youth Corps and continued volunteering in 2024. The Youth Corps is a special group of young volunteers, ages 10 to 16, who support walkers during the 3-Day by offering a helping hand, cheering them on and lifting their spirits every step of the way.

Sidh J. speaking about his family ties to breast cancer at the Susan G. Komen New England 3-Day.

“It felt great to finally be able to make my contribution to the fight against breast cancer,” Sidh said. “I have really appreciated meeting so many people and hearing their stories over the last two years on the Youth Corps.”

Art Inspired by Breast Cancer

Sidh, who is interested in engineering and material science, took his first pottery class in sixth grade. Over time, it became his creative outlet.

“Fundamentally, pottery is kind of material science. The clay that I use, the paints I use to cover it—they all change and determine the final form of the piece,” Sidh explained. “It has been a great way for me to express my feelings.”

Last October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sidh decided to combine two important parts of his life: his passion for pottery and his connection to the 3-Day. The result was his sculpture titled “In Memory Of …” inspired by his grandmother and the many stories of strength he has encountered through the 3-Day.

Sidh J.'s sculpture designed for breast cancer awareness.

“When I was making this piece, I was constantly thinking about the Remembrance Tent and the people who had breast cancer and are no longer with us,” Sidh said. “My piece is to show they are always in our hearts and also to honor those who survived and continue to inspire others.”

Sidh’s sculpture was selected to be exhibited later this month at the 2026 National K-12 Juried Ceramic Exhibition in Michigan, where it will be entered into competition and eligible for awards and scholarships.

Sidh is currently a high school junior in Northern Virginia. He hopes to stay connected to the 3-Day and plans to return in the future as a walker.

Fundraising During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Throughout October, an outpouring of attention is brought to breast cancer, survivors, thrivers, and ongoing research efforts. From media outlets to football games and everything in between, communities are rocking pink in support of the cause all month long. Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings people together with shared stories, pink ribbon campaigns, and community events, making it easier to garner support. While the magnifying glass is on the fight against breast cancer, it’s the ideal time to rally to raise both awareness and funds to create a future free from this disease.

People are more likely to engage in charitable activities and donate when they see others around them participating and notice an emphasis on the cause. To maximize your contributions in the fight against breast cancer, we highly recommend joining the pink wave this fall whether you’re fundraising for the 3-Day in 2024 or 2025.

Start by clearly identifying why you participate in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®. Did you or someone you love battle breast cancer? Has Susan G. Komen had a personal impact on your life? Regardless of your reasoning, clearly communicating why you walk will significantly impact your donors’ contributions. From here, understand how Susan G. Komen uses these dollars and show your donors how their donation could help, the Komen 3-Day’s impact since 2003, and why Komen. Together, this knowledge can help someone finalize their donation to your walk and the breast cancer cause.

Next, choose your fundraising format. Will you be hosting a donation-based workout class on the weekends, or a pink-ribbon bake sale after school hours? Will you utilize social media or dress up in all pink and trick-or-treat for donations? There are countless opportunities to raise money, and, during the month of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, people are more likely to give. Reach out to local companies, as many participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month by donating a portion of sales, providing items for auctions, or sponsoring events. Their involvement can significantly boost your fundraising efforts and increase your visibility. Regardless of how you choose to fundraise, it’s helpful to have a team of close friends or family to share responsibilities with who will support you along the way.

Finally, plan your timeline to ensure your hard work pays off! Begin your outreach and preparation early in the month and host events midway through. Throughout the month, consider offering a small incentive like a wearable pink ribbon or social media shout-out to thank your donors for their contributions. Use a countdown to build a sense of urgency amongst donors and, at the end of the month, individually thank each donor and report on your progress toward your fundraising goal. If not for their contributions, we wouldn’t be able to make the strides we do in the fight against breast cancer.

No matter how many donations you bring in, utilize Breast Cancer Awareness Month to share the impact that breast cancer continues to have on people throughout the world. Encourage your friends and family to get a mammogram, share their personal stories, and spread awareness whenever possible. With advocacy and fundraising, we can end breast cancer together.

The Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Was Incredible!

We wrapped up Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Texas for the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day. From October 27–29, the Pink Bubble gathered in the Lone Star State to walk 60 or 20 miles over the course of three days. Together, 600 walkers and 200 crew members raised a total of $2 million for breast cancer research, community health, patient care and advocacy.

Day 1

3-Dayers traded their cowboy boots for walking shoes as they took on Downtown Dallas! With the sun shining and temperatures high, walkers began at the Opening Ceremony where they were instructed to hydrate whenever they heard the word “Ya’ll,” prompting ample water consumption. A few incredible speeches were made by Kim Hamstead from Bank of America and participants Trish A., and Stacy T. before Brooke K shared the names of those we lost and Kat C. raised the Promise Flag. Feeling touched by the stories from our incredible speakers, the entire room raised their rally ribbons for survivors and thrivers to lead the way out on the route.

Walkers got to experience an abundance of what the city has to offer as they passed through Dealey Plaza, Turtle Creek Park, Oak Lawn Rainbow Road and the AT&T Discovery District. Outfits ranged from t-shirts and cowboy hats to tutus, and one crew member boasted a shark costume at our Under the Sea themed lunch! Cheering stations were packed and full of vigor, with over fifty Bank of America representatives encouraging walkers at pit stop 3 and Expedia holding a variety of fun signs at pit stop 4. Many representatives even brought their children to experience the spirit of the Pink Bubble and the importance of philanthropy.

We met with two incredible walkers, Cameron and Caroline who walk in honor of their mother Rae, a long-time walker who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2017. They each carry one of her shoes with them along the route. We also spoke with David, a first-time walker who said, “I walk for everyone. I’m here to support everyone who’s struggling right now and I want to keep fighting for the cures to breast cancer.”

With temperatures reaching upwards of 90 degrees, walkers made their way into our hotel camp for some air conditioning before a delicious dinner followed by a celebration of the 20^th anniversary of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day! The night commenced with the Bank of America Celebration of Champions, where they awarded our Top Fundraisers, Milestone Award Winner, and Crew Impact Award Winners with donations of up to $500 for their 2024 3-Day fundraising. New this year, Bank of America hosted a raffle where five Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day participants won $250 toward their 2024 fundraising efforts.

Day 2

Would it be a 2023 3-Day if there wasn’t a little bit of rain? Or a lot of rain, in today’s case! After enjoying a delicious breakfast, walkers hopped aboard buses to Fort Worth for Day 2 filled with liquid sunshine. Our Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Ultimate Event Experience winner, Riley W., led the way, accompanied by her dear friend and walking partner, Lyndell W. In the qualifying period, Riley raised over $25,000 in a variety of ways, including singing country music. We were even lucky enough to hear her belt out a tune before heading out on the route!

With ponchos on and taped-up sneakers, walkers triumphed through the route, reminding themselves that “we walk because we must.” Our incredible sweep teams were working hard today as they safely escorted walkers to an indoor lunch. Protected from the elements, they enjoyed a delicious meal while your beloved 3-Day hosts, Cati Diamond Stone and Lori Maris, stayed on-theme with today’s weather as they walked around in snorkeling gear. Back on the route, the Fort Worth Water Gardens were extra lively with the additional supply of water from Mother Nature. Walkers also got to experience Sundance Square, the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, and the Fairmount-Southside Historic District while out and about. In typical 3-Day fashion, spirits were as high as ever, reminding us that not even rain can pop the Pink Bubble.

When returned to camp, walkers were greeted by the Charlie Brown crew from pit stop 2! Everyone soon dried up and enjoyed some mac ?n cheese before our friends from Mohawk took to the stage with a one-of-a-kind 3-Day rap. We welcomed back our last walker and the Youth Corps then kicked off the Honor Ceremony by sharing their reason for participating. Burt L. and Anna B. shared their “why” before the entire room lit candles to line the way to the remembrance room. Enlightened and inspired, participants made their way to bed to rest up for their final day of the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day!

Day 3

Walkers returned to Dallas for their third and final day of the 2023 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day. Though it was chilly, the skies held up and walkers were able to enjoy a mostly dry day! After departing the hotel, walkers were immersed in Texas’ cowboy heritage at the Pioneer Plaza’s Longhorn Cattle Sculptures. They continued their day immersed in Deep Ellum and even witnessed the iconic Giant Eyeball sculpture.

Cheerleaders from the University of Texas at Arlington ruffled their pompoms alongside crew and Youth Corps to support walkers as they completed their 60-mile journey. 600 people crossed the Mohawk Pink Carpet with smiles on their faces to receive their well-deserved victory shirt and medal. They entered the ballroom for the Closing Ceremony, which was adorned with proud loved ones, a photo opportunity from Nature’s Bounty, delicious READY bars, and the beloved Bank of America massage chairs.

Since we don’t celebrate until everyone is home, we welcomed our last walker with cheers and applause that echoed throughout the room. The Closing Ceremony began and we learned that our 600 walkers and 200 crew raised an incredible $2 million to fund breast cancer research and treatment. Together, we raised our shoes to welcome in our survivors and thrivers who make 60 miles seem easy in comparison to their journey.