Tag Archives: breast cancer diagnosis

How the Youth Corps Led Kim C. to a Career in Ministry

Kim and Jennifer C. at the Komen 3-Day with angel wings on their headbands.

For many participants, the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® is more than just a walk—it’s the start of something bigger. For Kim C., it was the beginning of a lifelong journey dedicated to service.  

“I love working with youth and watching them grow through life,” Kim said. “And a big part of that is because of where I started.” 

Kim’s 3-Day story began in 2012, when she joined the Youth Corps at the age of 12. 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.   

Kim first learned about the Youth Corps from her mother, Jennifer, who attended an informational meeting for the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day and thought the program could be a great opportunity for her daughter.  

Kim at the age of 12 with her mom in her Youth Corps sweater.“She was very shy and unsure of herself at that time,” Jennifer recalled. “But when she started on the Youth Corps, I watched her transformation begin right away.”   

Kim volunteered for three years with the Youth Corps, and it became a defining part of her teenage years.  

“We would go up to the walkers and ask if we could walk with them for a minute,” Kim said. “It was always mid-day, right before lunch. We got to hear their stories and connect with them, and we would encourage them to keep going because at that time of the day they’d usually be exhausted.”  

Kim says those meaningful conversations left a last impression on her, not just because of what she gave but also because of what she received. 

“There is something really powerful about getting outside of your own lived experiences and talking with people who’ve been through different struggles,” she said. “That’s a really formational part of life.” 

Kim and her mom, Jennifer, at the 3-Day in pink hats.

Now 25, Kim has been involved in the 3-Day for more than half her life. In that time, she supported countless walkers and raised over $38,000 to help end breast cancer. 

Today, Kim has dedicated her life to supporting young people. She recently earned a Master of Arts in ministry from Southern Methodist University, graduating summa cum laude. Today, she works full-time as a youth ministry associate at a Texas church, leading mission trips where youth repair houses and serve at food banks. 

“For the past 13 years, I have watched Kim blossom from being a Youth Corps member to a 3-Day walker and now as a Youth Corps leader,” Jennifer said. “With each event she participates in, she grows stronger, more confident and realizes how much she enjoys helping people.”  

Kim and Jennifer’s dedication to the 3-Day is also deeply personal. Kim was named after her mother’s best friend, lovingly known as, “Big Kim,” who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 39 and died when Kim was just 5 months old. 

“Breast cancer has always been close to home for us, and it always will,” Jennifer added. 

This fall, Jennifer will walk in the San Diego 3-Day, while Kim will be leading the Youth Corps in Dallas/Fort Worth. They said they look forward to continuing a shared 3-Day journey they began together more than a decade ago. 

Kim and her mom, Jennifer, at the 3-Day holding hands wearing angel wings.

 

Hydration and Physical Activity Tips for the 3-Day Community

National Hydration Day, observed every June 23, is a timely reminder of just how essential water is for overall health and well-being. For those who are navigating a breast cancer diagnosis, or life after treatment, staying well-hydrated coupled with physical activity is vital in the healing and recovery process.

At the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®, hydration is a top priority for the Pink Bubble community. Walkers are encouraged to drink about 4-5 ounces of fluid per mile, alternating between water and a sports drink to help maintain sodium and electrolyte balance.

Kirstin B., a registered nurse and medical crew volunteer, sees firsthand how dehydration affects participants.

“We often treat walkers for headaches, dizziness and digestion problems. All signs of dehydration,” Kirstin said. “We usually start rehydrating patients at the 3-Day with water or Gatorade, but sometimes IV hydration is needed. It’s critical for participants to be drinking a lot of water while walking during the event and while training.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, staying well-hydrated helps reduce the risk of developing kidney stones, urinary tract infections and constipation, and supports improved digestion, better sleep and energy levels.

So, how much water should you be drinking?

Hydration supports every system in the body, from digestion to blood circulation and brain function.

  • Daily water needs vary based on factors like age, sex, pregnancy status, activity level and breastfeeding status. The CDC recommends speaking with your doctor to determine the right amount for you.
  • You can also boost your hydration with water-rich foods including lettuce, cucumbers, watermelon and celery.

Just as hydration is important, physical activity is a powerful tool for your health. It helps maintain a healthy weight and lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. In the breast cancer space, research shows that women who exercise regularly have a 10%-20% lower risk of breast cancer than women who are inactive. This benefit applies to both premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Research also shows breast cancer survivors who are more had better survival. For example, one study found that physical activity equal to a 30-minute brisk walk several times a week improved survival.

Whether you’re training for the 3-Day or looking to improve your overall wellness, staying hydrated and moving your body are two of the most powerful habits you can do for your health. Start today by setting a daily hydration goal and taking a short walk.

Tips to Stay Hydrated:

  • Drink 64 oz. (8 cups) of water the day before a walk
  • Drink 16 oz. (2 cups) of water before walking
  • Carry a refillable water bottle
  • Add lemon or cucumber slices to flavor your water
  • Choose water over sugary drinks
  • Drink a glass of water before each meal or snack
  • Rehydrate after a walk or exercise with both water and electrolytes
  • Remember you may need to drink more fluids in hot or humid weather

 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. 

 

Letter From a First-Time Walker

Mother of two and Placerville, CA resident Heidi S. has raised money and participated in many breast cancer events since her breast cancer diagnosis 20 years ago. Now, she’s excited to participate in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® and become a part of the wonderful community that is the Pink Bubble. We asked Heidi to tell her story as she embarks on her journey for the 2022 San Diego 3-Day. 

Hello 3-Day Family,  

It has always been about HOPE. Twenty years of hope, in fact. I am so honored and excited to participate in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day ® for the first time!  

This year, November 2022, marks an incredible milestone for me. I will be celebrating 20 years as a breast cancer survivor! I am choosing to participate in the Komen 3-Day to not only celebrate all the memories I have been blessed to make, but to offer hope to those who are currently fighting this disease.  

My story is typical of many other women who share this sisterhood. In 2002, at age 36, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. To say I was shocked is an understatement. I was married not yet 10 years, with two little boys aged 5 and 2, and our world was rocked to the core. Surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and reconstruction became our lives for several years. My only hope was to create as many family memories as I could and live to see my boys grow up. I can’t tell you how blessed I am to report that those little boys are now 25 and 22.   

Over the years, with my husband and boys in tow, I have raised money for several organizations to support the cause, help find the cures, and give back for all the support that was shown to us in our time of need. My best friend and I have walked in other events in several cities over the years, raising funds, and participating for those who cannot. Offering hope through service and shared vision is life changing. There is real strength in numbers! I am beyond excited to experience this with the 3-Day®!  

I have found that raising money for the 3-Day has been pretty easy with the tools we are given. I posted my link on my Facebook page and within a few days had raised $1,700! Reposting this week has bumped me to almost the full $2,300. With several months until the walk, I am certain I will meet and exceed my goal! 

I am looking forward to the Pink Bubble experience for so many reasons. Hearing stories of hope, determination and resilience is always a reminder of why we all do what we do. The energy of the crowd coming together for a common goal, that feeling of accomplishment for walking farther than I ever thought I could walk and sleeping in a pink tent are all things I am so excited for. There is such beauty in shared experience.  

So, from this newbie to the 3-Day family, thank you for welcoming me, encouraging me, and helping me celebrate…life.  

“Once you choose hope, anything is possible.”—Christopher Reeve 

Heidi S.  

Team 20 Years of Hope 

Would you like to join Heidi and thousands of other dedicated men and women who, each year, pour their hearts and souls into taking on an incredible challenge: a 3-day, 60-mile journey? Learn more here.