A 3-Day Journey Inspired by a Mother’s Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Scott S. and his son Lincoln at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day.

When Scott S. was 18, his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now in his 50s, he has spent more than two decades honoring her memory through the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®. Today, he participates alongside his sons, passing down the traditions and purpose that have carried him through his grief.

A Mother’s Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Connie S., who died from metastatic breast cancer, in 2004.

Scott’s mother, Connie, was 49 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in the fall of 1991. She underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy and Scott — who was a freshman in college at the time — remembers how much she endured.

“After some years in remission, her cancer unfortunately came back and it had metastasized,” Scott said. “In the summer of 1997 doctors said she probably had a year or less to live, but she participated in new treatments that were being piloted at that time and lived until early 2004. She was really tough.”

In those extra few years, Connie was able to be a part of some of his family’s most special moments: her oldest daughter’s wedding, Scott’s engagement, his college graduation and her younger daughter’s high school graduation.

Connie’s Kids

The year after Connie died, Scott’s sister, Melissa, signed up for the 3-Day. Scott joined her, and together they formed a team for their mother: Connie’s Kids. What began as a way to honor their mom has grown into a lifelong family tradition.

Scott. S. and his family at the Atlanta 3-Day.

“I decided to be my sister’s walking partner in 2005, and I have been with the 3-Day every year since,” Scott said. “Whether it be walking in Atlanta with my wife, Jessica, volunteering or being a member of the crew.”

As Melissa and Jessica became mothers, Scott shifted from walking to crew in the Twin Cities and San Diego — eventually becoming a 3-Day Youth Corps Leader in Dallas/Fort Worth and San Diego.

Passing the Tradition Forward

This year will be Scott’s fourth leading as a 3-Day Youth Corps leader in San Diego, a role that has become one of the most meaningful ways he keeps his mother’s memory alive.

“I have four boys. My oldest, Porter, is 16. He first came to the 3-Day when he was just three –weeks old,” Scott said. “Now he’s looking forward to switching over to becoming a walker or crew member in a couple of years.”

Scott. S. and his son, Porter, at his first Susan G. Komen 3-Day as a member of the Youth Corps.

When his sons reached the age to join the Youth Corps, Scott began a tradition: each boy’s first year would also be a solo father-son trip. 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.

Scott S. and his sons, Porter and Lincoln, at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day.

Porter joined the San Diego Youth Corps at age 10 and has completed three seasons, including Dallas/Fort Worth. Scott’s second son, Lincoln, has served twice and will return to San Diego this year for his third Youth Corps experience.

Scott’s third son, Miller, completed his first Youth Corps a few years ago and is joining Scott again this year. Hudson, the youngest at 9, is already counting down the days until it’s his turn.

Scott S. and his son, Miller, at the San Diego 3-Day.

Even though none of the boys ever met their grandmother, they know her through photos, stories and the 3-Day traditions they have become a big part of over the years.

“The 3-Day is an emotional connection for me and the boys see that,” Scott said. “It’s a great way for them to see how to be of service in different ways.”

Scott S. and his son, Porter, at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day.

For Scott, the 3-Day is more than an event, it’s the place where he feels close to his mother and where his boys have learned to support others and how to serve with purpose.

“I love the 3-Day because you can let life’s little things go for three days. Everyone who is there is just focused on the mission,” Scott said. “You’re exhausted but energized. I love the camaraderie and being able to connect with my mom.”

Porter and his dad, Scott, at the Komen San Diego 3-Day.

A Mother’s Journey from Breast Cancer to the 3-Day

Cecilia S. at the 3-Day with her family.

It’s been nearly five years since Cecilia S. was diagnosed with breast cancer at 34 while raising two young children. It became a journey that led her to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®.

Now, she is approaching a milestone she has looked forward to since her diagnosis, one that has been defined by strength and hope.

“When they say, ‘you’re a survivor,’ it’s interesting because we have no other choice,” Cecilia said. “But what’s amazing is the connection you form with other women, because without that, breast cancer can feel very isolating.”

The Diagnosis

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cecilia encouraged her sister to get a mammogram after turning 40, despite many delaying preventative care. That same night, Cecilia performed a self-exam.

“I had recently finished breastfeeding, so my breasts were like pancakes. I felt a tiny pebble close to my armpit,” Cecilia said. “So, I went to see my doctor.”

At first, Cecilia thought it might be a clogged milk duct. But after a series of ultrasounds, a mammogram and a biopsy, she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. Genetic testing revealed she had the BRCA1 inherited gene mutation, which led to a pivot in her treatment plan, including a double mastectomy and 16 rounds of chemotherapy in 2022. She underwent reconstruction surgery on her 35th birthday.

Joining the Pink Bubble

Team Steps at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day.

Just a few months after her reconstruction surgery, Cecilia learned one of her colleagues — a 30-year breast cancer survivor — was training for the 3-Day with other co-workers.

“They invited me to train with them and told me they were walking in my name. I went and I was shocked at how easy it was to be around women who understood what I had been though,” Cecilia said. “That’s when I knew I wanted to do the 3-Day, too.”

Although Cecilia had lived in Texas since 2017, she and her husband signed up for the 2022 San Diego 3-Day just months after she completed treatment.

“I’m originally from California. I went to college at UC San Diego and all my family is in California. The 3-Day felt like a great way to bookend my journey,” Cecilia explained. “All of my family and friends who couldn’t be physically with me in Texas had the opportunity to be there to support me.”

Cecilia walked at her own pace during her first 3-Day, and with the encouragement of her husband, her teammates and support of the medical crew for her neuropathy pain, she walked every Komen mile as a first time walker. Despite the challenges, she said she was immediately “hooked” on the Pink Bubble. Since then, Cecilia has walked the 3-Day in Denver, San Diego and Dallas/Fort Worth, and this fall she will complete her sixth 3-Day.

Cecilia and her friends at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day.

The support and strength Cecilia found through the 3-Day inspired her to help other women facing breast cancer feel less alone.

“When I hear about other women diagnosed with breast cancer, I try to support them — even if it’s just a text reminding them, they aren’t alone,” Cecilia said. “I try to encourage friends and fellow breasties to join my 3-Day Team Steps because simply being there can restore hope. Standing alongside 30-and 40-year survivors is a powerful reminder that this journey doesn’t end with a diagnosis — it continues with strength, community and spreading awareness.”

Cecilia and Mary at the Susan G. Komen 3-day.

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

Raising Awareness for Male Breast Cancer at the 3-Day

Jake Messier is living with metastatic breast cancer and is seen at chemotherapy.

Jake M.,54, is preparing to walk his first Susan G. Komen Boston 3-Day® with one goal in mind: to raise awareness that men can get breast cancer, too.

In 2023, Jake discovered a lump in his armpit while putting on deodorant.

“In the moment, I thought it was weird, but I went on with my day,” Jake said. “Guys aren’t taught that when we find a lump, we should tell somebody.”

He didn’t mention it until a routine physical months later.

“My primary care physician listed off about 10 things that it could be and none of them were breast cancer,” Jake recalled. “But I’m thankful he wanted to be ultra sure and sent me for an ultrasound and mammogram, and then that snowballed to a biopsy.”

Jake was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer—but he believes it was likely more advanced.

Jake Messier and his wife are preparing to walk in the Susan G. Komen Boston 3-Day.

“I know I was likely misdiagnosed stage 2 and was actually stage 3,” Jake explained. “Then about a year later when it traveled to my hip, that’s when it metastasized.”

Since then, he has undergone chemotherapy, a mastectomy, two additional surgeries and 10 weeks of radiation therapy. He also recently spent six weeks in a wheelchair after a hip biopsy.

From Diagnosis to Advocacy

Over the last two and a half years, Jake has turned his metastatic breast cancer (MBC) diagnosis into a personal mission.

“Breast cancer is still seen as the pink disease—a woman’s disease,” Jake said. “I’m hoping to try and change that through the advocacy I do and by walking in the Komen 3-Day.”

Through his TikTok account @theguywithstage4breastcancer, Jake shares his story to raise awareness and remind men to listen to their bodies and speak up when something doesn’t seem right.

“If I can make an impact with whatever time I left have,” he said. “I want it to be this: men can get breast cancer.”

Jake Messier takin a selfie at his chemotherapy appointment.

Putting the MEN in KOMEN

That mission is what’s driving Jake to walk in the Boston 3-Day this summer. With his team, Putting the MEN in KOMEN, he hopes to raise $10,000 and bring greater visibility to male breast cancer.

“The Boston 3-Day is a big event,” he said. “If people see me, a man, holding a sign that says men can get breast cancer too, and they remember that—that matters and that is huge.”

To register for the 3-Day, visit the3day.org.

Statements and opinions expressed are those 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.