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.

Kristi’s Story: Metastatic Breast Cancer and the 3-Day

Kristi T. at the 2023 Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day.

When Kristi T. heard about the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®, she was in treatment for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and searching for community.

“I thought it would be cool to walk with others who were going through a similar situation as I was, or who had a loved one or friend with a similar diagnosis,” she said.

Diagnosed in 2021 at just 37, Kristi was navigating life as a single mom while undergoing an intense treatment plan that included chemotherapy, monthly injections of pertuzumab and trastuzumab, and targeted therapies for HER2-positive MBC.

Despite everything her body was going through, Kristi was drawn to the idea of the 3-Day and wanted to be surrounded by others who understood the realities of breast cancer.

Stepping Into the 3-Day

Kristi T. was a guest speaker at the 2023 Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day.

Kristi signed up as a solo walker for the 2023 San Diego 3-Day and was asked to share her story as a guest speaker. She said she felt support every step of the way. Kristi joined other participants in Central Oregon for training walks and started building connections before the event. Once she got to San Diego, those connections grew even more.

“There were teams that I kind of clung to,” Kristi said. “I started out with some of the women from Central Oregon, but as the weekend unfolded, I met so many other amazing people.”

Initially, the thought of walking 60 miles was intimidating to Kristi, especially while undergoing treatment. She had recently started taking chemotherapy pills that caused pain and sensitivity in her hands and feet.

But her fears eased after she reached out to her 3-Day coach, who explained that sweep vans, pit stops and medical crews would be available throughout the route.

“She told me I didn’t have to walk the full 20 miles a day, and knowing there were options helped calm my nerves a lot,” Kristi said.

Another challenging aspect was the 3-Day fundraising. To help reach her goal, Kristi leaned on creativity. With help from her friends and co-workers, she hosted a Barbie-themed fashion show fundraiser, complete with Barbie and Ken outfits strutting down the runway.

Kristi T. at her Barbie-themed fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day.

“A lot of people donated, and I felt really lucky to have that support,” she said.

When the first day of the event arrived, Kristi was up for the challenge.

On Day 1, adrenaline carried Kristi forward. She said she felt “amped.” By Day 2, exhaustion and foot pain set in, but the 3-Day medical crew stepped in, wrapping her feet and bandaging her toes so she could keep going.

“They did a great job of taking care of me,” she said.

On the final stretch of the 3-Day, another surge of adrenaline kicked in.

“You’re like, ‘Okay, this is the last of it—we’re hitting the finish line,” Kristi said. “I knew my parents were going to be there; my sister and my son were waiting for me, too.”

Crossing the finish line was an emotional moment for her.

“Finishing the 3-Day gave me a new appreciation for my body—I felt more confident again,” she said.

Kristi T. at the 2023 Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day finish line.

Looking Ahead with Hope

Today, Kristi’s cancer has remained stable through daily medication and monthly bone infusions. In April 2025, she got married and said she lives each day with gratitude and optimism.

“I’ve accepted that I will have breast cancer for the rest of my life,” she said. “But seeing people with MBC who have been living with it for over 20 years is hopeful and empowering.”

Kristi said she hopes to walk the Boston 3-Day soon with her sister. To read more about Kristi’s story, visit komen.org.

Kristi T. and her family at the 2023 Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day.