Tag Archives: daughter

A Mother and Her Daughters’ Commitment to Ending Breast Cancer

After being introduced to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® in 2006, Sarah B. was hooked, and her daughters were no different. Katie and Abbey cheered on their mother each time she walked until they joined her for the first time in 2015 and 2018, respectively. Their commitment to this cause runs deep; fueled by the loss of family members to breast cancer, the resilience of survivors within their circle, and the shared struggles of friends and colleagues who have faced this devastating disease.  

Walking together has become one of the most cherished experiences that they share, knowing that with each step, they are making a tangible difference. They hope to leave a lasting impact but have found additional reasons that make the Komen 3-Day so special. “Perhaps the most rewarding aspect is the bond we’re forging and the memories we’re creating along the way. Witnessing the growth in each other, feeling the commitment to the cause deepen within us — it’s truly inspiring. These moments we spend together, creating memories, are priceless,” shared Sarah. “Some of our fondest memories are of dancing and laughing together as we complete the miles, sometimes deliriously walking, skipping, or… arms wrapped around one another, belting out the lyrics to ‘Lean on Me.’”  

Having walked together five times, they find that the exhilaration of cheering on the last walker as they enter camp sends shivers down their spines and brings tears to their eyes. These moments of shared triumph and support are etched in their hearts forever. It is this exact camaraderie and the entire atmosphere of the Pink Bubble that they eagerly anticipate each year. Sarah, Katie, and Abbey will be participating in the 2024 San Diego 3-Day® for the sixth time as a trio. As they prepare themselves mentally, emotionally, and physically for the journey ahead, there is an undeniable sense of excitement building up for each of them. From the anticipation at the Opening Ceremony to the heartfelt emotions of the Closing Ceremony and every mile in between, these days become some of their favorites of the year. 

Their story shares the profound and multifaceted impact of the 3-Day. It’s not just a weekend to do good for others, but an opportunity to deepen connections with those whom you love most. 

A Team of Two: Meet Team Sweet 16

Imagine you’re the mother of a seven-month-old baby. She’s your second child, so you’re familiar with the joy of motherhood—the chubby hands grasping around your pinky, the sweet coos, the late-night awakenings where you’re overcome with exhaustion—but you know that it’s all worth it. You’ve been nursing fine for six months, and then on the seventh month, your daughter suddenly stops nursing out of one breast. You go to the doctor and are told it’s common, just a typical nursing infection like mastitis. You’re given an antibiotic… but it doesn’t get better. You go back in, and by then, the skin on your breast has changed in appearance. You are told you have stage 3 inflammatory breast cancer.

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This is Laurie and Miranda’s story. Laurie is Miranda’s mother, a soft-spoken woman with a bright smile. Laurie has walked the Susan G. Komen 3-Day three times; and while every Komen 3-Day is a special experience, this third time is celebrating her sixteen-year anniversary of survival. “I did a year of chemotherapy and radiation all while she was a baby,” Laurie says, as Miranda stands next to her. “I had a double mastectomy, a hysterectomy… all while she was a baby.”

Miranda wasn’t just in Dallas/Fort Worth cheering her mother on. She was walking for the first time, celebrating her sixteenth birthday with a sixty-mile walk. “My mom is a survivor and I lost my dance teacher to breast cancer. Breast cancer has had a huge impact on my life, and I wanted to do something to help,” she said. “It’s just us two, mom and daughter… and this is why we call this the Sweet 16.”

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Being a teenage walker presents unique challenges. “I’m a junior [in high school], and I have a lot of homework to do and honors classes. It’s tough to be here, but it’s absolutely worth it. It’s a rewarding experience and one that I wanted to have.”

As a three-time walker, Laurie found that fundraising was much easier than she thought it would be. “People want to support you, because breast cancer impacts everyone. Everybody knows somebody,” she said. Laurie and Miranda sewed ribbons and sold them as donations. Donors were invited to write on the ribbons with the names of people they loved who were affected by breast cancer.

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Laurie and Miranda were tired on day two of their walk, but they felt strong in their conviction to walk. “When you’re with this group of people, you don’t feel the pain. It’s nothing like the fight you go through with breast cancer.”

What’s it like to be a sixteen year survivor, walking sixty miles with your sixteen-year-old daughter? “I had a 10% survival rate. I didn’t think I’d be here. It’s incredible to do this with her – so that hopefully, one day, she won’t have to do this with her daughter.”