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.

For the Love of Music and the 3-Day

Alyssa S. on stage at her percussion recital to benefit the 3-Day.

For nearly 20 years, Alyssa S. has been a part of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®. community.

Her commitment began when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004.

“I would research her medications and side effects while she was going through her treatment, and I kept getting pop-up ads for the 3-Day,” Alyssa said. “I finally registered in 2007. At the time, I didn’t realize the 3-Day was something participants keep doing year after year.”

But that’s exactly what happened.

Alyssa’s first 3-Day event was in Chicago in 2007. Since then, she has completed more than 30 events in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Boston and San Diego.

Today, her mother is living with metastatic breast cancer, a diagnosis she received in 2021.

Alyssa S. and her mom who is living with metastatic breast cancer.

“There are always more reasons to keep going. You hear about more people that have been diagnosed. Everywhere you look, there’s another reason,” Alyssa said. “And there are also personal stories from people whose lives were impacted by the programs supported by the money we’ve raised, and that reminds me why I keep coming back.”

Making Music to Raise Funds

To support her 3-Day fundraising efforts, Alyssa turned to her passion for music.

A percussionist since fifth grade, Alyssa has spent much of her life studying, performing and teaching music. She earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in music. When she started the 3-Day, she was a teacher at a community arts school in Flint, Michigan, and she thought of an idea.

“I was trying to figure out the fundraising, and I thought about doing a recital,” Alyssa said. “I quickly put one together right before that first walk, and it became an annual thing.”

Alyssa S. and her parents at her percussion recital to benefit the 3-Day.

Nearly two decades later, she’s still hosting the annual recital every year.

Alyssa invites the community to enjoy a complimentary evening of music while supporting the 3-Day. During the reception, she collects donations for the 3-Day from anyone who is interested in supporting the event. She performs on the marimba and is joined on stage by fellow musicians.

“Year after year, I have found pretty amazing people who have wanted to continue to support the cause and support me,” Alyssa said. “People usually will ask me, ‘When are you starting your 3-Day fundraising?’ because they want to be involved in that way. It’s incredible.”

Alyssa S. on stage at her percussion recital playing the marimba.

In 2017, Alyssa received the Twin Cities 3-Day Milestone Award. She is also a member of the Lifetime Commitment Circle and has raised more than $122,000 for Komen.

For those just beginning their 3-Day fundraising journey, Alyssa has one piece of advice.

“You just have to ask,” she said. “You never know who will come forward to support you, because breast cancer has impacted the lives of so many people.”

Alyssa S. at the 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.