April Pink Bubble Story of the Month: Sherrylyn R.

In 2019, Sherrylyn was 41 years old, her career was at an all-time high, and she and her partner were ready to expand their family. Eager to enter this new chapter of her life, she met with a fertility doctor who advised her to get testing done, including a mammogram. Thinking this was just another routine measure, one mammogram turned into another mammogram which led to a few ultrasounds, and eventually a mammogram biopsy. This resulted in Sherrylyn’s initial diagnosis of ADH deficiency, a hormone that regulates water balance in your body, with associated calcifications on her right breast. Her oncologist suggested an excisional biopsy, but with the holidays quickly approaching, she figured that ADH was nothing to get too worried about and scheduled the outpatient procedure for late January 2020. In the meantime, Sherrylyn’s doctor ordered an MRI for the excisional biopsy, ultimately revealing another growth on her right breast. What she originally thought was non-urgent turned into a diagnosis of stage 0 breast cancer with associated calcifications and ductal carcinoma in situ.

With this new diagnosis, Sherrylyn’s January 2020 surgery for ADH was canceled, and she was instead scheduled to consult a geneticist for genetic testing and a plastic surgeon for reconstruction. The genetic testing was negative for the BRCA gene which frustrated Sherrylyn as she thought it would be easier to decide on a bilateral mastectomy if she had the BRCA gene. With the help of her oncologist, plastic surgeon, and the support from her family Sherrylyn decided on a bilateral mastectomy for peace of mind, and reconstruction to make her feel whole again. With efficiency in mind, Sherrylyn and her oncologist agreed to schedule the surgery for April 2020 before a 10-day vacation with her partner to ensure ample time off for rest and recovery. Though her doctor agreed on her chosen date for the procedure, they insisted she not wait any longer than that. They scheduled her April surgery consisting of a biopsy and lumpectomy on her right breast followed by radiation and an antihormonal endocrine treatment versus a bilateral mastectomy.

We all know what happened in April 2020, as states shut down due to COVID-19. Sherrylyn was assured that her surgery would be performed as scheduled since it was essential, but she didn’t receive any other face-to-face time with her surgeons until the day of procedure. To make matters more complicated, her major surgery would now have to be outpatient to lessen any possible COVID-19 exposure in the hospital while recovering. She felt helpless, secluded, changed and unsure if she had made the right decisions. Some doubts would occasionally arise such as if any of her life choices would have prevented this or if she should have changed her priorities. Throughout recovery, Sherrylyn gained weight and was swollen for quite some time. To combat this, her surgeon suggested that she take more walks to heal faster and lessen swelling. With lockdown measures in full swing, she began walking around the neighborhood one block at a time until she found herself clocking three miles. She would spend this time discovering podcasts, listening to music, and searching for a community of breast cancer survivors. She eventually stumbled upon the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® and decided to commit as a 1-Day Walker in the 2021 San Diego 3-Day.

With her avid walking schedule, Sherrylyn felt prepared and secure that even if she couldn’t do the full 20 miles in one day, she would still make a difference with fundraising and advance her physical progress. At her first Komen 3-Day, she lost one big toenail because of the hills and wrong shoe choice, but she felt revived. This encouraged her to walk all three days in Chicago 2022, but after the second day, she had many blisters and changed some practices along the route for Day 3. So, when a 2-Day Walker option was offered for the 2023 Denver 3-Day, she didn’t think twice. It was the city where her best friends live and since she works on the weekends, it was much more convenient to get two days off instead of three. With three 3-Days under her belt as a 1-Day, 2-Day and 3-Day Walker, Sherrylyn advises everyone to keep walking no matter how long or short each walk is. Know your body and listen to every ache and pain; it is not giving up if you must take a break or ask for help or a ride. As far as fundraising, don’t be shy to just ask people and share why it is important for you. Her favorite way to fundraise is to give people a card with a QR code to her fundraising account and to consistently remember why we raise this money. “Breast cancer has affected many like me. But unlike me not all of them have the financial means, resources or support to beat the disease. I also believe our donations fund organizations that lead change in government policies that affect healthcare and insurance” she shared.

Each year has been a vastly different experience for Sherrylyn. In San Diego, she had a tremendous amount of fun since every street was full of support and her whole family and best friend’s family were there to meet her at the finish line. Chicago was special because of the walk along the lake, seeing Frank Gehry homes, having a walker stalker from her high school in the Philippines, and a couple of friends flew in as well. In Denver, she enjoyed walking through the beautiful neighborhoods and was supported by two of her friends from California who met with two Denver-based friends. Though each event is a different experience, it is the feelings of accomplishment and purpose that bring her back time and time again. It is a time for her to cry, laugh out loud, and reflect on the trials that she has faced brought on by breast cancer. Sherrylyn defines the Pink Bubble as “an aura of positivity from an unfortunate event that brought us together. The experience gives me space to reflect on the journey I’ve been on and the road ahead.”

Sherrylyn looks forward to walking in the 2024 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day with an official team, For the Love of ChiChi.

Cynthia S. Recounts her Battle with Breast Cancer and First Time at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®

By Cynthia S., 3-Day Walker

I had always taken my breast health seriously. On my father’s side of the family my great grandmother, grandmother and great aunt were all diagnosed with breast cancer in their fifties. Mammograms started yearly at age forty for me. I realized the importance of these screenings as I was called back at different times for more images to be taken to ensure all was clear. This was comforting to me as I knew mammograms worked and I was being checked over carefully for anything that could look suspicious.

One year after the extra images were taken it came to be known that I had atypical cells that needed to be removed through surgery as they could potentially turn into cancer cells. I continued to follow through diligently every year with my mammogram hopeful that I would continue to get that letter in the mail that everything looks good and no abnormalities.

In July of 2011, I received a call that I needed to go in for a biopsy. Then after a few days of anxious waiting I was told that I had breast cancer. I still remember the words ringing in my ears as I was listening to my trusted gynecologist on the other end of the line. Soon after that day we were on our family vacation at the lake with our three young daughters and both sets of our parents. My husband and I would go into town each day because of the limited cell service and make several phone calls to make sure I had all the necessary appointments in line for when we returned home. It was not until after we knew exactly what the prognosis was that we explained what was going on to our children.

I was diagnosed with invasive ducal carcinoma of the left breast. My oncologist recommended I get the BRCA gene test urgently because of my family history and having three daughters. He also recommended a new cutting-edge test at that time called Oncotype DX to determine my treatment plan after surgery. In the end those tests suggested the most effective path for my treatment, two surgeries, and a lumpectomy. My treatment plan included six weeks of radiation, oral medication for five years, and six infusion treatments of Zometa for the strengthening of my bones.

During this challenging time, I felt so much support and love from my family, friends, and community. I had a friend tell me, “The good thing that will come out of this difficult experience is the outpouring of those who want to help and be there for you in any way they can.” She continued with, “There will be people you may not even know, but they will come, and your life will be different because of their kindness and encouraging words.”

This past September, I participated in the Susan G. Komen Chicago 3-Day with two of my three daughters, Lauren and Bella. My youngest, Sophia, is still in college and cheered us on as we trained and prepared for the special weekend. I had been wanting to participate in the Komen 3-Day and this seemed to be the perfect opportunity as the stars aligned to join the Pink Bubble for the weekend to raise money, share experiences, and meet new friends and support each other. My middle daughter, Bella, spoke at the event as a co-survivor, which brought tears to my heart. Looking back, you are very scared as an adult, but in a child’s eyes nothing is scarier than the unknown and having a mom with cancer. She and her sister connected with the other co-survivors that weekend which was comforting in so many ways for them.

It’s hard to describe the special weekend in the Pink Bubble as you have so many emotions. You laugh, cry, give hugs and smiles, you learn of other people’s stories and the importance of this community of people coming together for a special cause. My girls and I were honored to be there amongst such strong warriors. As you walk the route you are taken by the hand the hand the whole way by either a car driving by honking [and cheering] “Let’s go!” or several of the volunteers meeting you at each stop dressed in fun pink attire. At times we were even greeted by complete strangers that want to encourage you and give you candy or fun tattoos! We really enjoyed the photo opportunities along the way! Super fun and such a great memory! This is an experience like no other and we are all doing it together for the fight to end breast cancer!

February Pink Bubble Story of the Month – Rob C.

After 20 years working in corporate training, Rob C. ditched the suit and tie for an apron to pursue his passion for culinary arts as a personal chef and business owner. Rob took the plunge to follow his dreams as a mission to live life as his most authentic self, something that radiates through him in everything he does. “I think what makes me [who I am] is that I’m an open book. What you see is what you get. I love to laugh, smile, cook and be in the moment,” shared Rob. Since 2012, he’s brought these infectious qualities to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®, where he has walked and crewed ten times.

Rob was first introduced to the event by a neighbor and teammate, Tiffany S., who he donated to and cheered for along the route. One day, Tiffany asked Rob what inspired him to donate to the Komen 3-Day, and he shared with her that he lost his mom and aunt to breast cancer. At the young age of 19, his mother passed away from the horrific disease, creating a special place in his heart for the cause. Upon learning this, Tiffany asked Rob if he would be interested in joining her team the following year, beginning his Pink Bubble adventure in Chicago in 2012.

Since then, Rob has walked seven times in Chicago, San Diego, and New England, and has crewed three times in Chicago and Twin Cities. Reflecting on his journey with the Pink Bubble, the one memory that stands out is his first Opening Ceremony in 2012. “The emotions I felt… and the strength I saw from walkers that were [walking while actively] fighting cancer sticks with me and motivates me to continue to be a part of the fight.”

This past year in 2023, Rob walked in New England and crewed at pit stop 4 in Chicago. The energy he brought and the joy he emitted were inspiring to everyone who crossed his path. From an elaborate themed pit stop to incredible outfits and befriending everyone, Rob has a unique way of lighting up a room. He truly personifies the Pink Bubble, which he explains to those unfamiliar as “a combination of your best summer camp experiences mixed with your best volunteer/charitable experiences combined with lots of emotions.” For him, the Pink Bubble feels like a family that is unified and dedicated to its mission. That is, the mission to raise money for research, to find the cures and to provide vital assistance for families in their battle against breast cancer. The 3-Day is a lifeline that can make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by the disease.

As the journey continues, Rob is gearing up for the San Diego 3-Day in 2024 where he looks forward to tackling another 60 miles with his teammate Tiffany. “I keep coming back because of the energy that being around the other walkers gives me,” he shared. For anyone new to the 3-Day, he offers the simple yet profound advice which he received when he first began walking—to smile and cry whenever emotions arise, and to talk to someone new. It’s a testament to the impact that the 3-Day experience has on everyone it touches.