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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. 

What is the Pink Bubble?

When you step into the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® you’re immersed in the Pink Bubble, a place where everyone is in this together. For those familiar, simply hearing this term may bring about a plethora of warm feelings; but what is it really? The Pink Bubble is not tangible but is what we call the Komen 3-Day community and the environment at the event. It’s a place where everyone is generous, selfless, and willing to give the shirt off their back to anyone who needs it. It’s a place where strangers become best friends in a matter of minutes and where you can fall to your knees crying, assured that you will be met where you are. The Pink Bubble is something that you can’t quite understand until you’ve experienced it for yourself, but once you do, you will never look back. 

We asked 3-Day® walkers to explain the Pink Bubble to someone who has never experienced it. Here’s what they said: 

“The Pink Bubble is unique. It is a place where everyone is welcome, [and] friends are all around you. You are supported in every step you take or in the steps you cannot take. There is no judgement, only love and support. I have met so many people and made so many friends. [The 3-Day] is a weekend that fills my heart in ways I have never experienced before. It is very emotional yet makes me more determined every year to end breast cancer.” —Laura P. 

“It’s an aura of positivity from an unfortunate [disease] that brought us together. The [Pink Bubble] gives me space to reflect on the journey I’ve been on and the road ahead.” —Sherrylyn R. 

“It’s like a sisterhood of people who want to end breast cancer. [It] seems like everyone knows someone or has fought [breast cancer] themselves and this is a bond among us. I know what it’s like when you’re undergoing or only a few years out of treatment and you come across someone who has made it through to the other side. Now I can be that person to others.” —Elissa R. 

“The Pink Bubble is a combination of your best summer camp experience mixed with your best volunteer/charitable experience combined [with] lots of emotions.” —Robert C.  

“The feelings and emotions that hit you every time you enter the Pink Bubble can be a little overwhelming, especially your first time. Those feelings and emotions and the stories you hear are also incredibly inspiring. You meet people who are walking with cancer, walking for those dear family members and friends who can’t, or are walking with the angels they have gained along the way. There is laughter, hugs, tears and reflection and all that inspires me every time to want to continue to do this again and again.” —Jenn H.  

“The Pink Bubble is hard to describe. You walk into the ballroom and just see the sea of people all there [walking and crewing] to support survivors, thrivers, and [in honor of] family and friends that could not. Everyone has a smile and supportive word, and it is so infectious.” —Debra E.  

“Inspiring. It is such a positive (often funny!) community of people that come together and accept you as you are. I was sad to enter back into the real world after the [3-Day] was over, but I try to carry a little bit of the Pink Bubble with me wherever I go now.” —Jennie S. 

“Ah the Pink Bubble, it’s a unique, special group you get to join and forever be a part of once you start your 3-Day journey. It’s filled with love, hope, tears of joy and tears of sadness but it surrounds you with love. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll have an experience you never imagined having. You will meet new friends and grow closer to those you already know.” —Marla R.  

How would you describe the Pink Bubble? 

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.