Jessica A. took a unique approach to volunteering at the Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day® — wearing her crown as the reigning United States of America’s Mrs. Oklahoma 2026 to draw attention to breast cancer research.
At the 3-Day in November, Jessica volunteered in the tent dedicated to ShareForCures® — a breast cancer research registry by Susan G. Komen, connecting researchers with information from people who have or had breast cancer to close gaps in breast cancer research data to make new discoveries faster.
“I initially found out about the Komen 3-Day about 10 years ago when we first came to San Diego,” explained Jessica, whose husband serves in the U.S. Marine Corps. “Back then, I volunteered and cheered along the route. It was a fantastic experience, so I wanted to be part of it again when we moved back here last year.”
As part of her role, titleholders must participate in community service during their reign, and she saw the 3-Day as an opportunity to do just that.
“My platform typically centers around all things military — supporting veterans, active-duty service members and their families, and finding ways to better serve them,” Jessica explained. “But breast cancer is something that affect so many women and families, and it felt important to use my voice to support that as well.”
Like many, she has seen the impact of breast cancer firsthand.
“My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a mastectomy and reconstruction, and she had a lot of issues with that pre- and post-surgery,” Jessica said. “And my husband’s grandmother had breast cancer I believe three different times.”
In preparation for volunteering at the 3-Day, Jessica took the time to learn about ShareForCures so she could speak confidently and direct potential participants on how to join the registry.
“The crown and sash — it’s a talking point. It gets people to come over and ask, ‘What are you here for?’” Jessica said with a smile. “Whenever I got those questions, I would tell them I was there volunteering for ShareForCures. I am hopeful my volunteer efforts resulted in people signing up for this important program.”
Outside of her volunteer work, Jessica is a research program coordinator supporting the Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence for the Department of Defense. She lives in San Diego with her husband three children.
For more information on joining ShareForCures visit komen.org/shareforcures.
Statements and opinions expressed are that 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.