Use These 5 Social Media Tips to Boost Your 3-Day Fundraising

Social media is one of the most powerful tools you can use to support your Susan G. Komen 3-Day® fundraising efforts. From sharing your personal story to posting training updates and fundraising milestones, the content you create has the power to inspire donations and connect others to your journey.

No matter which social media platform you prefer, posting consistently can help keep your supporter engaged every step of the way.

Share Your Story

One of the most impactful things you can post on social media is your personal connection to the 3-Day and breast cancer. Whether you’re a breast cancer survivor, caregiver, supporter, family member or friend, sharing why this cause matters to you can inspire others to donate. Post a favorite photo, create a short video or write a heartfelt caption and explain why you’re participating in the 3-Day and what your fundraising efforts mean to you.

Go Live on Social Media

Going live on social media may sound intimidating, but all you have to do is be yourself to connect with your supporters in real time. Grab your phone, get comfortable and start talking about why the 3-Day is special to you. When people join, you can even ask them to donate on the spot and share your QR code or fundraising link.

Instagram Stories and Reels

Stories and reels are great tools for sharing quick updates. Post frequent updates on your 3-Day fundraising goal, training clips and other moments to keep your audience involved in your journey. You can link to your fundraising page through the features button to direct people to make a donation.

Launch a “Tag & Donate” Campaign

Encourage your followers to donate and tag three friends to do the same. This creates a fun, interactive chain effect that can multiply your reach and fundraising efforts. You can keep it simple with a small, suggested donation amount. This is a good way to help expand your reach. Don’t forget to link to your fundraising page or share your QR code!

Thank Your Donors Publicly

A thank-you can go a long way. Consider posting fundraising updates that recognize and celebrate your donors. Public appreciation helps supporters feel appreciated and can inspire others to join in and donate as well.

Social media has the power to create incredible momentum for your 3-Day fundraising goals. Whether you’re sharing a training update, a fundraising milestone, a throwback photo from your first Pink Bubble experience, every post helps others understand why the 3-Day is so important. You never know who your story might inspire.

The Power Behind Every 3-Day Donation

An embrace at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day

When you donate to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®, you might wonder where your dollars go. With every donation, they embark on a powerful journey, one that brings hope where there is uncertainty, comfort where there is fear and progress where there is urgent need.

Every dollar raised through the 3-Day could become the research breakthrough that leads to lifesaving treatment. From a call to the Patient Care Center at just the right moment to financial help that aids a patient in getting to chemotherapy to advocating for state and federal policy change to ensure all people have affordable access to the care they need – every dollar carries the weight of possibility.

A Mother’s Journey from Breast Cancer to the 3-Day

Cecilia S. at the 3-Day with her family.

It’s been nearly five years since Cecilia S. was diagnosed with breast cancer at 34 while raising two young children. It became a journey that led her to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®.

Now, she is approaching a milestone she has looked forward to since her diagnosis, one that has been defined by strength and hope.

“When they say, ‘you’re a survivor,’ it’s interesting because we have no other choice,” Cecilia said. “But what’s amazing is the connection you form with other women, because without that, breast cancer can feel very isolating.”

The Diagnosis

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cecilia encouraged her sister to get a mammogram after turning 40, despite many delaying preventative care. That same night, Cecilia performed a self-exam.

“I had recently finished breastfeeding, so my breasts were like pancakes. I felt a tiny pebble close to my armpit,” Cecilia said. “So, I went to see my doctor.”

At first, Cecilia thought it might be a clogged milk duct. But after a series of ultrasounds, a mammogram and a biopsy, she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. Genetic testing revealed she had the BRCA1 inherited gene mutation, which led to a pivot in her treatment plan, including a double mastectomy and 16 rounds of chemotherapy in 2022. She underwent reconstruction surgery on her 35th birthday.

Joining the Pink Bubble

Team Steps at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day.

Just a few months after her reconstruction surgery, Cecilia learned one of her colleagues — a 30-year breast cancer survivor — was training for the 3-Day with other co-workers.

“They invited me to train with them and told me they were walking in my name. I went and I was shocked at how easy it was to be around women who understood what I had been though,” Cecilia said. “That’s when I knew I wanted to do the 3-Day, too.”

Although Cecilia had lived in Texas since 2017, she and her husband signed up for the 2022 San Diego 3-Day just months after she completed treatment.

“I’m originally from California. I went to college at UC San Diego and all my family is in California. The 3-Day felt like a great way to bookend my journey,” Cecilia explained. “All of my family and friends who couldn’t be physically with me in Texas had the opportunity to be there to support me.”

Cecilia walked at her own pace during her first 3-Day, and with the encouragement of her husband, her teammates and support of the medical crew for her neuropathy pain, she walked every Komen mile as a first time walker. Despite the challenges, she said she was immediately “hooked” on the Pink Bubble. Since then, Cecilia has walked the 3-Day in Denver, San Diego and Dallas/Fort Worth, and this fall she will complete her sixth 3-Day.

Cecilia and her friends at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day.

The support and strength Cecilia found through the 3-Day inspired her to help other women facing breast cancer feel less alone.

“When I hear about other women diagnosed with breast cancer, I try to support them — even if it’s just a text reminding them, they aren’t alone,” Cecilia said. “I try to encourage friends and fellow breasties to join my 3-Day Team Steps because simply being there can restore hope. Standing alongside 30-and 40-year survivors is a powerful reminder that this journey doesn’t end with a diagnosis — it continues with strength, community and spreading awareness.”

Cecilia and Mary at the Susan G. Komen 3-day.