Tag Archives: Youth Corps

Sculpting Strength: A Teen’s Tribute to Breast Cancer and the 3-Day

Sidh J. is a member of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Youth Corps.

At just 17, Sidh J. found a unique way to honor the breast cancer community that has been a meaningful part of his life through his experience growing up around the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®: a ceramic sculpture that features a woman’s body, a heart, flowers and a pink ribbon. 

“The flowers represent a sort of regrowth and renewal that survivors may feel after everything they have been through,” Sidh explained. “And the ribbon represents the fight people have had against breast cancer. The arms holding the heart is to show that love continues even when someone is no longer here.” 

Family Ties to Breast Cancer 

The inspiration behind Sidh’s artwork is deeply personal. 

From a young age, breast cancer was something he knew about. His grandmother was diagnosed at 39 and died from the disease before Sidh was born. She was just 42.  

“My family has always talked about my grandmother,” Sidh said. “She was really strong while she was facing breast cancer, so I knew a lot about it.” 

In 2012, Sidh’s mom began participating in the 3-Day, walking 60 miles in memory of her mother. Since then, the 3-Day has played an important role in Sidh’s life. He attended 3-Day events in Philadelphia and New England when his mom walked, and his older sister participated in the Youth Corps. Inspired by those experiences, Sidh joined the 2023 New England 3-Day Youth Corps and continued volunteering in 2024.  

Sidh J. speaking about his family ties to breast cancer at the Susan G. Komen New England 3-Day.

“It felt great to finally be able to make my contribution to the fight against breast cancer,” Sidh said. “I have really appreciated meeting so many people and hearing their stories over the last two years on the Youth Corps.” 

Art Inspired by Breast Cancer 

Sidh, who is interested in engineering and material science, took his first pottery class in sixth grade. Over time, it became his creative outlet. 

“Fundamentally, pottery is kind of material science. The clay that I use, the paints I use to cover it—they all change and determine the final form of the piece,” Sidh explained. “It has been a great way for me to express my feelings.” 

Last October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sidh decided to combine two important parts of his life: his passion for pottery and his connection to the 3-Day. The result was his sculpture titled “In Memory Of …” inspired by his grandmother and the many stories of strength he has encountered through the 3-Day.  

Sidh J.'s sculpture designed for breast cancer awareness.

“When I was making this piece, I was constantly thinking about the Remembrance Tent and the people who had breast cancer and are no longer with us,” Sidh said. “My piece is to show they are always in our hearts and also to honor those who survived and continue to inspire others.” 

Sidh’s sculpture was selected to be exhibited later this month at the 2026 National K-12 Juried Ceramic Exhibition in Michigan, where it will be entered into competition and eligible for awards and scholarships.  

Sidh is currently a high school junior in Northern Virginia. He hopes to stay connected to the 3-Day and plans to return in the future as a walker.  

New England Crew Impact Award Winner: Ali P. 

Meet Ali P., our 2024 New England Crew Impact Award Winner!    

Since her first Susan G. Komen 3-Day® 16 years ago as a member of the Youth Corps, Ali has participated 18 times and has raised a lifetime total of nearly $14,000. To this day, she plays an imperative role in keeping the program afloat and thriving. 

“Ali has always embodied the Komen 3-Day to me. She is an incredibly dedicated leader, teacher, and, most importantly, friend. If it weren’t for her hard work, organization, and advocacy, the Youth Corps would not look like it does. As one of the founding members of the Youth Corps when she was a young girl herself, to the repeat leader she has become, Ali has always made sure the Youth Corps mission is a success.” —Bailey M.  

What was your inspiration to do your first 3-Day®?  

My mom had walked the 3-Day for years with her sister, Rose, who was battling breast cancer. At the time, I was very young, but I got to see my mom and aunt at camp (back when camp was outside, moved each night, and was open to friends and family), and at the Closing Ceremony; I immediately knew I wanted to get involved and support the cause. A few years later, the Youth Corps started here in Boston, and I jumped at the chance to join the team. It was one of the best experiences ever, and one that I will never forget. 

What has brought you back to the 3-Day year after year?   

The 3-Day is an amazing event that supports an extremely important cause that is near and dear to my heart. While I initially joined the 3-Day to support my aunt Rose’s battle and triumph over breast cancer, after my first event in New England 2006, I was hooked. I made so many new friends that quickly became family to me, and I looked forward to joining forces with them each year in the fight against breast cancer.  

However, in 2012 my world was rocked, reminding me how cruel this disease is when my grandmother Rosemarie, my mom Cathy, and my Aunt Joanne were all diagnosed with breast cancer. Within a six-month span, three more women on my mom’s side of the family had breast cancer. It was then that I vowed to participate in the 3-Day until we find the cures and there is no need for the walk anymore. 

What is your favorite aspect of crewing the 3-Day?   

My favorite aspect of crewing the 3-Day is the Youth Corps. Maybe I’m biased because I was a member as a kid and have been a Youth Corps leader 12 times, but seeing the smile they bring to walkers is special. Outside of the Youth Corps, it’s being able to help and support others on event. I know firsthand that walking 60 miles is no easy feat, so being there for others in any way I can is extremely rewarding. 

What is your best advice to anyone crewing the 3-Day?    

Talk to everyone, and I mean everyone! Listen to their stories, share yours, make new friends. Smile at someone, say hi, give them a high five — even the smallest actions make a world of difference. And most importantly, enjoy every moment and have fun! Don’t get too caught up in your task that you forget why you are there. 

What’s a fun fact about you?  

I have run eight marathons, six in the United States, one in London, one in Germany, and have individually raised over $50,000 while doing so. My goal is to complete all of the world’s major marathons, and I am only one marathon away from doing so. 

Youth Corps Fundraising Ideas!

Fun, creative, inclusive, forward-thinking, altruistic; Youth Corps, we’re talking about you!  

You are an integral part of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®, bringing fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and an unmatched enthusiasm for making a difference. Whether this is your first Komen 3-Day as Youth Corps or you’re a returning veteran, we need your help to continue the fight against breast cancer. With your innovation and determination to leave a positive mark on this world, we’re confident that the cures for breast cancer are just around the corner. Not only does your fundraising collect money for research and patient care, but it puts you in the powerful position to influence your peers. Remember, it is going to take all of us to end this disease and we need your help! 

If you don’t know where to begin, take a deep breath and remember that you’re already changing lives just by showing up! So, let’s have some fun with fundraising and turn anything you love into an opportunity to raise money and advocate for the breast cancer cause. Unlike previous generations, you thrive in the digital world having grown up with the internet and social media as everyday essentials. As you continue your fundraising for the 3-Day®, why not use these skills to go beyond the boundaries?  

Here are some fun ideas to get you inspired!

HARNESS THE POWER OF POP CULTURE — From Taylor Swift to Naruto, the opportunities are endless! Get in your fundraising era by making and selling friendship bracelets. Host an anime viewing party or a trivia night where everyone brings a donation. Get creative and have fun with it! 

UTILIZE SOCIAL MEDIA — TikTok; ever heard of it? With your parents’ permission, share why you’re participating in the 3-Day and ask for donations. You can also do a challenge, where for every $10 raised, you learn a new dance or eat a bite of an onion. Want to kick it up a notch? Go to the mall with a parent or guardian and ask them to record while you share your story and ask people to donate. At the end of the video, share how much you raised and how much more you need to raise until you reach your goal!  

INCORPORATE SPORTS — If you’re on a sports team, this is the perfect place for a fundraiser with assistance from your coaches and parents! At your next game or meet, host a “pink out” where the proceeds from tickets and concessions go to your 3-Day fundraising account. Advertise with pink flyers that contain a brief statement speaking to your participation in the 3-Day Youth Corps. Maybe your team can wear a pink accessory in solidarity with the breast cancer cause.  

COLLABORATE WITH SCHOOL ORGANIZATIONS — There are so many organizations throughout every school district that are always looking to contribute to a good cause. Many organizations such as musical theater and the PTA already host events, so ask to hold a concession stand or raffle entirely for 3-Day donations. You’ll be surprised by how many people will want to help! 

SHOWCASE YOUR TALENTS — If you’re an artist, dancer, or have another special skill, use it! Sell crafts at a farmers’ market or host a paint party with friends, partner with your dance studio to hold a special donation-based class, or anything else that showcases your talents.  

Regardless of how you choose to fundraise, remember that every dollar makes a difference. You are unstoppable and by putting yourself out there to ask for donations, you’re helping to create a world that is free from breast cancer. We can’t wait to see you rock yellow in the Pink Bubble!