Every walker has their own reason for taking on the challenge of the up-to-60-mile journey of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day^®.  

For longtime participant Sheryl M., her reason for walking the 3-Day 17 times has evolved over the years. Her first walk — the 2005 Philadelphia 3-Day — was in memory of her mother, Sandee. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at 35 and died at the age of 46. 

“I was 18, my brother 16 and my sister 14. My mom was athletic, strong and energetic. She was the loudest person cheering at our sporting events,” Sheryl said. “She was also stubborn and determined. So much so that she convinced my father that we were not to know she had cancer. And we didn’t. Not until about a year before she passed away.”  

Walking the 3-Day became a way for Sheryl to honor her mother’s memory and share her story. She created Team Sandee’s Walkers and said the Pink Bubble is a big part of her family’s life.

“My kids, Braedon and Genevieve, have grown up on cheering routes. When he turned 18, Braedon joined me as a walker and Genevieve completed two years on the 3-Day Youth Corps. Next year will be her first time walking,” Sheryl said.

Her husband, Brian, has walked seven times and also cheers along the route.

And over time, another chapter was added to her “why.”

A Bittersweet Boston 3-Day 

At this year’s Boston 3-Day, Sheryl shared her story onstage at the Honor Ceremony. She spoke about how she and her son walked last year for their friend, Irene, who was facing breast cancer at the time. 

“She had a tenacious spirit and a relentless optimism,” Sheryl said. “Last year we FaceTimed her during lunch on Day 2. She radiated joy and simply looked beautiful.”  

It was a special 3-Day and a bittersweet moment she will always remember. 

Just 15 days after the event, Irene suddenly passed away following an unexpected turn in her health. The loss was heartbreaking.  

3-Day Inspiration 

For Sheryl, the reasons for continuing in the 3-Day community have only continued to grow. 

While she always walks to honor her mother and remember friends like Irene, teaching her kids has also become a source of inspiration. 

“I also walk so my kids hear stories of hope, love and resilience and meet people who inspire them,” she said.  “The 3-Day has truly become a very special part of our lives.”

Through the 3-Day community, Sheryl said she has also found a powerful reminder of the good in the world and the impact people can make when they come together:  “My father always says, ‘Every day is a gift,’ and he’s right.'”  

To learn more about the 3-Day, visit the3day.org.