As we walk to honor survivors and those who lost their battle to breast cancer during the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, there's a unique story about a symbiotic relationship between a survivor and a group of scientists researching breast cancer treatments. Salk Institute professor, Geoffrey Wahl, PhD, is receiving this year's Susan G Komen Brinker Award that recognizes his work in cancer genetics. “’You are that wise ancestor that Jonas Salk envisioned when creating his iconic institute, you embody that concept,’” said Wahl of letter written by a breast cancer survivor. As Wahl read continues to read the letter he grows emotional. It was written after he announced he would be retiring this year. “To know that you can make that impact on someone,” said Wahl. Wahl's wisdom reflects the late Jonas Salk who Wahl says encouraged him to always think about the person behind the cancer research. That person entered their world of research 11 years ago. Bianca Kennedy is a two-time breast cancer survivor. She was first diagnosed at age 35 and again at age 47. Her sister has beat breast cancer four times. She met Wahl at a breast cancer conference in Orlando in 2011. He invited her into the lab to help researchers better understand their mission. MORE: https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/health/breast-cancer/relationship-between-san-diego-breast-cancer-survivor-and-salk-researchers/509-a613fe37-b31e-4089-abfb-c003a1644a13