So what does breast cancer awareness mean anyway? In the past, for me it was changing my profile picture to a pink ribbon, maybe think about running in a 5K to promote breast cancer research and awareness, and mostly sit back and read the stories from others who have lost a loved one or had one fighting this terrible ugliness.
Never thought it would be me. or my mom. or my aunt several years ago.
I think we are all VERY aware about breast cancer. The statistic is now 1 in 8 will be diagnosed or has been. Pretty much every person knows someone who has been touched or is fighting breast cancer. Many have lost the fight, and many are still fighting.
So awareness has taken on a whole new meaning for me. To me it should say “Breast Cancer Action Month.” Let’s not just be aware, but let’s DO.
- Get involved in the life of someone who has fought or is fighting breast cancer.
- Ask them their story.
- Show them how much you love them in a special way. Life has taken on a whole new meaning for them, so celebrate it with them.
- Breast cancer affects the entire family. Ask how the ones who have been affected are doing.
- If you have lost your loved one, honor their memory. Their life lives on through you. What would they be saying today?
- Pay something forward.
Let it be a month of giving love and a lot of it.
I want to use my blog this month to share the stories of ladies who have been affected or dealt with breast cancer. Open up this ‘awareness’ window to show you what cancer can do to a family. It’s not all bad. Breast cancer changes you. Makes you appreciate life. The struggle changes who you are.
(If you want to submit your story, please contact me at randyjenny (at) me.com for more info)