(Originally posted October 2009)
It's that time of year again: the anniversary of my treatment for breast cancer - THREE YEARS ago! While last year I was moved by all the 'pink' - this year I keep running a statistic through my head: one in eight. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with some form of breast cancer.
So I started to think about the list that I send this annual note to. Who are our 1 in 8s? Among us, we have Breast Cancer Warriors Wendy, Jan, Jean, Stacia, Alice, Ellen's mom Pearl, Jodi's mom Rayna, Jill's mom Bev, Jean's mom Gayle, Erin's mom Pat, Cameron's step-mom Vida, Larry's mom Marcia, and of course my own mother Ruthann. Brave, strong women who faced this disease with beauty and grace and strength.
And while many on my distribution list walk, run and fundraise for this cause, the most important thing that any of us can do is strive for early detection.
If you are a woman - CONDUCT MONTHLY EXAMS, MAKE an appointment to get your MAMS GRAMED, KEEP your appointment, take 3 Advil before and buy yourself a gift after.
If you are a man - ENCOURAGE the women in your life to make and keep their appointments (gifts don't hurt either).
If you happen to be diagnosed, surround yourself with people who love and support you and who can make you laugh. It is a treatable disease.
Early detection saves ta-ta's.