It\u2019s that time of year again. Pinktober. It is a time where we are bombarded with pink so that we are \u201caware” of breast cancer.<\/p>\n
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Is there really anyone at this point who is not aware of breast cancer?<\/p>\n
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For those of us who have experienced it,\u00a0 it is very personal.\u00a0 We are not just those who have battled this disease, we are the family, friends, and caregivers who know how earth-shattering this experience is.\u00a0 It is not about the pink, not about the faceless masses who disappear in and out of infusion centers, it’s not about all the pink garbage that will be marketed this month where a few paltry cents will be donated to a vague purpose.\u00a0 It is about individuals with lives, families, careers, hopes, and dreams.\u00a0 We have names and faces and people who love us.\u00a0 We are not mass-marketing tools.<\/p>\n
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Which brings me back to this October.\u00a0 This year I want to escape the large, corporate walks and fund-raisers.\u00a0 I want to focus on the most important breast cancer warrior that I have ever known.\u00a0 My mom was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer back in a time when treatments were still archaic, and those who knew her only spoke of breast cancer in hushed tones.\u00a0 It was too late.\u00a0 She died in 1976, when I was only six years old.<\/p>\n
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I have cried, I have tried to forget,\u00a0 I’ve avoided talking about her to my family, who I know struggled with her death even worse than I have.\u00a0 Mom has inspired me to spread as much education and support about this demon disease that I can.\u00a0 I want those who are diagnosed to have every tool, treatment, and hack available at their disposal.\u00a0 I sadly can’t save every woman (and man) from metastatic breast cancer, but I can give them the fighting chance that Mom was denied.\u00a0 She drives me to do more for those who need it.\u00a0 Her memory always rides shotgun.<\/p>\n
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This year it is going to be all about her.\u00a0 This year I am going to walk in her honor, alone.\u00a0 A 5k of one.\u00a0 Because that is what we are, one.\u00a0 No matter how great our support system, at the end of the day,\u00a0 we battle this beast alone.\u00a0 And that is what I want everyone to know about breast cancer.<\/p>\n
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Please consider donating to our cause.\u00a0 Every dollar we raise is used to fund our website, educational resources, and support for survivors.\u00a0 \u00a0If you would prefer to donate directly to research, let us know, and we will happily send your contribution to Metavivor, which uses 100% of donations for metastatic research.\u00a0 We are grateful for the support of our community.<\/p>\n
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And please consider doing your own personal walk in honor of someone you love.\u00a0 At the end of the day, what drives you?<\/p>\n
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Please stay tuned for more information on my 5k of one, scheduled for Saturday, October 27.<\/p>\n
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#whatdrivesyou #5kof1<\/p>\n
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