"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow." - Mary Anne Radmacher
For many, the month of October may bring along excitement about Halloween. For others, October brings fall thoughts and football.
For some, the month of October brings along awareness. Beginning in 1985, the American Cancer Society in partnership with Imperial Chemical Industries declared October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). The purpose of this branded month is to not only raise awareness of the disease, celebrate the fortunate survivors, and honor those women who have lost their lives fighting, but also to encourage women across the country to take the right steps in getting examined and tested for this cancer themselves.
Fundraisers throughout the United States during the month of October contribute to breast cancer research and aim to take off some of the financial burden that the families of those diagnosed must undergo. Professional football teams do "pink-outs" and college campuses are plastered in pink ribbons. Currently, Susan G. Komen is the largest non-profit organization donating to breast cancer research and awareness. The Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure 5K has races in every state in every month, but most especially in October. Susan G. Komen also paired with Lokai for a limited edition pink Lokai bracelet, for which $1 is donated to the foundation for every bracelet sold through Oct. 31, 2015. These events not only raise much-needed funds, but also honor the lives of those women who lost their own battles. Since they can no longer fight, we must fight for them.
Unfortunately, breast cancer and its effects do not discriminate. "Find a Cure" and pink ribbons can usually be found on the back of at least one car in any given parking lot. Odds are, if you are like me, you know someone directly affected by this cancer (whether that is a family member, friend, classmate, or fellow worker). If not, you know that friend of a friend or distant cousin who is affected. If either of these are true, you know that the cancer does not solely affect the diagnosed patient. It affects her family, her spouse, her friends, and her living community. It is a battle that her entire support system takes on. In short, breast cancer largely affects a solid portion of this country. As Betsey Johnson puts it, "With over three million women battling breast cancer today, everywhere you turn, there is a mother, daughter, sister, or friend who has been affected." We cannot turn a blind eye to the research and development of combating this looming entity.
October is a month to recognize the importance of funding this massive task as well as the importance of encouraging examinations. The warning signs of metastatic breast cancer are not the same for all women, and the safest route is to get yearly mammograms from your doctor. Certain types of breast cancer can be hereditary, thus, if a family member has been diagnosed, you may be at higher risk. Coming from breast cancer survivors, early detection and intervention is key.
The fight is scary, but together, we can help to make a difference in those lives affected. We can make a difference in the lives of all women. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do." #FindACure
