I was thirteen when my family received the call. It was a cold and snowy Friday night in the middle of December, and all I remember was watching my mother break down in tears after hanging up the phone with my Nona, who had just found out that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. To no surprise, I was in utter disbelief that the woman whom I have had one of the closest relationships with since my early childhood was now in jeopardy of being taken from me. I know that both my mom and I wanted to cry-to express the inner tornado of emotions we were experiencing and somehow put them into words. Instead, we found ourselves sitting together in silence, staring at one another with looks of pure shock and confusion. For weeks to come, it was as though a darkness fell upon our entire family. As we extended our utmost support to my Nona and did all that we could to put up a positive front while in her presence, I noted that we rarely spoke of it on our own time. It was simply one of those disparages that, as much as it may plague one on the inside, you are never truly sure of how to explain it.
As time went on, I found myself dedicating more time to spend with my Nona. Finding out such crushing news in the midst of the holiday season was extremely saddening, so I felt it was important to embrace the most of the time of year in hopes of taking her mind off of the diagnosis. Although her breast cancer was caught in the very beginning stages, we were told by her doctor that if we did not act quickly in pursuing a treatment, there would be a definite acceleration in the cancer’s progression. After multiple follow-up appointments and consultations, my Nona’s doctor decided it would be best for her to start her treatment with radiation therapy, and if that were to be unsuccessful, move forward to more intensive chemotherapy. I was beyond grateful to find that, after a year of radiation treatment had passed, my family’s prayers were answered as the treatment was successful, and one of my most cherished loved ones had beaten a challenge that not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to.
Breast cancer is a disease that strikes over 200,000 women a year in the United States alone. Many of us know women that are affected by this illness, and whether they are lucky enough to be able to fight this struggle remains a never-ending question based on each individual’s situation. As October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, it is important to recognize the plethora of women that are faced with this battle on a daily basis, as well as the amount of families that are touched and broken by its damaging effects. I myself support the cause by wearing a bracelet that I bought at the age of thirteen when I first received the news of my Nona’s breast cancer, and have been doing ever since as a constant reminder of how blessed I am that this ailment did not get the better of her. Her strength has inspired me in ways I never thought possible to face my own struggles head on, and has taught me that, no matter what, I must never stop fighting. Nona, my love for you is endless. I celebrate and appreciate you in this very special month, and I am proud to wear pink in honor of your achievement.