I read an article today from a Facebook page that I had subscribed to. As most people know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. You will see the Pink ribbon and its products plastered everywhere from department stores to sports players to fast food promotions.
In the article, the woman said that she could not support the "Pink movement" because it is for sales.She pointed out that nearly 50% of women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Her statistics were probably right. I have not done the particular study, nor will I. I do not see women as statistics. I do not see cancer as a percentage rate.I do not see Pink ribbons as a sales tactic.
I see women learning that an illness has invaded their body. I see the struggle each one has to wrap their minds around such a diagnosis. I see a Grandmother, an Aunt, a sister, a friend, possibly myself that could be directly affected by this disease we call cancer.
On September 6, 1997, I lost a dear sweet lady to the battle of breast cancer. While I was still young, I didn't fully understand what this *thing* was that had taken her life. With two small children at home and not yet at her 38th birthday, she was gone. I wasn't there for the day to day of her being sick. I only saw the beginning of the woman that had made such an impact on my young life and then the body laying there in the casket, looking nothing like the happy, bright smiled person I knew.
In 2007, shortly after I had my second child, I went to my doctor with severe skin issues. My first biopsy was done to be tested for skin cancer because it ran in my family. It was the first time cancer seemed real to me. Thankfully, within a days time I had gotten my results back and was cancer free.
In 2011, my Aunt was hit by a drunk driver. She went in to be checked for injuries after the accident and the x-rays showed a spot on her lung. Having been in remission for many years, she was very reluctant to have a biopsy done. She let time pass and finally had to have it done. Her results came back that she did indeed have cancer. Further exploration showed cancer was in both lungs and moving into her liver.
In 2012, I was told I needed to be tested for cancer yet again when a tumor was found on my right ovary. This result would take two weeks to get back. What a menagerie of emotions ran rampant those two weeks. What was I going to do? I had three small children that I might not get to see grow up. I had family that I might not get to tell them that I love them. I might leave my husband alone. I might lose everything. It never occurred to me that cancer wasn't the end. I was self-absorbed:all of those things I was going to miss. If there was a ever a time of desperation, it hit me in those two short weeks. It was a crushing weight that was lifted when my results came back that my tumor was benign.
In 2012, my friend lost her dear, sweet, innocent son to this horrorifying monstrosity. I saw through her eyes as her son fought his battle with a sense beyond anything I could fathom, that cancer was not a monster to be feared, but a reason to hope! Her son, as he battled everyday, brought joy to their lives and to every one that heard about him. He responded in ways that made me ashamed of my waiting time. There wasn't a 'giving up' time, but HOPE! Always a resounding fight of hope! They continue Jacob's story of hope here
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jacobs-Ladder/183700018319939
My aunt is still battling cancer. She is a frail wisp, like that of a small new child. When I can hug her, I fear of crushing her. I see her downy hair covered in it's bright scarf and realize what was a strong powerful woman, is now skin and scarves, I talk to her all the time and when she cries, I know logic is setting in and she fears what is coming. The day after a blood transfusion or when she's heard of a new trial medication and she calls to tell me about it, it gives me hope just as it has given her. While she is making arrangements for her families future,she still talks of things she wants to do. She still has hope!
While these pink ribbons may only mean numbers to some, to others who battle this disease first hand, to those who are their shoulder, for those that have lost, they are a hope. Hope that a cure can be found and cancer can be stopped before it takes more innocent lives in its cruel hand. I see a ribbon and I am reminded of my friend, a precious child, my Aunt and they remind me that no matter what is going on in my life that is crushing, there is ALWAYS ALWAYS hope!
I buy my ribbons without thought of numbers. I buy it as a sign of hope for everyone that I love. At times, hope is all there is, but it is enough for the moment!
One of my favorite quotes is "When the world says Give up, Hope says Try it one more time."
If you'd like to understand more about cancer and how it is affecting people everywhere please visit:
www.breastcancerawareness.com
www.cancer.org
www.pinkribbon.com
An aware person, is a hopeful person!
No comments:
Post a Comment