“Whatcha selling the raffle tickets for?” I asked one of the other soccer dads last night.
“A friend of mine has Stage IV breast cancer and we’re raising money to help pay for her care.”
I’m not sure I need the prize if I did win (and I probably won’t) but I pulled $20 out of my wallet before he could finish his sentence. She needs it more than I do.
This is Breast Cancer Awareness month. You’ll see lots of pink around — and that’s a good thing. Once upon a time, women suffered in silence. No one talked about breast cancer — it was a taboo topic. First Lady Betty Ford did so much for other cancer survivors by being open about her cancer.
Breast cancer has touched my family. I’ve also lost friends to the disease. As a melanoma survivor, I understand how hearing “you have cancer” can rock your universe. Fear. Pain. The feeling of being alone.
That’s why I cheer all the talk. If you know someone with the disease, love on them. Support them. Give them your prayers and your time. Doctors do a great job on the medical side. But it’s up to us to help heal the emotional one.
If you hear the three words, every day is cancer awareness day. But until there is a cure, our support can go a long way to lift up those who need it the most.