Rethink Breast Cancer

by terri mchugh

A loaded headline, isn’t it? It’s scary to connect those words in a sentence. For some it can feel very distant and unfamiliar. Others know the weight of breast cancer all too well.

I remember packing up and loading our car a few summers ago. Excited to start another beach house vacation week. I had no worries or concerns, other than wondering if I bought the right SPF for the kids.

On that Friday, our last day there, I called my mom. Just the routine, “how’s it going” type of thing. Her response still feels so vibrant in my memory. “They found a lump in Grandma’s breast, and it’s cancer.” I remember being outside and instantly sitting down on the driveway, feeling the cold concrete underneath me. Having a complete out of body experience. Like that conversation wasn’t really taking place. Those words weren’t really being said to me.

Somehow I knew I had to try and be strong for her, for both of them. Knowing I couldn’t give into the fear that was consuming me. I immediately called my grandmother to ask how she was feeling. When I heard the calmness in her voice, I realized just how strong of a woman she was, is, and always has been. Turns out she was the strong one in this relationship. She is the hero of my story.

In her short journey with breast cancer, she never lost that hope to push through her circumstances. So much so that at times I would forget she even had it.

We’re so thankful she was able to beat her illness and is doing so well today. You know what though? It took a whole team of people to help her get through all of that. People who often are overlooked but are SO essential in the recovery process.

I have so much appreciation for the diagnostic clinicians, doctors, research assistants, etc. All of those supporters that may go unnoticed. Which is why I think it’s so important to be an advocate for breast cancer all year round! Not just the designated month of October. I’ve been able to get involved and find ways to be an advocate thanks to the inspiring work of Susan G. Komen. Susan G. Komen is on the frontlines of the fight! In fact, it is the only organization with such a comprehensive approach that includes:

Conducting breakthrough research to understand, prevent, and treat breast cancers
Performing critical community outreach, which includes:
Improving access to care for low-income and uninsured women by conducting breakthrough research to understand, prevent, and treat breast cancer
Providing free or low-cost screenings and diagnostic services
Funding to offset the cost of life-saving breast cancer treatments to those who can’t afford it, or funding to provide free transportation and child care for those needing help going through treatment
Offering guidance to the newly diagnosed or long-term breast cancer patients needing resources and information as they navigate important decisions
Advocating for public policy to fund lifesaving research and provide patient support
Focusing on patient care to ensure that all people have access to quality screening, diagnosis, and treatment
Pretty amazing, right? If you’d like to learn more on how Susan G. Komen is fighting on the front lines, click here!