October---Wear Some Pink

In July of 1997 my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. In August of '97 she had surgery to remove the breast and the cancer. She was strong and handled her fate with grace. In retrospect, I think she dealt with much more than my sisters and I might ever know. My father was there by her side and was her caretaker and strength during times when she didn't have the ability to fight on her own. My mom survived breast cancer and for that I am forever grateful.

My mother walked down the aisle at my wedding a year after her breast cancer surgery and she danced at my reception. She went on to travel extensively with my father to many places---Hawaii, Colorado, and Arizona to name a few. She was there for the birth of both of my daughters. My mom was living her life and living it well.

When my mother died in March of this year, it was important to all of us that people know she wasn't overtaken by the enemy that is cancer. She had already stood in the face of that evil disease and knocked it out.

Her story is inspiring because she SURVIVED and it is a constant reminder to take care of yourself and be strong. So, if you haven't already done so, schedule a mammogram and stay healthy...today!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Survivor

My mother was a breast cancer survivor. In July of 1997 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was just a month after I met John and I remember thinking...this is the best of times and the worst of times. I couldn't believe that I had finally found this wonderful man and knew just a month after I met him, I would spend my life with him. Then just one month later, I went to the doctor's office with my mother to learn of the results of her biopsy. It was that day that we heard her doctor tell us she had breast cancer. I think we were both literally in shock and had no idea what was ahead of her. After surgeries and a difficult recovery process, my mother went on to live a happy and healthy life. She walked down the aisle for my wedding just 15 months after her diagnosis. That was a wonderful sight for all of us.

One of the important things my family wanted others to know was that my mother did not die from cancer. She kicked cancer in the behind and walked away laughing at it! I am so proud of her for doing that and, of course, doing it with her typical strength and class. She modeled for my sisters and me the right way to handle difficulties and the unknown of what life hands you.

My mom was a survivor.