For the first time in my life, I participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. It was eye opening for so many reasons.
In April, I discovered a lump in my breast area. Around the same time, one of my best friends since high school also discovered one. We had them removed and biopsied a day apart from each other. The statistic doubled that day for us. What were the chances that both would be positive or negative? The results: Mine was benign. Her’s was malignant.
I can’t described the fear that sets in when a lump appears in your breast, especially when you are mother. I have two daughters and I cannot imagine life without them. Dana has one daughter. A double mastectomy within a month proved that Dana was a fighter. She was fighting for herself and her daughter.
Three months later, it is a sunny day and I am standing in Linn Park surrounded by 16ooo people. The sun cannot match the warmth so much as the love and unity that has filled the park that day. The survivor walk starts and I am taken back with emotion. Courage, strength, dignity, hope, and smiles- a lot of smiles. These are the winners that day and the Race has not even started.
9:ooam and the Race begins. I have to stand for almost 20 minutes just to enter the street because of the number of people. It is a pink, foot traffic jam in front of Boutwell Auditorium. As different people pass the microphone, a person’s name is spoken-a survivor or someone who fought a hard battle and now is there in spirit and memory. One by one, the names are announced and again, I am taken back.
There is something amazing about community spirit. It lifts us up to go places only the heart can travel. It is a celebration of the essence of mankind. The Race for the Cure is about life and the battles we must face to celebrate life each day with each passing of a moment.
Breast Cancer is the most common form of cancer. According to the statistics from the CDC, we lose approximately 40,000 people a year to breast cancer. More than 4 times the amount of people in the park that day.
The Race was just the beginning. Every step forward is a step in the right direction. But we can do more.
This Month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The racing event may be over, but the Race is daily.
It’s simple really. The first thing you can do is take control before it controls you.
GET A MAMMOGRAM. Most insurances cover MAMMOGRAMS. If not, there are so many health care organizations that will help you get a mammogram. Check out The Breast Care Center of Birmingham and other areas hospitals. No excuses!
TAKE MONTHLY SELF CHECK BREAST EXAMS. It takes a moment. A moment that can change your life.
BECOME YOUR OWN ADVOCATE. Get involved in organizations that promote breast cancer awareness. Keep updated on laws and regulations that effect breast cancer testing and research. Stay informed.
OFFER HOPE. Do you know someone with breast cancer? I bet you do. We all do.
NEVER GIVE UP. FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!
And RUN…
I ran for my friends and my daughter(s). And she ran for hers.
About Potential
