They don’t ask for the title, it is thrust upon them. It will stay with them for life. And at least this month, more people will pay attention.
Warriors.
Survivors.
Heroes.
Give them whatever name you like to recognize their strength, I have yet to hear of one of them who refused to fight. Because they have no choice. Fight to survive, fight to thrive, fight to simply get the chance to truly live again.
Starting today, we recognize their achievements, talk about their accomplishments and ask that many more of them be proactive, step up to the front lines without fear, because it is their best chance to be victorious. Caught early, the survival rates are off the charts. Left to chance, or choosing the mindset, “it won’t happen to me”, is a game few will win.
Understand, we need you to win. Don’t let the world suffer, because the gift of your life is no more. This is October. This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
If the pink overwhelms you, it’s OK. It’s to be expected, because the numbers don’t lie, they rarely do. The odds are 1-in-8. One in Eight. This isn’t a lottery ticket you are holding, it’s 1-in-8. I’m not making up the numbers and I’m not skewing them to scare you, this comes directly from the National Cancer Institute: Based on current breast cancer incidence rates, experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life.
The key word of this month is awareness. Recognize the need to be proactive, to get checked out, to stay on top of your game, so the game will be won. The National Breast Cancer Foundation says when breast cancer is caught early, the 5-year survival rates are 98%. Those odds are damn good. That’s where you place your bet. Don’t bet on ignorance, fear, or turn a blind eye. Be aware, pay attention. Fortunately, plenty of people are.
We’ve lived it, correct that, we are living it. My wife is a survivor, so is my mother-in-law, so are too many of the people we call friends. I just authored and published a book, It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story, (wwww.spouses-story.com), and yesterday that book hit #1 as a Best Seller on Amazon. This, after only three days in worldwide release. Obviously people are paying attention, there is greater awareness, and should it happen, everyone needs to play their part. The book is a way to share our story with the world, to calm fears, face reality and provide inspiration. The breast cancer victims are heroes, but so are the people that love and support them, if they do it right.
This blog is called “It’s Just About… Life” and I’m not here to lecture. I try and share what I learn, provide inspiration, stories of hope, focus on the little moments which too many times we let slip by unnoticed, become more, help others to do the same. This is your moment.
To our women… wives, mothers, daughters, aunts, cousins and friends, I say be aware. Be proactive. Get checked out, you bet on life by doing so. The odds of never being diagnosed are not in your favor, at least not right now, the world is working hard to change that, but caught early, your odds of beating the beast are tremendous. So many people in your life love you and live for you. Give that love back, be a hero.
I should know. I’m lucky, I’m married to one.
Until next time, thanks for taking the time.
Mark
(The picture in the blog, courtesy of Breast Cancer Heroes on Facebook.
Visit: (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Breast-Cancer-Heroes/171849116286242)
A great post and a great perspective from a husband’s point of view. As an 11 year breast cancer survivor this is THE month that I celebrate survivorship with others and honor the memory of those who fell to the disease.
Thank you Haralee. Great to talk with you yesterday and congratulations on being an 11-year-survivor!
Reblogged this on Mark Brodinsky and commented:
It’s October 1st. A day to honor the survivors, remember the heroes and a reminder to be aware… and proactive.
[…] Simply read this to know there are NO boundaries: ”The odds are 1-in-8. One in Eight. This isn’t a lottery ticket you are holding, it’s 1-in-8. I’m not making up the numbers and I’m not skewing them to scare you, this comes directly from the National Cancer Institute: Based on current breast cancer incidence rates, experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life.” – markbrodinsky.com […]