October: BCAM…Are you Aware?

• So this month every year I am bombarded by messages from Picktober!  It’s the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month—so, are you Aware?

This year, more than ever, I am AWARE of the messaging: 

• Do we really need more awareness?  (early detection is the key – get ur Mamm!)
• Are we soldiers in a military fighting a battle?  (be strong, fight like a girl, etc)
• Is breast cancer pretty in pink?
• Are we strong enough…brave enough…resilient enough…???.

 You might think these are cynical questions — they are questions many “cancer” rebels are asking & it makes me also think?  

• Is all of the media hoopla doing enough good?
• Is the purchase of a pink coffee mug helpful?  Or, did some merchant sell a few more mugs becuz they are “pink?”
• Is everything pink really benefitting a cancer cause?  (hmmm?)

I don’t have the answers, but I do believe that most of these things are done with all good intentions.  People want to be a part of something positive & want to feel like they can help in some way — no matter how big or small.

• I don’t have $10,000 to give to research– but, I can spend $10 bucks on a pink thingy.  (Hopefully, it is truly attached to something true & legit)
• My husband plays in an annual Strokes for Hope golf tournament–ususally just for the fun of a great tournament, but this year it took on more meaning for him.  Funds raised mostly go towards Research at UCSF.  (where I am considering further treatment)
• This year, a special friend sent me this Picktober t-shirt for my bday.  ( a fellow survivor!)  In October we wear Pink!  Love it—thank you Susan!

So, here’s the thing… 

• I don’t know if I am “Strong.”  
• You might call me “Resilent.”  
• Being “Brave” is choosing to walk into a challenge–knowing the struggle will be real.  Honestly, I do not choose this—so, I really don’t feel “Brave” (but I understand the sentiment behind the statement)
• Finally, yes, I think “Pink is Pretty” — and frankly, it’s a color I should wear more often!

In closing, here are a few Breast Cancer Stats – for your Awareness & a picture of me, Pretty in Pink!

Reminder:  Picktober is mostly about education & Awareness– get your mamms, on an annual basis – be consistent.  Stay on track with your breast health.  It’s the best defense.