It is no secret to many of you that I am a breast cancer survivor – thankfully, this year marks a full decade of being cancer-free. If you want to know my full story, you can read the blog post from last year where I detailed my own journey.
But this is not about me. This is about making sure other men and women do not have to tell similar stories, and we can do that by promoting both early detection and the on-going research needed for a cure.
This process begins by continuing to reduce the stigma surrounding conversations about breast cancer. Organizations like Susan G. Komen, an organization for which I am a proud board member of the Houston affiliate, have made remarkable strides in creating spaces for cancer patients, survivors and Forever Fighters to talk openly and create community. The support of these men and women is truly invaluable.
As we continue to await a cure – and I am confident one WILL come given the incredible doctors working at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Memorial Hermann and Methodist Hospital – it is of the utmost importance that we continue working to spread awareness and coverage to areas that are traditionally underserved. As Nancy Brinker of Komen once put it, “Where you live should never determine whether you live.”
If you are looking for ways to contribute to this effort in a more direct way than sending a donation or running in the Race for the Cure, I would highly recommend participating in the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program. I was fortunate to have a full support system of friends and family to care for me as I fought cancer, but many people do not have such luxuries. In fact, some even have to worry about getting to and from their treatments.
Becoming a Road to Recovery driver helps ensure that no one has to worry about this basic need. Learn more here, and please consider helping out those in need. The funded partners of Komen Houston are also worthy recipients for your support.
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