WHY I WALK

Below is a repost, but if you haven't seen it, please take the time to read it. I get asked why I walk for Breast Cancer so often and I just really want to say, "Isn't it obvious?" But with so many wonderful causes, I guess it isn't as obvious to some people as we think when we choose to support one thing over another. In addition to what I posted below, I would like to add a quote from Amy, who is one of our team walkers this year. Any recently told me, "I know these walks have been going on for years and THAT is why I have been able to get such good treatment for my cancer, it's why I am able to walk for breast cancer only a month after getting chemo myself." They were walking for Amy before she even heard the words, "You have breast cancer," at the young age of 23.
Amy is so appreciative of every dollar we collect, as is Natalie who is another survivor on my team. THEY are why we walk.


Why am I Making Strides Against Breast Cancer? I lost my cousin to breast cancer and my sister in law is a survivor, but my connection does not end there...

Imagine being a mere 22 years old and being told, "You have a suspicious lump in your breast." Though you try not to panic, the terror that immediately rips through you is overwhelming. You are sent to a specialist who does a needle biopsy, which is inconclusive and they schedule you for a mammogram. You can't sleep, your heart races every time you think about it. You wait very impatiently for your results and meanwhile...you find out you are pregnant. "But, I just had a mammogram...what about the baby?" So many questions race through your mind, but you are assured that the mammogram is very low dose and will not hurt your baby. Of course that doesn't settle your mind at all. All you can do is pray.
A few days later your doctor calls. You have what they call a ridge, which is NOT breast cancer, but can cover breast cancer.

I don't have to imagine this happening. It did happen...to me. I am so unbelievably thankful that I was not diagnosed with this horrific disease, but I realize that as with many others, my story could have turned out very different...and still could.

I am supposed to get regular mammograms just to make sure that nothing is growing underneath the ridge, since we cannot feel under it. However, insurance comapnies will not pay for a "just in case something might be there" mammogram until the age of 40.

There are so many people who hear the words, "you have breast cancer," and feel hopeless. But guess what...WE can be their hope. WE can provide funding for a better future in the world of Breast Cancer. WE can help researchers find a cure. WE can help fund programs which offer free mammograms for everyone, classes for those recently diagnosed, support for families, etc.

I am still not exempt. It could happen to me. It could happen to you, to your mother, sister, aunt, friend and yes, even to the important man in your life; anyone of us, at any time. Breast cancer has no mercy, and not one of us is safe from it.

Hearing stories of survivors grips at my heart, but seeing the children of those who lost their battle just touches me in a place that I never knew existed. I don't ever want my children to have to join the fight against breast cancer because they lost their mother, and I don't want that for any of you.

We all need to be PROACTIVE against this disease. Please join me in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, whether as a walkmate on my team, or as a sponsor. Remember, even if it is just a $5.00 donation, it is $5.00 more to advance research, educate, and support than the foundation had before. Every dollar counts to give hope, and hope starts with US. Click here to join or donate.