Together We Can Make a Difference

Pat stared out the window observing the vibrant multi-colored canvas of leaves that would soon lay dormant. She sipped her warm coffee that crisp October morning as she looked forward to going to town, even if it was just for her annual mammogram. Never would she have guessed what would follow her routine check-up that day.

Tests revealed trepidation and unanswered questions, confirming what the doctor suspected, “Pat, you have breast cancer and we’ll need to do a double mastectomy.” Thus, the ensuing battle for her life began.

In the weeks that followed, Pat’s attitude remained optimistic and as bright as those beautiful fall leaves outside her hospital window. She even found humor in the midst of her trial. “Hey, it’s not so bad. The good news is – no more ‘double E’s’ limiting my shopping selection. Now I can buy just about any blouse or T-shirt I want,” Pat said as she glanced down at the drainage tubes and bandages peering from her gown that now lay flat.

“You have cancer,” are three words none of us want to hear, but many have and many will, yet. However, with the onset of adversity comes opportunity – opportunity to choose our response. We can hope, trust, and have faith – or crumble like the fallen leaves on a well-traveled path. We can choose to avoid others or lend (and receive) support from each other. As with the familiar example: it's fairly easy to break one stick by itself, but a bundle of sticks is almost impossible to break.

Pat had always been strong, determined, and stubborn as a mule. As a teenager, my mom’s stubbornness was “immmmmpossible!” But, today I’m thankful that Pat, my mom, was stubborn enough to stay informed, maintain her monthly self-exams, and adamantly schedule her annual check-ups. This time her determination and stubbornness saved her life.

Be determined and stubborn for your life. Every 2½ minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, over 200,000 this year alone. Stay informed, join the cause, and fight this battle. If you or someone you know has - or is - experiencing breast cancer, don’t try to “stick” things out by yourself. Bundle up and be strong together – because together – we can make a difference. Where there is faith and love, there is hope for all.

Happy one year anniversary, Mom.