Forget about orange, Pink is “the” color for October as we support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month across the country. The rally cry to support early diagnosis, research and treatment can be heard far and wide as it seems everyone has been impacted in some way by this disease. We all know someone, maybe a friend, a family member or acquaintance who has battled breast cancer. Many of us are fighting this ourselves every day.
Today PBS would like to recognize the people in your life affected by breast cancer. We encourage you to reply here with a post of their names in support, in memory, and in honor to create our “Remembrance Page”. It’s a small thing, but just one way to say we won’t give up and we won’t forget.
We’re also giving away 5 copies of “Uplift, Secrets from the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors” by Barbara Delinsky.
This 10th anniversary updated edition is an inspiring collection of stories, advice and survival secrets.
(You do not have to post a name in your reply to be in the drawing. Supportive comments welcome, too!)
We’ll randomly choose five winners from all replies.
“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.”
~Jane Howard
Tags: Book Suggestions, Contests
I lost both my breasts to the beast at age 40 and endured 6 months of chemo drugs that turned my stomach inside out and steroids that made my head feel like exploding. My husband was ready to walk away when I wasn’t myself anymore. Many women told me their husbands did walk away. It’s been less than a handful of years now and I feel my life is cut in 2. Before breast cancer and After breast cancer. I know a few women who are 30 year survivors and thriving and I know a 30 year survivor who is suddenly stage 4 and dying. I knew a stage 1 who died within 1 year and I know a young woman who started at stage 4 years ago and will be on chemo and brain radiation until there’s a cure or until she dies. It sounds frivilous but I wish I had real and healthy breasts that feel and respond again. I wish so many things.
All the money and energy poured into this disease and we are left with women who are still just cut and burned and then given pink ribbons.
For my mother, Sheila Rawls, the strongest person I know. She’s my hero and I love her very much. As she says you can get to remission, but can’t yet be cured. Someday Mom….Someday.
I want to honor my friend and coworker, Frances Shoun. She had both breasts removed but the cancer came back with a vengeance several years later. She lost that battle. Frantic was a tough Tennesseean Lady and a pleasure to know. We miss her.
I went thru Breast Cancer this past year, only my left breast and lymph nodes…went thru chemo and radation. It was a rough time but I believe I made it thru, because of prayers from family and friends, plus strangers. I am thankful for each day that I have and pray for each person that is going thru this cancer. They have came a long way in treating breast cancer and hope that they will be able to find cures for other cancers.
I think that this a very nice thing to do for the survivors and the memory of the ones who lost the battle..
I think of my mom everyday. I miss you so much. I hope you and Dad are dancing.
Sam is my coworker and friend. She is NOT alone in this, like she thinks. Her friends and coworkers are here for her. May her surgery next month go well. We will all still love her no matter how she looks! Oh, how well she carries off the balded look. You ROCK Sam. Hang in there. Michelle, everyone is so glad your latest results are clear. We know you will stay strong.
I miss my mom every day. We lost her at a very young age of 44. You will always be loved & never forgotten.
I had my first breast cancer 33 years ago and it took 23 years to come back. Then 10 after that, and now I have also had endiometrial cancer too. Had my first chemo this year, and yes ladies your hair does come back very curly! It’s about 1 inch long now but I am thrilled to have it. This is an ugly and mean disease, however with the blessings and support of my husband, and friends and strangers too, it makes it easier to live with. Keep the faith, all of you!
In memory of my sister and hero Terri. She fought hard for 8 years with a loving spirit. She left behind a wonderful husband and 5 wonderful children. May I be the kind of woman that she was – always positive and caring! I miss you so much Terri!!
I want to honor 3 people……my friend, Susan Bettelheim who lost her fight……..my friend Lisa Lantz who is dealing with a recurrence…..and my very own self (24 years post diagnosis/surgery/chemo and doing fine).
I want to honor my friend, Melody, who is a breast cancer survivor. She fought cancer and won!
In memory of Dr Judith Moore of Waxhaw, NC… I walked in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in honor of Judy in October 2009. She was so honored by the training involved and the money I raised to support breast cancer research & treatment. She even came out to meet me during the walk, cheering me on toward the finish line! Judy battled breast cancer twice, fifteen years apart. Sadly, Judy left us in March 2011 after suffering a severe stroke. Gone, but never forgotten!
Both my mother and father died of cancer. Please, please find a cure so that no one else has to witness the suffering of loved ones from this horrific disease!
In memory of my sister Dena, who died of breast cancer at age 36, leaving behing 3 small children,.I just moved and going thru a box that contained her papers and books brought me to tears. Some I saved for me and now others will be passed onto her daughter. I remember reading Steven Levine and Thih Nat Hahn (misspelled) and those books got me thru the madness. I can only hope that a cure is found soon.
In honor of my Aunt Nita, who defeated breast cancer. She is the glue that holds the family together. And in support of my friend Paula, who is fighting her battle right now. She is the big sister you never had.
MY mom is a 51 year survivor, 1960, radical mastectomy was the only choice. I am an 11 year survivor. Lumpectomy, 54 radiation treatments and a little chemo, I am still here! I will add that the arthritis from radiation is pretty miserable, but I am glad to be alive!
I would like to honor my maternal grandmother Helen who is a 21 year survivor! I would also like to honor my mother, Mary Beth who is currently on her journey of breast cancer chemo treatments and is doing well so far!!! I would also like to honor all of my past and current breast cancer patients who fight the disease with such will and heroism!!
In memory of Coach Kay Yow, who was a friend and a mentor to hundreds. For my friend Linda W. who fought breast cancer and finally lost her battle after cancer returned.
For all the survivors like myself, who fear every new ache and pain.
In memory of Flora Carroll, my sweet mother-in-law, who loved us all so unselfishly; for Kay Pugh who raised two of the sweetest girls and taught them both how to live life to its fullest; and for Jean Ward who was loved by hundreds of middle schoolers and was a true soldier throughout her battle. All three of these women were an inspiration to me and many, many others!
I haven’t a name to share, thank goodness, but love to all.
In honor of my friend and boss, Lyn Smith. She’s just about to start her radiation treatments of Stage I breast cancer.
Best of Luck to all!
In honor of my grandma (mom’s mom) wno I never got to know, she died from breast cancer when my mom was a pre-teen, she was very much loved… wish I could’ve known/met her
In honor of my best friends Pam and Lori. I lost of both them nearly 25 years ago when we were just turning 40. Pam left behind two beautiful young daughters under 10 who have grown into smart, beautiful and successful young women. I am fortunate to have had both Pam and Lori in my life and think of them every day. I wear my pink ribbon with them, others we’ve lost and all survivors everywhere in mind.
Opal Skaug, my beloved mother-in-law refused to allow breast cancer to sideline her. She fought it aggressively with doctor prescribed pills, treatments and any holistic methods that her common sense accepted as a chance. Surgery removed one breast and doctors claimed it was impossible to eliminate all the cancer. Her predicted life span was a maximum of five months. Armed with a positive attitude, a sense of adventure and a huge smile, Opal thoroughly enjoyed the next two years before cancer attacked again. Within six weeks, she lay in my arms, fitted with an oxygen mask and a morphine drip to aid her passing. That was twenty-five years ago and I still miss her terribly. Each year, to honor her memory and strength, I get a mammogram and nag others to do so. Early detection saves life, maybe your own life or that of a love one.
My Mom is a 2 time Cancer Survivor, however she only had breats Cancer once even though she had a mastectomy she is still a survivor cause she is till with us and has not had cancer in yrs. My Mom:
Betty Cooper
I lost my close friend, Becky, on September 9, 2011. She was a 47 years young. She was a mom to three girls, a wife, daughter, and friend to many. We all miss her so much.
In Memory of my mom, Carolyn Peters who fought breast cancer for 7 years before her body gave up; my grandmother, Nellie Holmes who tried so hard to hang on for her granddaughters and my great-grandmother, Nellie Virginia Palmer – all gone before their time and missed very much!
For my mom & the strongest woman I know, Jeane, who has survived braest cancer! Love you Mom! Heres to many more years together.
In Memory of Lucia Bauman, my beautiful Great Aunt, who lost her battle with breast cancer in the early 1980’s. She fought a valiant fight until the very end. My heart and prayers go out for all women and men as well who have passed on, who are currently fighting and who are Survivors.
In memory of my mom who died of breast cancer at the young age of 48. Miss you, and wish you could have seen your grandchildren, you would be proud!!!
In memory of my mom who passed away when I was four to breast cancer. She was a strong lady and lost her fight after two years. Miss you mom, love you & hope you’re proud of me! <3
I, fortunately, don’t have a name to share, but really want to let everyone who is suffering from this or has family suffering from this, you are in my prayers. Hopefully, I don’t become affected or have anyone I know affected.
Although we lost my aunt, Dot Ryan, to breast cancer, and my maternal grandmother to a secondary cancer of the breast, I have two living miracles! Thank you, God, for my mother, Re, and my sister, Elaine, who are both survivors — and thrivers!
In memory of my Aunt Janice, who fought for many years before losing the battle. I will miss her everyday until we see each other again!
In loving memory of my sister, Nancy, who was an inspiration to us all, we miss you so much! Also, to celebrate the lives of 3 friends who have survived, Zoe, Diane & Kathy, love you all
In memory of my sister who passed away 18 yrs ago from inflammatory breast cancer. In honor of a very dear lady, my pastor, just starting chemo & radiation. In honor of all who have fought the battle and those who love and support them.