I remember Christmas Eve 1967. Forty-six years ago. My mother was in the hospital. I kept overhearing my father and nana about how bad it was. My family was downstairs trying to act as though it were a holiday and I was holed up in my bedroom, crying. I was startled as the door swung open and struck the inside of the wall. My mother’s brother was in the doorway. He took one of his hands off his hip and pointed at me, “You had better come downstairs now. You are ruining everyone’s Christmas. I’m sorry, but you’re mother is not coming home and you’d better get used to it. Your mother has cancer. It’s in her breast and she’s dying.” There was no sophisticated surgery. There was no chemotherapy. There was no hope. My mother was 50 and I was nine.
All these years later, surviving breast and many other cancers, is something aided greatly by the development of national observances in specific months. By raising our awareness of these diseases and following guidance toward prevention, the sea of pink ribbons that appears with every October will continue to grow.
As a society we must realize the grave importance of early detection and the hope that present day treatments provide. We must also accept the responsibility of supporting the organizations and groups that provide low or no-cost diagnostic options for women without the financial means to get tested and treated.
I recall that horrible announcement that was my introduction to this disease, and as the month devoted to raising breast cancer awareness comes to a close, I remember along with all of you, just how important that awareness is. It’s also very important to remember another integral component of this month and that is the focus on those who have survived this disease and the impact each of them has made in the fight to eradicate this demon.
As individuals we must continue to honor the courage and inspiration passed to us by every survivor by protecting ourselves as best we can. Know your personal risk–get the details of your family history. Do self-exams. Make the right lifestyle choices; proper nutrition, limited alcohol consumption and other healthful decisions are all ammunition against this formidable enemy.
And just who are these survivors exactly? They are steadfast soldiers in a war where nuclear threats pale by comparison to the dangers they face. They are the gladiators, with no armor or weaponry, in an arena of mythically proportioned beasts. They face challenges and struggles on physical, emotional and psychological levels that remain unknown to those fortunate enough to escape them. And while waging this battle they are mothers, teachers, nurses, lawyers, businesswomen and so many other things to so many of us.
They are a special breed these survivors. I can tell you of their impact first hand. You remember that Christmas I started out by telling you about–well the Christmas of 1967 was the first and last I spent without my mother. You see the dire news delivered to me in my room didn’t take into account that my mother is a survivor. And when Christmas of 2013 arrives we will be spending it together. My mother is 96 and I am 55. Merry Christmas.
