February 28, 2009, was a day that I will never forget. My aunt passed away from breast cancer; a disease that thousands of people are affected by.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and although it is wonderful that one of the twelve out of the year is especially devoted to this heart-breaking illness, it should be always recognized and never forgotten.
I am not writing this for any kind of sympathy. I simply want to voice the importance of awareness.
In 2009 there have been close to 200,000 new cases of breast cancer in men and women, with a total of over 40,000 deaths. This disease has taken its toll on too many people.
Breast cancer primarily gets diagnosed in women, but men have been diagnosed and many have lost their battle. With every diagnosis there are family members who now have to endure this long journey.
From experience, I know that sitting in a hospital room, day after day, wondering if your loved one will have a change in their condition is not easy.
Cancer itself is a horrendous disease. Breast cancer in no way trumps the others, but because of the people that it has affected, this type of cancer is one that is well known. Cancer research is important. All cancer research.
While I have been personally affected by breast cancer and am now a strong believer in awareness and research, others may have been affected by another type, which gives them the same attitude.
Susan G. Komen is a name known to many. This is a woman who had a long battle with breast cancer. While she may have lost her battle, she spent her time thinking of ways to prevent others from going through the same experience.
Her sister, Nancy G. Brinker, took it upon herself to continue her sister’s dream. The Susan G. Komen foundation is the global leader in the breast cancer movement.
For example, raising awareness and money for cancer research, Race for the Cure is an event where survivors, family members, and supporters walk together to raise awareness and money.
These events take place all over the country and all the information, can be found at http://www.komen.org.
Although not all students at Sam Houston State may be affected, all students can get involved. The third annual Kats for the Cause is Saturday, November 14. There will be a 5k run/walk in the morning, followed by a tailgate, with a pink out football game against Central Arkansas.
To get all the information go to http://www.shsu.edu/katsforthecause.
Breast cancer is a disease that not only took my aunt’s life, but put my family through very difficult time. Raising awareness and finding a cure is the only way to prevent the pain and suffering for so many others.