I was diagnosed on June 2, 2011 -- four months ago -- so this October I am fully aware of what it means to fight breast cancer. I have nothing against the Komen Foundation or their huge marketing machine. Their efforts encouraged me to pay attention to self-exams, annual mammograms and early detection. And for that, I am very thankful.
Yesterday I attended the Komen Foundation of Central Virginia's annual Survivors' Luncheon which was held at the gorgeous Jefferson Hotel in downtown Richmond. Part of the ceremony recognized the survivors in the audience by asking them to stand up if they had survived 20 or more years, 15 years, 10 years, etc. I stood up when they called for survivors with less than one year. I was surrounded by women who offered me their support and encouragement.
While I am confident in my own recovery, it never hurts to be around other women who have survived this disease. More than once I was told: "If I can do it, you can, too!" It was exactly what I needed.
When we think of breast cancer, we automatically visualize the pink ribbons, the extensive awareness efforts and campaigns through various media channels, and the fund-raising walk-a-thons that remind us of how breast cancer is a malignant disease that affects thousands of women every year. However, this disease not only inflict itself upon women, but men as well.
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