By Ginny Finn, Executive Director of ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Ah…the end of summer. The beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Season!
Yes, in our world we call it “season” because there is so much going on before and after October. The season is an amazing time – both energizing and exhausting. In fact, some refer to “pink fatigue.” But the season is only tiring if you lose sight of what’s at stake, only long if you forget that awareness – as the first step in creating change – is foundational.
Sometimes the reminders take your breath away.
But first, why do I call it “a season?” Believe it or not breast cancer awareness efforts have cycles just like the seasons.
To start, we plan the garden. At ABCD we began confirming our speaking and presentation calendar, confirming mentor training plans, and organizing our collaborative efforts with sister organizations in mid-summer. Second, we plant the seeds. We sow our message about breast health and how to get what you need if diagnosed with breast cancer in many “fields” – from community health fairs to “lunch and learn” presentations at workplaces throughout Wisconsin. Next, we tend that garden, keeping in touch with those we meet, exploring opportunities to recruit new mentors and serve those who may have recently been diagnosed. Finally, we assess how the season turned out and plan next year’s garden.
So why do we need reminders that awareness is pivotal? Because on really busy days, in really busy weeks, even I wonder, is this making a difference? The “yes” answers are gratifying, often painfully so.
For example, today when out and about on ABCD business I had a conversation with a woman about ABCD financial business. Once those details were attended to, she asked if she could speak to me about a personal matter. Her sister had just been diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. There had been a lump that for many reasons her sister was just “too busy” to get examined; “too busy” mostly meant taking care of family members’ needs not her own. Our lengthy conversation included information to help her sister, her and their mother – all of them will journey through breast cancer together.
Just a few hours later the niece of a long-time friend reached out to me. Her mother had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. I’d like to tell you that because we help people every day, we have a stiff upper lip when a diagnosis hits close to home. That would be a lie. Instead, as I spoke with her my heart pounded; I worried about her and her mother and her aunt, my childhood friend. My only comfort was the knowledge, based on experience, that the power of ABCD’s distinctive one-to-one support really would make a difference. It would soften the stress and fear that accompany the words: you have breast cancer.
And, as I sat down to write this, I received a call from someone who had a mentor last year. She simply called to say “thank you.”
If that doesn’t jazz you and get you ready for Breast Cancer Awareness Season…what will?
We look forward to seeing you at the One Year Anniversary of the Pink Room on September 22, 2011.
