Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we here at Eco18 decided to take part in this campaign to help increase awareness. We each took a moment to ourselves to reflect on what breast cancer means to each one of us, as well as on all the ways it has affected each one of us. We encourage all of you to do the same out of respect for all of the women who are forced to battle this disease and for all of the survivors.

“So far, I have been lucky as have most of my family members. Breast Cancer doesn’t seem to run in our family. I know statistically the genetic incidence is low, but there is some comfort in knowing you are starting with a bit of an edge. I guess the randomness of it scares me the most. Many friends and acquaintances are Breast Cancer survivors and I cannot see any link at all.

They are all over the place in terms of age, backgrounds, lifestyles and temperament. Even medical professional cannot agree on the best detection and treatment. You can’t rely on mammograms and while self examination is imperative, no one wants to find ‘a lump.’ I prefer not to worry about something that hasn’t happened. I’ll have my annual mammogram, I’ll self examine, I’ll live as healthy and as happy a life as I can. And, I cannot and won’t speculate on what I would do if I ever got that diagnosis all women dread. Like all my brave friends and their friends and family members, I’ll deal with it and make the best decision for me…it’s a very personal journey.” – Sue Tuggart

“There is only one woman in my family that has had breast cancer and that is my great aunt, she also happens to be one of the strongest women I’ve ever met. To me, she always has been the face of courage, always overcoming any obstacle or hardship that came her way and breast cancer was no different. Luckily, I am happy to say she is now cancer free. To me October is a month to spread awareness and to educate people as well as to also honor the incredible strength and courage of breast cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones.” – Lauren Verini

“I was waiting on a subway platform in NYC a few years ago, and glanced over at an advertisement for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. The poster displayed the following message, ‘Walk because you know a survivor. Or will.’ The ‘or will’ really hit me, and it has stuck with me over the years. Every three minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. So even though I don’t have a personal connection to the breast cancer fight right now, I am still committed to spreading awareness and helping to raise money to support a cause that may someday affect me at a much more personal level.” – Julie Yeagley

“You have to live under a rock to not know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The pink begins to bloom towards the end of September and all of a sudden the lovely hue that is the official color of Brest Cancer Awareness enlightens our lives for a month. It has even become ‘cool’ with professional football teams for the players to wear pink shoes or gloves during the month or for people to wear those funny t-shirts that have sayings like ‘I Support Breasts’ or ‘Feel For Lumps, Save Your Bumps.’ However, if breast cancer has affected your life it is more than just the color pink and funny t-shirts. Furthermore, it is about education and understanding. My own mother told me that when she was growing up, my grandma told her that mammograms were bad, if someone went to get one they were assumed to have breast cancer. Luckily now people are much more educated, it’s important that not only women should be more informed about breast cancer, but also children, teenagers and even men. So, if you like wearing pink, participating in 5K runs and helping support a very important cause that can affect almost anyone…do it!! But most importantly, GET EDUCATED!” – April Donelson

“Though Breast Cancer isn’t something that has impacted me directly yet, I understand how important it is to never lose hope when all seems lost. With that, I just wanted to wish everyone a message of hope during this Breast Cancer Awareness month: ‘The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.’ -C.C. Scott” – Jon Porcasi

“Breast cancer has had a tremendous impact on my life. I have had several close family members diagnosed, as well as a parent of a close friend within the last five years. Going through the process and seeing how much they struggled really made me see how much this disease can affect the patient as well as the family. This past year, I walked in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in New York City. Walking through Central Park surrounded with other people who have also been affected by this disease made me realize that it touches more people than we think. In some way, I believe that we have all been affected by breast cancer in one way or another.” – Julia Schwartz

“As a female, breast cancer is a sensitive topic and frightens me. While I am lucky enough to say that all the women in my life are healthy and breast cancer free, I am aware of the mass amounts of people it effects. When I think of breast cancer I think of the color pink and all the power it symbolizes. I also think of hope for a preventative strategy and a treatment that will provide a cure. Most importantly, I think of all the strong women who have to battle this disease and their loving supporters. Breast cancer touches almost everyone and I truly honor the survivors and anyone else who promotes early detection, research into treatment, and fundraising for such a worthy cause. One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and it is our responsibility to boast the color pink and to be there every step of the way.” – Kayla Pantano