It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I have a few things to say about it! Meet my grandmother, Helen (pictured above). She was an instrumental person in my life. We have those types of people we look up too. You know the one’s we run to with our problems and they always know the solution. The people who make even the toughest day seem like a walk in the park! She was my “person”. Her beauty shined both outside and in. She helped fund a Christian Camp, that NOW services hundreds of young adults. As a small child she taught me so much but it wasn’t until her battle with Breast Cancer I would learn the hard life lessons. Cancer has no “avoid button”. It does not care if you are sweet, humble, beautiful or mean. It does not care if you are white, black, purple or yellow toned skin. Cancer does not discriminate against religions or sexual orientation, it knows no boundaries of who it will effect. My grandmother fought daily once diagnosed! She lost parts of her women hood, little by little it took over her entire physical body. I remember riding to her treatments listening to “He has the whole world in his hands” thinking she is so brave.
My grandmother lost her life to cancer but has changed mine forever. I hope to be a fraction of what she was to me to someone else. That beauty is within and shines outward no matter what you are struggling with. More than 250,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States each year. This disease effects not only those going through it but their families as well.
This is a sponsored post in partnership with Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program.
When I turned 18 it was my turn to “enjoy” the wrath of cancer. You know what helped? Having a support system of course but being in the know! Knowing what I was up against, what I was fighting helped focus my mind on the tasks at hand. Treatments are NO fun, they are not easy and I do not wish them on anyone. No one going in treatment WANT to be there but we show up everyday!
“Scientists, physicians, and community partners in the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program (BCERP), which is supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), study the effects of environmental exposures on breast cancer risk later in life. They created a mother-daughter toolkit to help you be in the know, use it! Educate yourselves!!
Parents try to help their children grow up healthy. But the environment around a young girl may change the way her body develops. It is too soon to say for sure that avoiding certain chemicals or foods lowers the risk of breast cancer. Still, to help protect daughters from developing breast cancer later in life, it is never too early to begin taking steps. BCERP has a number of resources for parents and families on how to reduce risk (BCERP material)“
Help them collect data and spread awareness about Breast Cancer to our youth! Take this quick survey here:
https://gmuchss.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8izzl2KmaYZyGhv
What a fantastic post. I absolutely love the tips for preventing breast cancer, and that mothers & daughters can do this together. I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother but so happy you are spreading this knowledge to others.
What a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing your story that so many people can relate to. Awareness is everything and we should not shy away from talking about subjects like these.
I'm so sorry for your loss and you having to endure those treatments. This is a subject near and dear to my heart as well. Thanks for sharing your story
Wow. I'm so sorry for your grandmother, and the sadness her passing had on you. Awareness, and persistence means so much. Thank you for sharing this, and for keeping up the good fight! <3
Thank you for sharing your story. I can tell that you love your grandmother dearly and I'm so sorry she had to endure so much.
This is a wonderful post. Thank you so much for being so honest and sharing your story of loss and bravery. Helping today's youth become more aware of breast cancer is so important and every story like yours helps.
You're so brave for sharing your story. Thank you for the tips and the lessons learned.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I really appreciate you sharing these tips. I want to implement them more.
I really appreciate you sharing this! It hits home for so many! I wish you happiness, peace and joy.
thank you so much for sharing your story with others. I am so sorry about your grandmother. 🙁
Thank you for sharing such important awareness information, as well as your personal struggles. Your grandma was absolutely beautiful! This actually came at a poignant time… I have been needing to make an appointment but keep making excuses. Time to rip off the bandaid… thank you for the nudge.
Cancer Seriously sucks SO MUCH! I am so sorry! It is a real struggle to deal with especially with family members. Your Grandma was so stunning though