October is near and dear to my heart for a number of important reasons, the main one being that my amazing Mothers’ birthday falls within the beginning of the month, which means even more with each year that passes as 9 years ago this month she became a breast cancer survivor and thankfully has been in remission ever since.  Even growing up, October was always important to me as Breast Cancer Awareness month. My family has a history with cancer beyond my mother; my maternal grandmother passed due to breast cancer many years before my birth. Not knowing my grandmother fueled my initial spark of wanting to support in any way possible, as I feel that loss daily.  Even more so, now dear friends are survivors & are inspirations as they fought a good fight before, during and after treatment….I daresay it would be uncommon for someone to not be able to rattle off names of loved ones affected by breast cancer, or any cancer for that matter in this day and age. 

The American Cancer society estimates that in 2019 there will be 271,270 new cases of breast cancer and 42,260 estimated deaths from breast cancer.  Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the breast tissue divide and grow without normal control. It is a widespread and random disease, striking women and men of all ages and races. It is the most prevalent cancer in the world today, with about 1.3 million people diagnosed annually. The exact cause of the disease is unknown, and at this time, there is no cure.

Due to the increased use of mamaography, most women in the United States are diagnosed at an earlier stage of breast cancer before symptoms appear. However, not all breast cancers are found through mammography. The most common symptoms of breast cancer are a change in the look or feel of the breast, a change in the look or feel of the nipple and sudden nipple discharge. 

See your health care provider if:

*You find a new lump or any change that feels different from the rest of your breast.

*You find a new lump or any change that feels different from your other breast.

*You feel something that is different from what you felt before.

Yet, one word comes to mind:  HOPE. Thanks to heightened awareness, early detection through screening, improved treatment methods and increased access to breast health services, people have a greater chance of survival than ever before.

Ways to get involved:

Fundraise, Educate, Advocate, Volunteer, Participate-not just in October but year round!  And if you stop into either jb and me location you will notice our fitting rooms covered in pink sticky notes with words of encouragement for all women!

Looking to participate in an event, check out the following:

Making Strides of Grand Rapids: Saturday October 19, 10am walk beginning at Rosa Parks Circle- learn more:

https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?pg=entry&fr_id=94373

or to find one near you visit: https://secure.acsevents.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=strides_find_event

In good health,

Jen