Pink Ribbons - Symbol of Faith, Hope, and Courage

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It’s all over the television, internet, newspapers, and even many billboards in the United States. It is something you probably come across almost every day yet you are not aware of it. How is it possible that something so small could touch so many people and save so many lives? That powerful thing I speak of is none other than the infamous pink ribbon which represents breast cancer. This pink ribbon symbolizes awareness of the disease, the strong survivors still with us, those who have lost their battle, and the brave souls who are currently fighting for their lives. It has also inspired so many to have faith, hope, and courage, even in the darkest hours. Did you know that every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer? Over one million women are diagnosed with this dreadful disease each year. Breast cancer is currently the second leading cause of cancer death in women behind lung cancer. Given these facts, isn’t it time to find a cure?

To begin, it started off as a normal routine day for me. I was in the shower and decided to do a self check breast exam. I am not even sure what initiated the idea. Cancer was not something I worried about on a daily basis. As a matter of fact, I was not a frequent or even monthly self checker. Thirty four years old was just too young to get cancer, at least, that’s what I thought. As I proceeded doing the exam, the unthinkable happened and it stopped me dead in my tracks. NO! It couldn’t be! Could it? I felt a peculiar lump in my armpit area. All of a sudden, I got weak in the knees and felt a panic attack coming on. This could not be happening to me. Why me? I am not ready to die! Those were the fearful thoughts running through my mind. After several minutes of crying and feeling sorr...

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... compassion, love, and support. This breast cancer support group, along with the support of my loving family, and most importantly the strength God gave me to fight a good fight, is the reason I am here today.

To conclude, I am passionate about sharing the emphasis for ALL women to do monthly self check breast exams along with an annual breast mammogram. These exams and tests are mandatory in order to detect early stage breast cancer. Remember, age is just a number. Cancer can and does affect young people! The emotional journey was a shocking wakeup call for me and the experience has affected everyone in my family in one way or another. I am proud to say that I am a 2.5 year breast cancer survivor! I want all who are dealing with this disease to know that when in doubt, turn to that infamous pink ribbon for a symbol of faith, hope, and courage, as you move forward.

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