Celebrating Our Survivors

As we welcome October, a month that signifies the beauty of fall and the changing of seasons

, it also bears the weight of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I wanted to take a moment to share what October means to me personally. 

To be honest, I’ve grappled with the commercialization of the pink breast cancer month. It often feels as though the true essence of the fight can get lost amidst the marketing. Yet, I can’t ignore the positive impact that this increased awareness and funding can have for those affected by the disease. 

Let me provide a bit of background: Like many families, my family has been touched by breast cancer in profound ways.

My mother and two of her three sisters have all battled the disease. I have had precancerous cells since my 20s. Many would quickly assume we have the BRCA gene or one of the 30+ genes associated with breast cancer, but that's not the case for us. None of us carry those genes. Our journeys through this disease have been different for each person. Some have had surgeries, while others have undergone medication, radiation, and an overwhelming amount of emotions that were often not handled well. Despite the challenges, our family story is one of resilience and success against breast cancer. We are all here, alive and well.

Unfortunately, that isn't always the outcome. My college roommate fought metastatic breast cancer quietly, so many of us were not there to support him during his battle. Ryan was a light in so many lives and was taken from us far too soon. He left behind a wonderful wife and three children.

Help us this month in honoring those currently fighting and those who have survived the disease. And to continue the future battle.

Love,

Clare