During the month of October, we raise awareness about many different causes and issues. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Down Syndrome Awareness, National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Respect Life Month, National Adopt A Shelter Dog Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Those are just some of the causes. The list goes on and on.
While all of them are such great causes, the one that is near and dear to my heart is Breast Cancer Awareness. This coming January, my mom will celebrate 25 years as a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with the disease in 1991, when I was just 6 years old and my brother was only 3. Being as young as we were, we had no clue what our mom was going through. We just knew she was incredibly sick. But through prayer and faith in God, along with my mom’s unwavering strength and courage, we are so blessed and grateful that she is healthy and as active as ever. She also has been and continues to be a major part of our lives.
So for me, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than just one month out of the year. It is more than just wearing pink. For me, every time I see my mom, I’m reminded of what she and millions of women (and men) have gone through. I’m reminded that we need to raise awareness, raise funds for research, honor survivors and remember those who lost their battles, not just during the month of October, but every day of the year. The same goes for all these causes. They are something we need to bring attention to 365 days a year.
