Fight With Grace, Tenacity, And Faith — Delilah’s Reflections

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Learning that someone you love has been diagnosed with breast cancer can be a devastating moment, not only for that person diagnosed, but for everyone who surrounds that person with love every day.

To get through such a tough time, that person you love needs every little bit of support to tough it out and stay positive throughout the process of getting well.

My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was a teenager and we were not even allowed to say those two words. We had to call it "women's cancer" because there was a terrible stigma attached to saying breast cancer. The very part of our body that is created to nurture life was not allowed to be spoken of publicly. Now, we have the "I Heart Boobies" bracelets and "Save the Ta-Tas" tee-shirts and we've come a long way in raising awareness for women, young and old, to get mammograms and get the treatment and emotional support they need when diagnosed with breast cancer. But we still have a long ways to go...
This month is devoted to breast cancer awareness, but in my recent life, every month has been about breast cancer awareness. My best friend Janey was diagnosed last September. We faced mastectomy and complications and multiple surgeries together this year. Then in July my young friend Rachel, daughter of my beloved friend Joni, was diagnosed. I felt so helpless until I saw Rachel fight like a soldier. A beautiful and seemingly healthy, single mom of two boys, Rachel has the kindest and most giving heart I know. She is a fiercely loving person who is fighting this disease with grace, tenacity and faith - all while keeping a smile on her face.
Breast cancer can affect anyone whether you have a family history or not. It does not discriminate. It doesn't matter if you live a healthy lifestyle...doesn't care about your sexual preference, your race, your religion, your social status, what clothes you wear, even your gender. Men get it too! And early detection is the best way to kick it to the curb.
Monthly breast exams, annual doctor exams and regular mammograms are so important. Do it for you, but also for those who count on you and love you and want to grow old with you. Do it for peace of mind. Do it because it's October and there's no better time to empower yourself by taking your health and your future into your own hands.

Do YOU know anyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer? Share by commenting below.