Stepping Stones For Survival

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the USA. It reminds me I’m closer to the nine-year mark of being a breast cancer survivor. Excitement builds as I see ads for pink fiberglass insulation and browse in stores at the counters covered with pink blenders, blow dryers, stationery, candles, socks, scarves, hats, pillows, cosmetic bags, and cell phones among other things. My son called me “BC, Before Christ,” because I never owned a cell phone. This year to celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I purchased a pink cell phone.

You don’t need to buy a pink cell phone to celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, if you are a woman over 40 years of age or if breast cancer runs in your family, please go for a mammogram. If you have any doubts or concerns, also get an ultra sound, and don’t forget the importance of monthly self-exams.

Check local hospitals and cancer support groups in your area for special events during the month of October. A local hospital in my area sponsors an annual girls’ night out and offers free health screenings, wellness exhibits, speakers, refreshments, door prizes, and much more.

Don’t forget to wear a pink ribbon this month.

Copyright© by Yvonne Ortega October 11, 2009

“Would you like to go to Relay for Life this evening?” My friend Carolyn, an annual participant, called to invite me to go with her.

Of course I accepted the invitation. What a thrill to tell the lady at the Relay for Life registration desk that I’m an eight and a half year cancer survivor. As she handed me a purple survivor T shirt and a white survivor sash, I beamed.

Carolyn and I walked to the open field where the survivors gathered. She took my picture before it got dark. Only cancer survivors walked the first lap around the course. Then survivors and care-givers walked the next one together. We celebrated the recovery of each of survivor present.

Relay teams set up many different stands to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Some of the team members set up tents inside the circle around the track to stay overnight and their children played near their tents.

As it grew dark, the relay team members lit the luminaries, bags filled with sand and a candle. Before the event, they had written the name of a survivor or someone who had died from cancer on the bags. Some bags included pictures or artwork. Carolyn bought a luminary in memory of her mother. I stooped to take a picture of it. I squealed when I found one with my name on it and took a picture of it.

Life is a gift, and Relay for Life annually reminds me of how precious life is.

Copyright © by Yvonne Ortega July 12, 2009