BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

In March 2009, my dear aunt, Beatrice Mason Wynn lost her fight against breast cancer. As much as I loved my aunt, I cannot help but to be reminded how her passing has helped my determination to support the fight for breast cancer research in any way I can. You see, breast cancer runs on my mother's side of the family. My mother is a breast cancer survivor, as she was fortunate to learn about the disease, her options and method of treatment. Yet, my aunt, my mother's sister, who when discovered her breast lump was malignant, spent many months in denial. I remember how we kidnapped her to go to Disney World with us just so we could bombared her with advice and encouragement to seek treatment. We even tried to get her to move back to Philly and see my mom's doctor. She continued to evade treatment for reasons I will never comprehend. Yet, when she eventually decided to fight, it was just too late. The medications and chemotherapy did nothing to contain the spread of the cancer from her breast to other parts of her body. A once vibrant, proper and determined woman, who despite the cancer remained as strong as she could, eventually lost her battle peacefully in her sleep.

One thing you should know. My aunt was very devoted to her religion and she relied heavily on her faith. But I know in my heart that God never said you had to fight fair when it came to this disease. Because of my family history, my sisters, my daughter and I, live with the knowledge everyday that we may be at risk. (Talk about a sisterly bond.) But we are also blessed with being able to have the resources at our disposal if we ever need to fight. And we know we have the support of each other, our families and loved ones.

I encourage you to register with The National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. These sites are great because they contain the latest information on the efforts to fight breast cancer. With their frequent reminders for self breast exams and other information, every woman is armed with the knowledge to fight this disease.

Some may say that perhaps this site is not the best way to spread this message. But I would rather spread this message than to see this disease continue to affect another person. This is my way of fighting back and I hope you will fight along side with me.

By any means necessary....In memory of my dear aunt

D