LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Sep 6, 2023
The month of October is upon us, evoking images of fall leaves, Halloween celebrations, and ... Pink Ribbons. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and, for those of us who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, this can be a challenging time with frequent reminders of our diagnoses.
I experience conflicting emotions throughout the month. I find it exhausting at times to hear about breast cancer. I feel sad that, in the 15 years since my diagnosis, the incidence of breast cancer has increased. I'm frustrated that my daughter must also live with the risk of a breast cancer diagnosis.
Yet I also experience hope for the incredible medical advances being made and appreciation for the amazing level of support that is demonstrated here each October: pink window clings hanging in businesses, city council proclamations, community fundraisers, breast cancer awareness walks, and volunteer-led events. I am reminded that I live in a caring community and am not alone on my journey.
I chair the board of Thriving Pink, a nonprofit that supports the breast cancer community. While we rally each October to increase awareness, fighting and thriving with breast cancer is not about an event that occurs once a year. We are there 7 days a week, 365 days a year, in real and tangible ways, offering financial aid, peer mentorship, education, and a community of empowerment, resilience, and hope.
This October, we hope you'll join us in support of the breast cancer community. Reach out to us at info@thrivingpink.org or www.thrivingpink.org.
Joni Rubin