October is BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH! Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in women. Screening and early detection can help identify cancer in its early stages when the disease is most treatable. Us women should become more informed about our risks of developing cancer and how effective screening for the disease is. Please visit the
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website for information on what you can do to protect yourself and your family members.
I know many great women that have had or have breast cancer. These women are the strongest women I know. My great-grandmother, Juanita Johnson passed away from Breast Cancer many years ago, before I had the chance to meet her. I have watched old film of her and our family, and asked myself how she could be so happy while knowing she had a cancer taking over her body. As I got older, I began to realize how strong she really was. I have heard stories of her and my great-grandfather driving to Mexico for a "new" experimental drug proposed to cure the cancer(they took chances back then LOL). There are even old films they took while on their trip-she was laughing and having a good time(she was the life of the party). If she were feeling down at all, she certainly did not show it. She had faith in God, that His will would be done..and somehow, I feel she wasn't scared. Even though I never met her, I know her to be the strongest, most fun woman that ever lived- and one day, I hope to meet her in Heaven.
I am very fortunate to be close friends with a breast cancer survivor, Patsy Brown of
A Thousand Words Photography. Patsy is definitely an angel ;) I have had some of the funnest times with her, and she has been my biggest encourager. Not only does she push me to be a better photographer, she gives me the truth. I remember times when I would be down on myself, and I could get online and Patsy would be there "waiting" for me to IM her (LOL). After I would tell her about how horrible everything was, she would ALWAYS find a way to make me smile and make me feel so much better. In the past, she has told me that EVERYTHING will work out, and it has. Not once have I ever heard her complain or be discouraged about her situation, and because of her positive attitude she is the most encouraging person I know. Patsy is a breast cancer survivor, and I can truly say that I am a better person because of her. I love you, Patsy!
One of my favorite websites is
SaveTheTatas.com. This website offers Breast Cancer Awareness T shirts and Accessories. I can't wait to get one of their new shirts! The best part about this site is that a percentage of ALL sales goes to
The Save the Ta-tas Foundation.