THINK PINK Giveaway
Beyond all of the pink products that bombard us during October, there are stories. Survival stories. Stories of heartbreak or of beating the odds. Stories of coming together in support of a loved one or finding the courage to face breast cancer personally. It seems that everyone has been touched by it and it is so much deeper than just a color or a ribbon. In my own life, I was touched by breast cancer after having a grandmother who was diagnosed with it. Grandma Rita is now healthy luckily (in fact, she's thriving as you can see here) and for that I am so grateful.
For our Think Pink giveaway, I am asking that you share a snippet of your story with us in the comments section. How have you been touched by breast cancer? Out of it, what has given you strength? We encourage you to share and to express yourself in honor of this month of survivors and of those that we should remember. We'll be picking at random one winner who will receive the ENTIRE Think Pink collection.
The winner will be announced next Friday on Facebook and the blog.
Photos from Pinterest.com
14 Comments
Reader Comments (14)
Since I've lost my two grandmas to cancer, I have been supporting breast cancer to give back to the community.
I recently found out that a childhood friend's mother passed away within the past year from breast cancer. Her battle with the disease was a painful one which she unfortunately lost. I know that my friend supports breast cancer research to help others from having to deal with that pain. I often try to buy products where proceeds go to the cause as well.
I have been touched by breast cancer by seeing so many women fighting against it. Some prevail, while others do not, so I know the importance of prevention. I recently got my long overdue mammogram. I try to find strength in others who conquer the disease, which happens more typically with early detection.
One of the things I learned from working as a volunteer with the Look Good Feel Better program over the years is that women are so strong especially when they connect with each other. In the beginning of a session most everyone is feeling uncomfortable,kinda sad and scared and then they start talking and sharing makeup and tips, complimenting each other and by the end of the session they will be laughing and helping each other and have made friends and they no longer feel alone and isolated. It's not the makeup, skincare or the hair or the facilitator --it's connecting with each other and realizing were all in this together and together -- they lift each other's spirits up. It's a beautiful thing to see them leave with radiant smiles on their faces.
My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer about 2 years ago. Luckily they were able to catch it in the very early stages and she is now "cancer free." but it did have a big affect on me as I was faced with the questions, what would life be like without my grandmother? My grandmother is a strong down to earth woman. She puts her whole life into her faith. Though we don't see eye-to-eye on a lot of things, at least we meet on the power of prayer and healing intention. I sent my grandmother so many prayers and healing thoughts and it not only helped me to put it into the Divine's hands, but I know it helped her as well knowing that so many people were rooting for her and giving her the energy and strength to fight it. Cancer happens, but more importantly, from that we can learn to love each other as we are, live every day to its fullest and believe in prayer and divinity.
I had a lump in my breast checked out earlier this year, and while it's not cancerous, I still live in fear that it might become cancerous in the future, since I have heard that there is definitely a chance that lumps like that could be and know of many family friends in the same situation as me who ended up with breast cancer. I'm still definitely trying to live a healthy and active life to prevent any chances of cancer so I won't become the only person in my family who has breast cancer.
I am in my mid 20's and I have a very life threatening disease (Cystic Fibrosis) and just found out that I may have breast cancer. There are lumps in my breast that came up during an ultrasound that are very suspicious and now I am seeing the surgeon to see what is next I just lost a family member to cancer this year and the year before another family member went through very severe surgery, chemo and radiation. I have seen healthy people hurt, I have seen people die, and I am strong and I live in pain everyday but I am a fighter if Cancer is my next big obstacle I am ready to take it on. Watching the people who battle Cancer and watching the support systems around them is so beautiful, I've seen the good, bad, and ugly but I truly believe the power of positivity will bread good health for each and every person that has to face this demon. Any products that can be purchased to help find a cure or better forms of treatment are a blessing. Thank You Josie for bringing us a natural line that benefits such an important cause.
My grandmother and my Aunt have both battled breast cancer. My Aunt was able to beat it and has been delcared cancer free from some years now. My grandmother beat the breast cancer, but a few years later was stricken with colon cancer and after fighting for many years, lost her battle 5 years ago. I miss and morn her loss every single minute of the day. I know she watches down over my daughter and I and I look forward to seeing her again someday.
Please, eveyone do your self exams and if you ever think something is not right, have it checked out!
A year ago my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, she is a survivor and she is doing great. Because breast cancer now runs in my family, I make sure that I get an annual mammogram and will encourage my daughters (age 6 and 4) to do so as well. I purchase products that support cancer research as much as I can, because we need to find a cure and we need research to do this.
My mother died from breast cancer. She fought it for 11 years after her doctor told her she had less than two years to live. During those years new medicines and treatments came out giving her more chances. She was positive thoughout the whole experience. I hope that I can be as positive as her if I ever go through something as terrible as breast cancer. I was adopted so my risk is not increased because she had breast cancer but I have no medical history information from my biological parents so I try to be cautious and healthy just in case.
When I was in my early 20's, my mother's sister (Aunt Ruthie) was diagnosed with breast cancer. It changed her life forever. At that time, the only option was a full mastectomy. After her surgery, She did not leave the house anymore, would not let her husband touch her or see her nude. She eventually took her own life. :(
My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994. I was so grief stricken, I went to support groups. My mom, however, looked at this as an opportunity! She was a bra size of triple D, so her back was always hurting. She went for a full mastectomy on the right breast. A breast reduction on the left breast, and became a size B. This is where the disappointment set in: she was now upset because she could see her stomach! She started exercising after that, to put her body back in shape :)
In December of 2009, the cancer returned, at age 79. My mom's other health issues were destroying her body, as well. She had an epiphany that she was going to die on her 80th birthday. She passed away, peacefully, and with a smile on her face, 2-1/2 weeks later. I miss her every single day!
At 46 my younger sister, who had 4 children, ranging from 12 to 22, was diagnosed with breast cancer. I, who have no children, thought it was so unfair. I felt it should have been me, not her. I could easily live without a breast (or breasts), but, like my aunt, my sister was embarrassed and ashamed. She would not let her husband see her nude, which lead to a separation of one year. At this point, she realized her husband was more important than her body. It was a very long and difficult process, before she could accept what had happened to her. At her 5 and 10 year marks, we celebrated. My sister, now 56, is one of the most optimistic people I know. :)
So, I have been affected by all that surround me. If it should happen to me, I will go for a complete mastectomy, radiation, whatever it takes....and strive to help someone else going through breast cancer. But, I won't let it destroy me. I will be like my mother...not happy about seeing my stomach, lol!
I have learned that each day is a gift so dont waste it. My Grandma Jan was diagnosed with Breast Cancer a year ago. I was so scared because She and I are so close. Luckily she battled it and won. She had to go through the radiation and everything but she is alright now. It definitely made me realize how fast someone you love dearly can be taken away from you. I feel so blessed that she is alright and now I am careful to make sure and get checked routinely for breast cancer.
My grandmother had breast cancer a few years ago, the doctors were quite sure she wouldn't survive it, but she did! I was in college at the time and I remember going to her house one day with my dad, she had always been such a strong vibrant woman, but seeing her lying on her couch helpless that day almost broke my heart, the fact the she beat the cancer will always remind me of her amazing faith and to always have faith myself! We are so blessed to still have her with us!
Twenty years ago, as a teenager growing up in a small mid-western town, cancer was the last thing on my mind. My mom, who was 39 at the time, found a lump and went to the local doctor. He felt it and told her it was nothing to worry about. Luckily my dad wanted a second opinion. They traveled to Indianapolis for further testing. She indeed had early stages of breast cancer. Happily, I can report that she underwent radiation and has been in remission for the past 19 years. What I took away from that, is that our time here is very limited, and the relationships we form are the most precious resource of all. I also learned to take my health in my own hands. I'm not afraid to express my concerns to doctors, and seek second and third opinions when my instincts tell me to do so.