October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  I know you see the pink ribbons everywhere you turn and most often, you don’t give it a second thought.  Although I did small things to help raise awareness in my own way, it wasn’t personal.  Now, it is.  It also wakes me up to the importance of doing a self-breast exam every month.  More often than not, it’s the individual who detects the lump, not the once a year mammogram.  So, if you get nothing else out of sharing my personal story with you, know this.  You can save your own life.

I’m not going to give you the stats and usually information you receive during the month of October.  Instead, I’m going to share a personal story with you.

This December will mark the second year of my mother’s breast cancer diagnosis.    In December of 2007, mom got the call from her doctor that the lump she found was cancerous.  It was a blow out of nowhere that neither one of us saw coming.  From the onset, mom held onto her faith and kept an upbeat and positive attitude.  She has gone through 2 years of diagnosis, surgeries, treatments and procedures.  Mom is now cancer free, but she still falls into that 5 year window until she’s given a complete clean bill of good health.

Of course, it has been a journey for her, but it has also been a journey for me as well.  Mom has been an example for me without knowing it.  She has shown me how to face what may seem like and insurmountable obstacle with grace and faith.  As long as she was ok, so was I.  I was at her side through all the doctor appointments, treatments and surgeries.  I wasn’t the one who was going through the physical part of this journey, but I was there mentally, emotionally & spiritually.  If you have ever taken care of someone close to you, I’m sure you can relate to this.  You’re not going through the pain and side affects, but in a lot of ways you are going through  the journey with them.  And, believe me, it can wear you down if you’re not careful.

It’s important to surround yourself with a loving support team.  For the person you are caring for and for you.  I had the best support team you could ask for and I would like to take this time to say thanks you.

To my Aunt Gloria Goodwin and my cousin Kam-Marie Goodwin.  They were are every treatment no matter the weather or fatigue.  They showed up with bright smiles, laughter and the yummiest lunches and snacks around (thank you Auntie!!).  It meant a lot having mom’s sister there to pray with her on those occasions when the nurses weren’t able to find her veins.  There love and support throughout this journey can never be repaid.  Thank you for your love and time.

With all the yummy snacks being dished up, we were a big hit with the nurse by the time mom had her last treatment.

To the nursing staff at the Joan Karnell Cancer Center of Pennsylvania Hospital.  You ladies are angels and so awesome!  Thanks for keeping us laughing, calm, in hot packs and full of hot chocolate (seemed to work on mom’s veins).

This past May we also took part in the Susan Komen Race for the Cure (mom is in the red jacket).  It was so much fun!  It was also so humbling to see the sea of pink that stood on the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  So many women, and men, stood with confidence as survivors before being led in the survivor’s parade.  It was an awesome sight to see!  It was also awesome for those who gave unselfishly to support us in our walk, either through participation or donations.

I would like to say a big THANK YOU.

For being apart of Team Millie Mil:

• Gloria Goodwin
• Kam-Marie Goodwin
• Brenda Williams
• Vanita Williams
• Kenishia Cook
• Brian Chambers
• Mia Chambers
• Geoffrey Deans

For making a financial donation to our team:

• Leslie Benoliel
• Leslie Bowman
• Edelene Carroll
• Digshema James
• Joyce
• Gina Kaiser
• Shielah Lewis
• Jeanette McVeigh
• Harriet & Leonard Middleton
• The Trott Family
• Greg Virola
• Hilda Wilson
• C. Austin & W. Winchester
• The Yeagor Family

Mom is enjoying life as she always has, but she now has a new walk.  It seems she is now using her journey to bring support and comfort to other women who are now faced with the same obstacle.  Her message is clear and always the same.  Hold tight to your faith, surround yourself with people who love you and always make sure your attitude matches your smile.