October begins Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and for many organizations it is all about turning their products pink & making donations to the leading breast cancer support groups. You can find everything from pink garbage collection bins (at least in my little town) to pink football jerseys on a Sunday afternoon television.
While I wholeheartedly support awareness toward ANY AND ALL types of cancer, I am not getting behind the pink ribbons this year. if you are new to my blog, you will learn that I am a bit of a rebel in some ways, but I do tend to stand up for what I believe in.
Several years ago I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. it has not been a fun or easy battle, by any means. but I have had the wonderful support of my family, friends, and some great people online. I have managed to live longer than I ever thought I would, truthfully. God has blessed me beyond measure. I am constantly in awe, and thankful. so very, very thankful.
But I am not blind to the reality of what goes on in many of the breast cancer pink ribbon groups that become so prevalent at this time of year. The bottom line is this - be informed. not only about breast cancer groups, but about any organization you financially support. do research. look into the products that turn themselves pink for a month or sport a pink ribbon. is that perfume or makeup with the pink ribbon really composed of toxic chemicals that actually CAUSE cancer?
When I was going through chemo, I used to joke that yes, I had no hair, was throwing up, and had no energy, but by golly, I was going to do my housework with that big shiny pink vacuum cleaner! of course the fact that we have no carpet in our house only added to the humor! :)
Check out Think Before You Pink for lots of information.
btw - there ARE things you can do to help people going through any kind of cancer journey. since you are probably a crafter if you are reading my blog, make cards for a local cancer center. I set up a box at my chemo center for everyone to go through and take as they needed. I believe Split Coast Stampers is running their annual 'Hope You Can Cling To' promotion to send cards to the cancer patients at MD Anderson in Texas.
I agree with you
ReplyDeleteMy mom and dad past away because of cancer.
I don't like when they use others people's pain to get profit.
My friend you are strong and you will pass any difficulty after your battle with cancer.
I know how is that because I watched my parents dying from cancer...
sending you lots of hugs
Sending some extra love your way today! Since you've had a personal experience with it, I'm sure that things like this must rankle you extra. I love the idea of the box of cards for the cancer center! What a great thing!
ReplyDeletegreat way to say it! I have personally lost every family member to various cancers (except mamaw who just passed at the ripe old age of 90) and my mother is a survivor (uterine). I wholeheartedly believe the chemicals and toxins we are subject to in our day and age contribute to the illnesses and cancers that abound! My mother believes it was her "toxic" work environment and immediately moved to another department at her company. I am glad YOU are a survivor and have a great day!
ReplyDeleteAlicia
I don't know anyone whose life hasn't been touched by cancer. I'm with you about the pink - it's just a money-making gimmick. I like your idea about the cards for cancer patients - I'll check out the SCS promotion.
ReplyDeleteI raise money for breast cancer charities by selling cards & other thngs I make, rather than buying all those things with pink ribbons on them. That way I know that the money I raise is going directly t the charities.
ReplyDeleteHUgs
Dawn xx
Hi Jennifer! Thank you for sharing this touching story. I also agree with you. It's always been my thought that companies that promote their pink products should really be giving more to CANCER RESEARCH throughout the year and not just during October when they benefit from profits on their bottom line. Im sorry you are also going through this battle. Cancer is everywhere. Reading your special post has got me re-thinking things and I want to thank you. Sending positive thoughts and prayers. May god bless you. :)
ReplyDeleteHey Jen, a while ago I was looking for you on facebook and couldn't find you. I haven't been doing any paper crafting since my dog passed away last year but today I thought if I look around that arena I may find you and here you are. Yeah!
ReplyDeleteSo that was your photo under the definition of rebel - I thought it looked familiar.
Anyway, I am so happy to see you have not left us and that you are crafting away. Yeah! I was on too many teams for me and at some point last summer I started burning out and dropping off of them. I was down to one at the time my dog passed away and they closed shop a month later. It was perfect timing for me I couldn't pick up another stamp at the time. I tried to keep up with my pottery and photography. I'm not great but they kept my creativity going. Maybe I'm ready to pick up the stamps again. We'll see.
It might happen.
Do you still love zombies? Did you watch Fear the walking Dead? What did you think? I can't wait for next week to see what happens in the new town this seaason. Anyway, I miss you and am glad you're here.
Oh, I have a photography blog now. It's called 52weekssnaphappy . It's on wordpress. If you're looking for me.
Hugs,
Chris