For those of you who know me, you also know all too well my quiet determination and need for privacy. I operate on pure logic; tearful emotion is not something you will often see from me. Which is why for months I dealt with my symptoms and the countless tests that followed with that same level of privacy and quiet determination. Somewhere along the way, it became apparent that this is something to be shared. I did not reach this conclusion because of a singular reason but a series of realizations and the people that impact my life daily.
Firstly, for those of you that have ever received a scary diagnosis, you will know that you end up repeating and reliving the same bad news, updates and 'what’s next' multiple times a day. It stops you from being productive and also from focusing on the silver linings and the joys that are evident everywhere every day. That is why I wanted to create one bulletin board for family, loved ones, friends and colleagues.
Secondly, one of the worst things about a scary time in your life is the fear of the unknown. Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the USA and this number does not include the family and friends that are left with their own range of emotions. Uncertainty is often the worst part of the journey; so if this helps to shed some light and help others, I will willingly share my journey.
Lastly, and a little selfishly, emotion is important; everyone deals with grief and fear differently. Finding an outlet to channel that emotion is imperative not only for the harnessing of our mental power to recover from illness but also to manage our grief and fear during the process.
So selfishly I intend to write my story and channel my emotion through my words. I am sure I will shed some tears along the way, but those tears will be private and healing - and my days will be filled by my positive contribution to the people I love, the business and clients I cherish, and the group of complete crazies I call family.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and one year ago I joined an amazing bunch of incredible women (plus my brother!) to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer by doing a 5K walk. I didn’t know it then, but I already had breast cancer - which is why in honor and celebration of every incredible WOMAN and every person touched by cancer, I am launching my bulletin board with the help of the beautiful and talented Melanie De Vito. It will help to not only share my news and journey, but continue to raise awareness and funds in the pursuit of a cure.
Welcome to The Pink Fight Club
