October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Earlier this week I was sitting at the lunch table when one of my co-workers got a call from her father, imploring her to get a mammogram.  Her dad is an OB/GYN, so I didn’t find it all that odd that he would want her to get a mammogram, but she’s only 26.  I’m older than her and I haven’t had one yet.  It was at that point my co-worker explained that in the last month they’ve known 2 women under the age of 30 to be diagnosed with breast cancer, and of those, one of them had cancer that had already spread.  In each case, there was no family history or reason for concern.  How scary is that?  Under 30.  And yet, day after day I keep hearing more stories just like it.

I suppose I’m particularly concerned because my family has had some scares in the past.  Before I was even old enough to understand, a lump was found during one of my mom’s exams, but luckily it was benign.  They were able to remove the lump without a problem.  Another family member wasn’t as lucky and had to have both breast removed.  She was able to win her battle.  Even still, I can’t imagine the fear that she was feeling at the time, and yet she displayed nothing but courage.  After hearing my friend’s story of the 2 women under 30 years old to be diagnosed, and considering my own family history, I will be talking to my doctor this month about getting a mammogram.  I’m 34.  I should have done this sooner.

In college I was honored to be a part of a sorority who’s philanthropy revolved around breast cancer education and awareness.  As a chapter, we stormed the dorms with shower cards, went out into our local community to distribute literature, and organized a yearly event so we could donate the proceeds to the cause.  We were a small group, at a small university, in a small town, but part of a bigger chain.  A chain that stretched across the country, all spreading the same message.  But that’s what it’s all about – Doing things in your own community, while promoting the bigger message of breast cancer education and awareness.  And perhaps most importantly, rallying behind the survivors and those who are still fighting.

Ford understands that.

From Ford:

This October, Ford Warriors in Pink® has launched its first ever produced documentary, “Bang the Drum: Living Out Loud in the Face of Breast Cancer.” The film honors 11 men and women breast cancer survivors who have demonstrated strength and courage in their battle with its “Models of Courage” program. 2012 marks Ford Motor Company’s 18th year of support for the breast cancer cause. In that time, Ford has dedicated more than $115 million to the breast cancer cause.
http://youtu.be/qLB2RqcVLJA
You too can get involved in this tremendously worthy program! When you buy Ford Warriors in Pink apparel at fordcares.com, 100 percent of the net proceeds go directly to support breast cancer awareness all year long.

To keep connected, be sure to check out Ford Warriors in Pink on Facebook and follow@WarriorsinPink on Twitter.

This is a sponsored post* written by me on behalf of Ford Warriors in Pink. The opinions and text are all mine.

*All money that I am to receive for this post has been already donated.  Half was donated to Susan G. Komen and the other half went to a family that has been affected by cancer.