October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

Most people are aware breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and if caught early, you can help fight it. The importance of being "aware" about breast cancer, is being able to detect it early on.  Women especially, should screen themselves on a regular basis, from the comfort of their own home.  And it's recommended to go in for an annual exam after you hit 35, but young people are not exempt.  It can hit anyone, so that's why it's important to get checked out for any unusual lumps or formations.  I went in for my first exam in my twenties.  It may sound silly, because many times when you go into those offices, you see a lot of older women in the waiting room.  But I guarantee that it is always better to be safe than sorry. 

My aunt, the 3rd oldest of four amazing sisters (my mom included of course!) was unexpectedly diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this decade.  (I say unexpectedly, as if it is ever expected?)   Aunt B was always the fiery one of all my aunts.  She's the wild one who asked my mom and I to jump into the ocean with her naked, on a super cold and windy day, while we were casually walking along the beach.  To which my conservative mom and I both refused and just laughed and watched her as she went flying in.  Aunt B is also the creative one in my family which I kind of hope I take after her in some form, but probably never to her level.  She is a skilled poet 24/7, and a Chinese-character calligraphy instructor by day.   Oh, and finally, when I think of Aunt B, I always envision how she can catch a pesky fly that has somehow found its way indoors with her bare hands with one swipe of the air.  She never misses.  So this is really for my Aunt B, how someone as vivacious and talented as she is has the will to fight.   To continue to live her life in her spontaneous ways.  She's always fought so many challenges but still is able to remain optimistic.  Despite her unfortunate loser-husband who she simply refuses to let go of because she still sees the good in him, and despite the hardships of raising her beloved daughter who is inflicted with extreme OCD, and most recently, this diagnosis most would consider discouraging, yet she always pulls through.

So in honor of my aunt, I am here to spread the news to you - there are plenty of ways to educate yourself, and show your support.

I found this cool site running this campaign called Pink for October.  You can show your support by donating, or simply spreading awareness by converting your site to pink. 
Visit: http://pinkforoctober.org/  for more details.


Pink1