Breast cancer awareness has become a part of our society, but the battle still has miles to go. Many of us have almost gotten used to seeing the annual efforts that go on each October, National Breast Cancer Awareness month. We see corporations running ads with a pink hue, we see the pink bows that signify a support for the cause on web pages and in advertisements.
Each year as well, our friends and family continue to raise money for the cause. The American Cancer Society has its “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk, this year on October 19. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is forging ahead with its efforts to raise funds for research to cure the disease, as well as to provide a place for those who have been diagnosed to find information, solace and hope. There are also many other groups with ongoing efforts toward these goals.
Because these efforts have become a part of the fabric of our lives, it might be easy to glaze over the messages that are being broadcast about breast cancer, which will eventually touch all of our lives, whether through personal experience or the fact that a friend, family member or colleague will receive a diagnosis of breast cancer in our lifetime.
Vice President—Content/Editorial Director, Ruthanne Terrero
Don’t glaze over the attempts being made to raise money and support for breast cancer research. If you see a friend or family member posting a link on their Facebook page that they’re walking or running in a fundraiser, click through and find out how you can support them. Even better, walk or run with them. If you can’t do either, show that you are there for them by sending them an encouraging message or picking up the phone to say you are thinking of them.
In this, our fourth annual Pink Issue, Stacy Fischer-Rosenthal and Anne Ackerman of Fischer Travel Enterprises share the stories of their challenges with breast cancer. The recurring theme of both these profiles is that the support of family, colleagues and friends is vital to a successful battle over breast cancer. As you read their stories, you’ll find how they both found balance in their lives by relying on the kindness of others. Each also demonstrates a remarkable inner strength that led them to battle the disease with admirable courage.
I hope their stories inspire you to keep on fighting the fight against this all too common disease.