On one side of things,the awareness and support is wonderful. If the proceeds are truly going towards breast cancer research and helping survivors and their families it is a great thing.
I myself support research, raise money and participate in events all the time through organizations like Komen, American Cancer Society, Team In Training and Livestrong. The money raised, research, help and support to patients and their families is invaluable.I guess the conflict for me is feeling it has become commercialized. Breast cancer is neither pretty or pink. The picture above is the absolute reality of breast cancer.To many the pink is a sign of hope and support, it can also be a label that none of us ever wanted and a constant reminder everyday of what we have been through and what we still live with.
I knew I had been feeling conflicted about this lately so one day I decided to see what would happen when we went to a restaurant with a large group of people that was all decorated with pink balloons, hats, shirts, ribbons, etc. I wondered if they truly supported the "cause" they were displaying everywhere.I asked if there was anything special they did for breast cancer survivors. He asked me if I was a survivor and I told him yes, of 12 years. After dinner, he and the manager brought out a huge desert with several spoons for me and our table to share. And share we did, passing it around the table 2 times before we were all too full to finish it. My wonderful family and friends sang "Happy Survivor Day" showing their support as they always do. Kudos to On The Border!
As the title indicates "Conflicted"....on this one.
1 comment:
I think that's a completely understandable way to feel. When Kev and I ran the 5k, I remember seeing hundreds of pink ribbons tied to a wall, each one labeled with a name of someone who was currently fighting or lost to Breast Cancer. I remember wondering about each name. . .their families, their struggle, the blood, sweat, and tears. A little name on the ribbon didn't seem like enough. I'm sure each one could have been a novel of experiences--triumphs, losses, joy, and sadness.
Like you, I am so glad so many people are willing and able to support the cause. But I never knew how awful it all could be until it wormed its way into my life through someone I love very, very much. I agree that people probably rarely understand the severity.
No matter what, we love and pray for you all the time. We'll wear our pink ribbons with pride (12 years of survival is definitely something to be proud of. Our mama is a WARRIOR!), but we'll also remember what it means to wear that ribbon.
We love you Mama. :)
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