National Breast Cancer Awareness and Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure: It's Your Cause, Not Mine

It was in the mid-1980s that I became truly aware of the seriousness of breast cancer, when a friend, who was like a mother to me, was diagnosed, treated, and lost her battle to breast cancer.

In 1997, another friend (and roommate) was diagnosed at the age of 33. We shared many moments during her the process of her diagnosis, mastectomy, and chemotherapy; however, our friendship ended a couple of years later, unfortunately. She is still a survivor 13 years after her diagnosis.

These two women put breast cancer on my radar, and I became more aware and supported the cause in small ways until 2006.

Getting involved

It was 2006 that the breast cancer cause became part of my life. It was the year I became associated with the 3-Day event which benefited the Komen organization. I was not only a walker, but a seasonal employee. It was also the year that I met a newly diagnosed friend and our friendship started.

It was the year that awareness of this disease changed my life in many ways.

Getting involved in a big event, and working with a company which planned and supported the event, made me much more aware of the facts about cancer, how hard organizations work and what is involved to get the word out. I was able to see the bigger picture, not only in awareness, but also how certain organizations have made a difference. I was proud to be a part of making that difference.

Two particular organizations became important to me, as I watched my world change around me-the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organizations.

An increase in national awareness and results

This year marks the 26th year of the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) organization. Though October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the NBCAM organization is dedicated to provide a year-round resource for information, awareness, and resources by partnering with government agencies, medical professionals, and other national organizations.

Two years earlier in 1982, a grassroots movement was started by Nancy Brinker who promised her sister, Susan Komen, that she would do whatever possible to put an end to breast cancer. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure® organization has now become "the largest source of non-profit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world," according to the organization's website.

Both of these organizations have made strides in getting people's attention and opening up discussions about a disease that was rarely talked about openly prior to the awareness that these organizations have fostered.

According to statistics noted at Breast Cancer.org and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov), the year 2010 will see 261,100 new cases of breast cancer (207,090 invasive and 54,010 of non-invasive) diagnosed in women in the United States and nearly 2,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer in men. Diagnoses of new cases of invasive breast cancer from last year will be up by approximately 7.5 percent.

Even though new cases have increased, the death rate from breast cancer has been declining since 1991. In just one year from 2009 to 2010, the death rate of women from breast cancer is expected to decline by 770 cases. These decreases in the death rates, as well as the increased diagnoses of new cases, are thought to be linked to increased awareness, earlier screening processes leading to earlier detection, and the advancements of cancer treatments.

Stepping up my involvement

Since 2006, when I walked two Breast Cancer 60-mile 3-Day events and was a seasonal staff member for a third event, my involvement stepped up considerably because of my own personal diagnosis. But that first year was of paramount importance to my view of life and what is important. It set the standard for what I was to learn in the next four years. (Read "How the 2006 Seattle Breast Cancer 3-Day Changed My Life" and "How the 2006 Breast Cancer 3-Day Helped Me to Learn How to Live My Life" in these two articles.)

Many people did not think I would follow-through. It was a big commitment, both physically and in the requirement for raising a considerable amount per event.

In 2007 and 2008, I walked the Seattle event again, not only for what it meant personally, but also to be involved in it because I was more aware of others who were struggling with the fight against the disease. In 2009, though I signed up for three events, my health was not as good and my involvement went by the wayside.

In 2010, it became even more personal

Watching as a friend lost her battle to this disease, I have gone through the gamut of emotions. I felt helpless as I watched cancer take her away from her family and friends. I decided that what I am able to do is raise money and awareness and continue to share her story, just as I promised to do. So this year, I signed up to walk in two events-The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure events in Seattle in September and San Diego in November. I realize this is a personal journey for me, and that not everyone feels as I do about this cause.

Walking 60 miles over 3 days in scorching heat or pouring down rain, and camping out in tents with a couple of thousand other walkers, is not something that many others would decide to do. In fact, many think we are crazy to do it once, let alone year after year. It takes a lot of time and commitment to train (though some of us are foolish enough to not train too much, which I do not encourage).

Then there is the fund raising commitment of raising $2300 per event. That is an incredible feat for some to try to get their brains around. Even for those of us who have been successful in sales, it can be daunting, especially when committing to multiple events. If we do not raise the money, we must make a choice not to walk in an event we believe in, or we agree to make up the difference by a personal donation of that amount.

Even with the economy as it currently is, I thought that there would be considerably fewer walkers, yet at the Seattle event, and in reading reports of the other events this season, there are still thousands of people who commit to the event, and more who are generous supporters.

Your cause, not mine

Our economy has certainly taken its toll on most all of us. I am not exempt from it, as my own personal experience included being "let go" from a professional job several days before my diagnosis. I was virtually unemployed (not on benefits) for the best part of two years.

Today, I am working part time in a career that gives me joy and supplies me with my needs. It offers me the opportunity to become involved with a cause like the 3-Day event, even though I have had to learn to do more with less.

What I have experienced this year, where fund raising is concerned, is quite different from years past. I have found that many others are not as willing to support this cause, or they say they cannot afford to donate to the cause.

Several of those who are quite close to me have made the remarks such as, "Sorry, it's your cause, not mine...but you go, girl!" when asked for support.

Others cannot afford to donate 5 dollars, but will spend 25 dollars a week on a daily latte. And others complain about not having business coming in, but share lavish vacation photos.

I understand that we all have a right to choose to spend our money any way we wish to spend it. I also understand that we prioritize our values and what is important .

I simply find human behavior oddly interesting.

My dedication

What I also find interesting is my reaction to those behaviors, as I expect that others will understand how much impact a cause has on them. But they do not understand it in the way I do, Nor do they process life as I do.

When it does impact them, I will still talk the talk and walk the walk...for them. I will still ask others to support the cause...for them. I will still advocate and continue to be passionate about the need for a cure...for them. I will give whatever I can of myself...to support them.

I will do whatever it takes to make a difference...for them. After all, it will still be my cause...even when it becomes theirs.

Sources

BreastCancer.org

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Note from the author: Remember that one of every eight women you know will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Early detection is so important to living life after a cancer diagnosis. Encourage and support your loved ones and make sure they get their routine mammograms, as well as their annual checkups. Keep talking, keep walking, and please keep supporting.