National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Notes from a Family that is Aware

As some of you may already know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. When October rolled around this year, I brainstormed. I wanted to do something for the occasion, but spending days walking or donating a significant amount of money is not really an option for me. Therefore, as writers are wont to do, I decided to write something. I immediately thought of my Aunt Jacquie, who has been struggling to beat breast cancer these past few months. The problem was there were not any words to describe her courage, strength and how cool of an aunt she is. My solution to this was to ask members of my huge and varied family to add their bits of love, admiration and respect to my project. This way, if I did not say it right, someone else might pick up my slack. The result is something anyone who has experience with breast cancer can appreciate.

The following is the result of the article idea that came to my mind on October 1, 2010. In it, only a small fraction of a large family is represented. Aunt Jacquie, when you read this, I want you to know that all of us are thinking of you. The messages here are only limited because of my limited contact information. If I had many months to finish this, you would have had a novel from all the people who love, respect and admire you. I am sure many, many more people would have loved to be a part of this small "I love you." from us. This is for you, breast cancer sufferers everywhere and their families. Let us call it "New England Clam Chowder for the Breast Cancer Beaters' Soul."

Joy

Have you learned anything about Jacquie since she has been fighting breast cancer? I have learned how strong Jacquie's faith truly is. I knew before but seeing her go through this and having God to lean on was truly amazing for me.

Is there anything you would like to say to Jacquie? There will always be a special place in my heart for Jacquie. The times she babysat me or when she helped me out when I had a bb in my head. I love you so much Jacquie and I know you will be better soon.

What knowledge have you gleaned from your experiences with breast cancer (both with Auntie Jacquie and otherwise) that you can share with breast cancer sufferers and their families? With my mom I learned there is such a thing as a breast cancer survivor. All I had ever heard was people losing their battles. Don't give up ever. Do what you can for the person. Even if it's just giving them a hug or praying for them. Be there and try to be strong. Also for the partner of the one who has cancer. If ever there was a true rock that rock is David. I can tell how hard it is on him. And yet he stays strong. God Bless all of you the victims and the loved ones.

Jodi

Have you learned anything about Jacquie since she has been fighting breast cancer? I have always known Jacquie to be a fighter. Very independent and full of life and love for the Lord and her family. This time however it was her turn to look to The Lord and her family for her own support. I know that had to be hard for her. Knowing she is usually the one who held the hands of many and helped them through a rocky path they may have stumbled upon in life.

Because of Jacquie's love of the Lord and the love she has shown so many others. Jacquie has been able to suffer through more then I would ever wish upon anyone. She is in so many ways, my hero.

Is there anything you would like to say to Jacquie? There is not enough time on this earth that I could tell Jacquie how much I love her and admire her for all she has done for me and for others. Jacquie took me under her wing as a child and never gave up on me, even when I thought so many had. Jacquie you have shown me the true good in this world. You have given me back my faith when I thought I had lost it for many years. Simply put I love you with all my heart and soul and I could never thank you enough just for loving me the way you do. It means so much to me.

It hurts my heart to know you have had to go through so much with your fight with Cancer. Although I have learned you are truly surrounded by love and faith and I know that is the rock you need to stay strong and keep fighting. I feel in my heart you will win this battle. Because the spirit of the Lord and the hearts of many surround you. You are not only my sister but also my GodMother and I will forever hold you in my heart and hold on to your wisdom in my life. I love you deeply sister and I will keep praying for you and hold on to the faith as I have seen you do so many times.

What knowledge have you gleaned from your experiences with breast cancer (both with Auntie Jacquie and otherwise) that you can share with breast cancer sufferers and their families? Truly I have learned that a breast is just a part of your body and if you have to loose that part to gain your life then you must, without hesitation. Life will only go on if you fight for it. Fight for a cure.. Fight to get rid of it in your body. It will attack anyone, smoker, non-smoker, white, black. It only cares that it finds a body to hold onto. Cancer may be a fighter but we can be too. Let us all fight back and win this war.

Rick

Have you learned anything about Jacquie since she has been fighting breast cancer? I have learned that Jacquie is as strong as I have always believed her to be. She has been through so much, but her faith is unwavering. I also learned that she is as stubborn as me when it comes to asking for help when we are sick. We tend to isolate and deal, rather than burdening others.

Is there anything you would like to say to Jacquie? I would tell Jacquie that I have always admired her, ever since I can remember having a thought. She has always been a loving influence in my life, and I wish that we had spent more time together over the years. I would like to change that when she is back on her feet.

What knowledge have you gleaned from your experiences with breast cancer (both with Auntie Jacquie and otherwise) that you can share with breast cancer sufferers and their families? I have learned from my experience with breast cancer because many people I love have had it, or are battling it now. The knowledge I have gained is that awareness is key, love and support is crucial, and we should not stop until we find a cure?

Mel

Have you learned anything about Jacquie since she has been fighting breast cancer? No, I have not learned anything new about Jacquie. I always knew that she was a fighter even before she was diagnosed.

Is there anything you would like to say to Jacquie? If I could say anything in the world to her it would be: Thank you for always being there for us growing up. My childhood was a much happier place because we had you and David in our lives. I just want you to know how much your unconditional love and support meant to me.

What knowledge have you gleaned from your experiences with breast cancer (both with Auntie Jacquie and otherwise) that you can share with breast cancer sufferers and their families? The knowledge question is loaded for me. I have had a few breast cancer scares of my own and learned more than I ever wanted to learn about the subject. Plus with nursing school we learned a lot of stuff about caring for a patient with breast cancer. I guess the knowledge I would share is that there are good days and bad days. At first it may seem that the bad days out number the good and you may seem like recovery may never happen. Then one day you will wake up and feel better, then the next a little better, until that day comes when you feel peace within your soul and you realize that your good days are now out numbering your bad days. Even if you lose your battle with breast cancer you can still go out fighting and knowing that the good will almost always prevail.

Kym

Have you learned anything about Jacquie since she has been fighting breast cancer? What I have learned from this is that life is too short and we're never too young to get sick. Each of my four grandparents have battled cancer and as of today I have lost three of them to this heartbreaking disease but the idea of losing my "Wacky Auntie Jacquie" was absolutely crushing. I've learn to love stronger and harder because you never know when something like this will strike.

Is there anything you would like to say to Jacquie? The one thing I would like to stress is it didn't take her being diagnosed with breast cancer for me to know what a strong and faithful woman she is. All my life I have looked up to this woman, my father's "big" sister and saw such beauty and grace. She has enough faith to move mountains and will give all she has to help anyone who just needs it more. She's the woman I strive to be.

What knowledge have you gleaned from your experiences with breast cancer (both with Auntie Jacquie and otherwise) that you can share with breast cancer sufferers and their families? I've learned that the strong will survive when it comes to breast cancer. Every year technology becomes more advanced, scientists create another cocktail but when it comes down to it, you must have faith and realize it will take more than just the patient's fight to win. My Grandmother and Aunt Gail from my Mother's side are both breast cancer survivors and I know Aunt Jacquie will be too. How could she not when losing has never been an option.

Mindi

Have you learned anything about Jacquie since she has been fighting breast cancer? I've learned how courageous she is. Regardless of how sick she is, she always puts others before herself and does so happily. She is a very inspiring human being.

Is there anything you would like to say to Jacquie? I would like to tell her that I am extremely fortunate to have her as an aunt and I love her very much.

What knowledge have you gleaned from your experiences with breast cancer (both with Auntie Jacquie and otherwise) that you can share with breast cancer sufferers and their families? I've learned how strong and fearless women can be when faced with something so sudden and terrifying.

Panda

Have you learned anything about Jacquie since she has been fighting breast cancer? Since Jacquie has been fighting breast cancer, I have learned how strong she is both emotionally and physically. Even though she has suffered from so much pain she still keeps her spirits up and her faith stronger than ever. She also has still been there for her family when they are in need of help. I know this because she has helped me through my struggles in so many ways. She is the most unselfish woman I have ever known.

Is there anything you would like to say to Jacquie? I want Jacquie to know that I admire her in so many ways. Her strength and perseverance is something to look up to, and I hope to someday be as strong as her. I also hope to one day help others the way she has helped me. Another thing I admire is her ability to love and have faith no matter what life throws at her. I love you Jacquie so much, and I want you to know how much I admire you. Stay strong, I know you will overcome this.

What knowledge have you gleaned from your experiences with breast cancer (both with Auntie Jacquie and otherwise) that you can share with breast cancer sufferers and their families? I have learned that breast cancer is an awful disease to suffer from, and the treatments are even worse to deal with, but there is always hope. Cancer is a word, not a sentence. So many women have suffered from this, but as long as you stay strong and keep faith and a positive attitude you can fight back. Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death.

Shelly

Have you learned anything about Jacquie since she has been fighting breast cancer? I have learned that Jacquie's outlook is unerringly positive. I have never heard a peep from her that would suggest she has a bleak feeling. I do not know if she has a deep reserve of optimism or if she is just so kind that she would never tell any of us if she was feeling negative. Either way, I am glad I have had a chance to see it.

Is there anything you would like to say to Jacquie? I could sit here and write a page worth of her praise. She is worth ten times that. However, there is not much I could say that could not be summed up with "I love you." That simple phrase covers my concern, caring and hope for her.

What knowledge have you gleaned from your experiences with breast cancer (both with Auntie Jacquie and otherwise) that you can share with breast cancer sufferers and their families? It is amazing how much time, effort and money people put into having perfect hair and perky breasts. The reality is when that hair and those breasts are threatened or gone you finally see how beautiful a person really is. Every women I have ever known who has suffered from breast cancer (including you, Jacquie) has this quality about her that I would have overlooked had I been feeling sorry for her hair loss or breast issues. They were all like Spartans! This amazing determination and fighting spirit was there and it made me feel like a jerk for ever whining that I could not do something. Take note of it if you are ever faced with breast cancer. It is something to be proud of.