This summer marked 2 years since my cancer diagnosis and surgery. Two years of remission. I am grateful for this gift. I know that many fight reoccurrance of their cancer over and over. And it has been a fear I have given in to and struggled against. This is a significant milestone as my cancer’s probability of returning after two years drops dramatically. I still have 3 years to go before I hit that other milestone of 5 years cancer free.
It is pretty hard to miss that this is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Everything is pink! I remember watching a football game while recovering from my first chemo infusion and noticing all the pink the players were wearing (this year even the referee flags were pink!). I was humbled that I was a part of that group of people others were trying to help. It caused me to thank God for those who give and for those who work tirelessly to research drugs that fight cancer. I have benefited from all of that.
This past year my daughter watched a Netflix documentary called, Pink Ribbons, Inc. She encouraged me to watch it. I did. May I encourage you to watch it? It documents the history of the pink ribbon, cause marketing, and that a lot of money is going to research “cure” rather than finding the cause. I agree with a lot of what is said in the documentary and it has inspired me to be more discerning. I am grateful for “cure” research for those of us who have been diagnosed and want to remain in remission. I am grateful for all those women in the documentary and some people I know who are facing stage 4 and rely on drug research to extend their lives. However, I’d really like my daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter to know what prevents this disease.
If you would like to give to breast cancer research, may I encourage you to give directly to an organization in your state or town? May I encourage you to find out where your donation will be used if it is possible?
If you are in Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research might be a place to give.
Thank you all for taking the time to read this.
Much grace to you,
jane
On the Greisen Side of Life 
Jane, your journey has touched my heart deeply … as always, I am left thoughtful and contemplative from your tender observations. I love the gentle,wise plea that is in this post … thanks for sharing. Hope you will continue to keep writing and sharing your insights.
Rejoicing with you, Jane!