This October is a special breast cancer awareness month for me for yet another reason.
Over the past several years, I have taken the opportunity to celebrate this month by commemorating those who have been in this battle. No one ever wants to hear the words, “You have cancer.” In my life there have been a number of ladies who have gallantly fought – and by God’s grace won – the battle of breast cancer. What’s true to breast cancer is true to all cancer; that is, when it is defeated, God primarily gets the glory and credit. The early screening, the doctors, the nurses, the advanced care, and public awareness – all these are so beneficial in the fight. However, we realize that it is only God’s providential care that allows one to defeat cancer for today.
The Stats
The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer during her life is about 1 in 8. The chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 36. Breast cancer death rates have been going down. This is probably the result of finding the cancer earlier and better treatment. Right now there are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. (cancer.org)
The Effort
I applaud all the efforts made this month by businesses, communities, schools, and everyday people to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Some of my favorite local ways to celebrate include our junior high and high school football teams dressing in special uniforms with pink, Panera Bread’s pink ribbon bagel, and our county courthouse lit in pink (Court House article). So, get involved and do your part to make people aware of the importance of early screening and most importantly, show support for those around you have been diagnosed with it.
Christian County Court House
The Extra Excitement This Year
This year I begin October with extra excitement because my sister-in-law has completed all her treatments and won the battle of breast cancer! Surgery – check. Chemo – check. Radiation – check. God’s grace – YES and APPARENT.
Shana Carson – this summer after completing treatment with her hair growing back
Join the Fight
As you have opportunities to give, please give.
As you have opportunities to encourage, please encourage.
As you have opportunities to pray, please pray.
As you have opportunities to live, please live life to God’s glory and enjoy whatever health you have today as part of God’s gift to you.