As a breast cancer survivor, I know first-hand the power of art and creative expression…
Why I wear Pink
Why do I wear pink? What does it mean to me?
Seems like a simple enough question, right?
Pink, a beautiful color representing femininity, girl-iness, perhaps princesses, and of course breast cancer awareness. So, why have I not been able to describe what it means to me? I had all these grandiose plans of post after post in October celebrating the power of pink but when push came to shove-it proved much more difficult than I could ever imagine.
I blogged throughout my breast cancer journey. I was diagnosed back in October 2012-just as Super Storm Sandy was coming ashore. Literally. The hurricane warnings came out that morning—all eyes were on the weather. Doctors squeezed me at 7:30am in case they had to close early. And then came the wait. I waited for the storm to pass-but my personal storm had just begun. As soon as the clouds cleared and the labs reopened, I got back my test results and it was cancer. I am happy to say that this October, not only am I celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but I am celebrating being breast cancer free for a year and a 1/2!
So, now as we near the end of October and Breast Cancer awareness month, I’m trying one more time to put thoughts into words.
When I see pink, I see life.
I see my baby’s first steps, I see her first words, I see her taking those big-girl steps into the first day of kindergarten and then eventually college. I see her getting married and having babies of her own. When I was diagnosed my younger daughter was only 9 months old and I promised myself that I would get through this, that I would survive, and I would wear pink through all of these important milestones.
To me, Pink is power.
It shows that when we band together, we can actually save lives. Thanks to the Susan G. Komen Foundation and hugely successful pink campaigns across the country, millions upon millions of dollars have been raised to find a cure for breast cancer. New treatments and medicines have been developed, and they are making a difference. Some naysayers pooh-pooh all the pink ribbon efforts and races and fundraising events, but I know they’re working. I know that I’m here today because of the break-through medical treatments which were made possible by all of the advanced medical research.
The Power of Pink also has proven that philanthropic groundswells are powerful, save lives, and make a difference. All of the pink ribbon campaigns have paved the way for other public awareness campaigns such as Movember and the Go Red For Women campaign. (Fun side note: I read an article a while ago in Time that said the founder of the Go Red for Women heart health campaign was inspired to start it as a direct result of the success of the pink ribbon campaigns.)
Pink is love.
They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes a village to support those in need. During my breast cancer journey, I was lucky enough to experience first hand this very special love that comes from that of community, in addition to the amazing help from my wonderful family. From the community in our synagogue and nursery school, we received meals and assistance–help from people we had never even met!…and in the process, we made many new life long friends.
So I guess when I think about it…what pink really means to me is “Thanks and Gratitude.”
I am so grateful for all of the support my family and I personally received from our family, friends, and community as well as the nation-wide support of breast cancer awareness and research. I’d like to say thanks to all of the breast cancer supporters out there… The caregivers, the donors, the race runners, the non profits, the families, and medical fields that are all working to find a cure.
Thank you for supporting breast cancer research and awareness! Please join me as a I raise a glass to all of those who have been touched by breast cancer and continue to support the fight for a cure.
Have you been touched by breast cancer? Maybe your mom, sister, aunt, wife, friend? I’d love to hear your stories; please share them in the comments below. Or if you write a blog, please share a link to your blog or breast cancer post below.
HI! I’m a Shana, self-proclaimed Media Mixologist, wife, and mom to two little girls. I love to mix up cocktails of crafts, recipes, wellness, family and business with just the right amount of sparkle to help you shine everyday. So, grab a glass, and let’s celebrate the cocktail of life!
Shana,
This is just beautiful. I must admit I got a little misty! I didn’t know you were a cancer survivor! So you and Holly Bertone must hang out, right? =)
I want to wear more pink now, for you!
Brittany
Aww, thanks Brittany-that’s so sweet. Yes, wearing pink is pretty powerful. 🙂 You’ll be amazed how it can change your life and completely lift your spirit. 🙂 makes even just random bad days seem a little brighter.
Hahaha-well, i would totally hang out with Holly if we lived in the same state. Ironically-we used to and i was a fan of her website but i didn’t realize we were in the same state until i moved. 🙁 oh well. we’ll just have to be google plus pals. 🙂
What a great story – I myself don’t wear pink, but it’s great that it has such a meaning to some people. Have a blessed day!! #ibabloggers
Yes, i find it motivating when i can give something mundane or simple extra meaning. I feel that it adds beauty to everyday life. thanks for stopping by!
Thank you for sharing this article with me through Twitter! I’m teary eyed sitting here. I lost my mom to breast cancer on April 30th almost two years ago. It was from that loss and my moms love that I started GratitudeSpace and set out in her honor to initiate gratitude into a network of over 1 million people by the 2nd anniversary of her passing. Which I’m happy to say will come to pass next month! My story can be found here: http://www.gratitudespace.com/about/. Thanks again Shana for gifting me my first tears today :). Sincerely, Chris
Hi Chris! Thank you so much for reading my post. I’m glad you liked it and were able to take away something special. I was sorry to read about your mom’s passing from breast cancer. Even though the fight for a cure has come a long way, there’s still a long road ahead. I love The Gratitude Space. What an amazing and inspiring website! It’s beautiful that your mom’s spirit is able to live on through the Gratitude Space and help millions of people! She would be very proud.
Thank you again for stopping by. It’s great to connect with you. And I encourage everyone to check out the http://www.GratitudeSpace.com such a beautiful, uplifting site, encouraging gratitude in the everyday!
Cheers!
Shana