The Parentologist

Dr. Kim

Let’s Talk About: More Than Pink with Susan G. Komen

Have you ever wondered what a world without breast cancer would be like? For me, as a survivor having to currently face my 3rd lumpectomy in 7 years, it would be a glorious world without fear, pain, and tears.

When I first started my blog, I wanted a platform to discuss health related topics and share information about diseases like breast cancer, not only because I have experienced it firsthand, but also because breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the United States. In fact, every 60 seconds, someone in the world dies from breast cancer. And this year alone, more than 42,000 people in the U.S. will lose their lives. Breast cancer is the 2nd most common cause of cancer deaths among all women in the United States, second only to lung cancer and is the leading cause of cancer deaths for women 20-59 in the United States. It’s so prevalent in our society and breast cancer may have even affected someone in your family, a friend, or maybe even yourself. So the more I have the opportunity to educate others about breast cancer and inspire them to manage their own breast health and join the movement to help end breast cancer once and for all, I know I am using my platform for good and helping make a difference.

But it takes a village. That’s why I have recently partnered with Susan G. Komen to help spread the word. The Susan G. Komen organization was founded in 1982 and they have been on the frontlines ever since to fight against breast cancer and save lives. For example, Susan G. Komen has invested more than $988 million in breakthrough research, and more than $2.2 billion on community health, education and advocacy, and helping people in about 60 countries. Additionally, the organization’s efforts have helped reduce breast cancer mortality in the United States by 40% between 1989 and 2016! Susan G. Komen’s commitment to ending breast cancer continues, and the organization has even set a new goal to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50% in the United States by 2026!

Susan G. Komen, in fact, is the only breast cancer non-profit organization with such a comprehensive approach that includes:

-Conducting breakthrough research to understand, prevent, and treat breast cancers

-Advocating for public policy to fund lifesaving research and provide patient support

-Focusing on patient care to ensure that all people have access to quality screening, diagnosis, and treatment

-Performing critical community outreach, which includes:

*Improving access to care for low-income and uninsured women by conducting breakthrough research to understand, prevent, and treat breast cancer

*Providing free or low-cost screenings and diagnostic services

*Funding to offset the cost of life-saving breast cancer treatments to those who can’t afford it, or funding to provide free transportation and child care for those needing help going through treatment

*Offering guidance to the newly diagnosed or long-term breast cancer patients needing resources and information as they navigate important decisions

Susan G. Komen also offers a breast care help line for those looking for answers to tough questions and advice from experts. The # is 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636). That same helpline also offers a clinical trial information line for those looking for updates on the latest clinical trials, answers to questions about trials, how they can get involved or find which trials may be right for them.

I can’t encourage you enough to understand what your normal is and to go see a doctor if anything doesn’t look or feel right, go get screened by a doctor, including getting a regular mammogram. I also can’t encourage you enough to get involved in the fight to end breast cancer. You can spread the word by sharing this blog with your family and friends, or by donating directly to Susan G. Komen through their website. Please also share your breast cancer story with Susan G. Komen at https://ww5.komen.org/yourone/. 

My daughter and I actually just completed the MORE THAN PINK Walk™ at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles!

Thousands of men, women, and children were there to participate and it was overwhelming to see all of the support for the organization. 

What really hit home was how many people were wearing official pink race shirts. I actually teared up when I saw so many men and women of all ages, races, and ethnicities were wearing them. You see, the pink shirts represent being a breast cancer survivor.

The gray shirts were non-cancer survivor participants – hence me wearing a pink shirt and my daughter wearing a gray shirt. My daughter, being only 5-years-old, wanted a pink shirt like her mommy because it was a pretty color, but little does she know that I never want her to wear a pink shirt. I want her to be healthy and wear that gray shirt as long as possible – if not forever. One day I will explain everything to her and she will understand, but for now, I just didn’t have the heart to tell her more than giving her a general explanation. I didn’t want to scare her into thinking mommy was really sick and might die, because it’s not true, and don’t want to break her heart. I am not ashamed or broken. I am strong and brave. And I wore my pink shirt boldly but deep down wished I could have worn a gray shirt, too.

Nonetheless, we were able to share a very sincere and special mommy-daughter date – supporting me and all of the others affected by this horrific disease. It was a gorgeous day and we were even able to walk inside Dodger Stadium!

The entire walk was only 1.8 miles, very family friendly, and for people of all ages. Many of the walkers were carrying babies or pushing strollers and there was even an 80 year old that I met walking in honor of his late wife.

We were even entertained along the way with inspiring and upbeat music and volunteers cheering us on.

 

You can also read inspirational stories on the Susan G. Komen website and can even contribute your own story and share who the one person is in your life that is affected by breast cancer. You may even see my story on there!

Whatever you do, don’t just be a bystander. Do something. Be bold. Be Fearless. Make a Difference.

Thank you to Susan G. Komen for kindly sponsoring this post. All opinions and photos are 100% honest & completely my own.

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