Excuses

Thanks to Mike for the amazing update on my blog.  I know it's been a while since I've updated and it's due to a combination of "excuses".  The biggest excuse is that I've been at a tremendous loss for words.  At Thanksgiving and then again in early January, I lost two amazing young women to this ridiculous and deadly disease.  One that is too often overshadowed by pink ribbons and survivor marches.  One that has been commercialized to the point that many have forgotten what the point really is. 

The point is... women are still dying of breast cancer.  It's not because they didn't "fight hard enough".  It's not because they didn't "stay positive".  It's because once breast cancer spreads, there is no longer a cure.  Yes, early detection reducess your risk of metastatic disease, but, particularly for young yomen, this disease is aggressive... and even if you do all the "right things" (eat right, exercise, limit alcohol consumption...) it may not be enough...

It's time to stop making excuses and start making progress.  Not just awareness, but understanding of why breast cancer metastasizes and what we can do about it once it does.  

Understanding that would have saved the lives of wonderful women like Jill Tongol and Keeley Cultra who touched this world in many amazing ways

Jill & Natalie

   

Keeley

 
Understanding that would reduce the pain and fear and stress and anger in the lives of lovely women like Jennie Grimes and the women of YSC, SSFMB, and the Cancer Support Community of Philadelphia-YSC Mets Networking Group

Jennie and I at Smokin' Betties in Philly

SSFMB at MSBCN.org conference at Hopkings

          
Understanding that would reduce the fear and helplessness felt by all those who love and support us

Vogels & Marinos

Casills and Vogels

2011 - Komen Ain't Nothin Gonna Break my Stride

Scotts and Vogels