Breast Cancer Awareness

I heard this morning about the drummer from KISS being diagnosed with breast cancer. No, you're not crazy. I'm talking about KISS, the all-male band, well, males that put on make-up. Less than 1% of all new cases of invasive breast cancer occur in men. That equates to about 1,990 cases per year. So it CAN happen.

All forms of cancer are tragic, but breast cancer sends an extra blow. Women say it touches them emotionally because it's a direct hit to their feminine identity. Most of us have been personally touched by breast cancer. My grandmother and her sister, my wonderful Aunt Dolly, both had it. I remember playing with my grandmother's wigs as a little girl. Recently, my friend's aunt lost her battle with what started as breast cancer and then spread. She wasn't even 50 yet.

There are so many ways for you to get involved with this fight. There are activities all around town, purchases you can make that benefit breast cancer research and support groups about which you can help get the word out. Most importantly, pray for the women who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, the men who have been diagnosed and feel embarassed, for those who are wearing wigs or scarves on their heads and those who have undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Pray for the husbands who will provide the emotional support for their wives. And don't just do these things in the month of October. There are eleven other months of the year that we can take advantage of and help put an end to this disease.

- Abby