Amy's America

Wonder why everything around you is suddenly pink? October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s everywhere – from NFL players’ sneakers and gloves to the coupons in the Sunday newspaper. And every other post on Facebook is a different version of the pink ribbon, features a pink ribbon in their profile or promotes something pink. Yes, I think it’s great – anything that can raise awareness and money to support research and people impacted who need assistance is wonderful and appreciated. But it also makes it a bit hard to forget.

Anyone who follows my blog knows I am prone to denial and simply blocking it out. I like to forget about cancer as much of the time as I possibly can. (I think there’s a little part of me that still doesn’t quite believe it and is convinced I’m going to wake up from this nightmare.) I go through as much of my work day and my weekends as normal as possible and am usually too busy to think about it anyway. But in October there is no ignoring breast cancer. It is in your face.

If you can’t beat ’em (or ignore ’em), join ’em. So I am involved in a bunch of things this month – and probably more as the month progresses, but this is what I know about so far. I invite you all to join me, either at one of these events, supporting one of the folks fundraising or doing your own thing, like a simple self check.

• October 12 – This will be a day for raising my own awareness. I’m attending Breast Cancer In Younger Women: A Forum for Patients and Survivors. I’m not only going because it’s being held at Lucca in Back Bay, although that’s a definite plus because I’ve wanted to eat there. I’m going to learn more about this thing I’m dealing with and meet others who are in the same boat. Hopefully we can learn from each other.
• October 14 – The Newport Half Marathon was supposed to be my first half. I signed up for it with my cousin Tara and friends Kathy and Jessica, after going last October (when I’d just started running) to support them. Well, I am back on the sidelines this October, and Tara is running in my honor and raising funds for Dana-Farber. Sponsor her here: Tara’s Run for Dana-Farber. That same day, many of our Genzyme Running Team will also be running in Newport, supporting the National MS Society. You can donate here. (Hey, it doesn’t have to be all about breast cancer – support what is closest to your heart – and MS is yet another impacting my family and friends.) Many of us will be hanging in Newport that weekend – at least Saturday afternoon to Sunday afternoon – so come on down and join us for lunch, dinner, drinks, brunch, whatever!
•  October 20 – That morning, I will be walking (and maybe a bit of running) in the 20th Annual Komen MA Race for the Cure. (Talk about a lot of pink – I think that day will take the cake!) If you didn’t get a chance to sponsor me in the Jimmy Fund Walk (and even if you did and just want to again), you’re welcome to sponsor me for this one: Amy’s fundraising page
• October 20 – That night, I would love it if everyone wanted to join me in New Hampshire for what’s sure to be a fun night out: Nashua Harley-Davidson is having their Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Fashion Show and Live Auction. It’s from 4 – 9 p.m. in Merrimack, NH, tickets are only $10 and will benefit the American Cancer Society.  I can’t wait!

I feel like I’m forgetting something – I probably am, but that’s chemo brain for you. Oh, and it’s late and I have chemo in the morning so if I did forget something I will add it later… So in the meantime, please don’t get sick of all the pink. Just let it be a reminder of all the positive energy gathering together to support a cause – and do whatever you can to join in and be part of the change. Thank you! xoxo