Awareness

Occasionally, I feel the need to talk about serious matters and this is one of those times. I promise not to do it often but it seems like there are so many things you have to worry about in life and you never expect sickness or emergencies to happen to your immediate family until it does. My dad was taken to the hospital yesterday b/c he was suffering from dizziness and shortness of breath. As it turned out, he has a clogged artery due to high cholesterol and high blood pressure. My dad doesn't smoke or drink, never has and never will but he does eat very poorly. When i found out my first reaction was anger. I was angry b/c he obviously doesn't take care of himself. He doesn't exercise and has no regard for what he puts in his system. Today I am not as angry but it has made me realize nobody is untouchable and being aware of your health is very important.

Awareness is a key word for this month since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All month long, I have been more informed on Breast Cancer than ever before. Maybe it's because I am getting older or maybe because people around me are Breast Cancer Survivors. One survivor, a real a$$ kicker on the bike, has been on a mission ever since she and her sister were diagnosed. This particular person doesn't want to take credit for all her hard work, all she wants is to make as many women and men aware of how to prevent it or detect as early as possible. There is an event this Friday night, October 27th at the Hickory Museum of Art Gifford Gallery from 6pm - 8pm that will be a huge celebration.

"Through Healing Eyes", the Breast Cancer event, is in it's 3rd year of existence. Last year over $30,000 was raised to benefit the Susan B. Komen Foundation. This year the proceeds could be close to $50,000. The purpose of the event is to celebrate survivorship and kick off the sales campaign of the annual "Survivor Calendar". Three years ago this survivor/bike diva came up with an idea to produce a calendar of survivors to sell as an awareness tool and the proceeds of the calendar would go directly to whichever Breast Cancer foundation was helping spearhead the event. The sales from the past 2 years were incredible. The calendar is moving and inspirational and each survivors' stories are told or their given month.

The calendars will go fast. This year the American Cancer Society only decided to print 1200 calendar which isn't nearly enough. ACS hasn't done a great job of supporting this survivor and her mission. So if you get a chance please go by the event and pick up a calendar. If you decide that you want to get one for the most important female in your life as an awareness reminder, email me and I will put you in touch with the WIC, woman in charge.