“Is that weird that I want to touch your scar?”
“No way, go ahead, you can touch it. It’s clearly not a boob anymore. It’s the mark of a warrior, girlfriend!”
“Amen, sister.” That it is.
The energy, and awe, that comes from such a mark is extraordinary. I wanted, somehow by osmosis, a piece of that strength, that wherewithal, that grace. I had to ask, if it were me could I do it? With all we have to help us survive today? Surely, right? But I have to wonder.
And to think, mere decades ago when someone had cancer people thought they might catch it like the flu.
October is all about breast cancer. Note the pink accessories on pro football players. Note the ribbons all about town. Note walks, rides, bust-a-move classes and zumba-thons for the cure. Note the Proclamation! Yes, a proclamation…
This year marks the 25th anniversary of said month and the question on our minds is…
Has the observance made a difference? Plainly put… Of course! We no longer think it is communicable like the flu and, best yet, rates of mortality are on the decline.
Also plainly put, not entirely… As we hail survivors, we come to find out most are fairly affluent and/or white, a grave error in taking care of our whole village. If we can change this health disparity, awareness and advocacy groups can honestly feather their caps. Until then, we must concede that our capacity to care for one another is rather too small.
Two ways we’re broadening the reach, however, make for exciting hope.
- Because early detection is a most powerful asset, the Affordable Health Care act, like it or not, will allow all women access to preventive services including mammograms and other prevention and treatment options. People will be able to receive care regardless of preexisting conditions or insurance coverage caps.
- Cancer networks abound. The American Cancer Society connects people with a well established Cancer Survivor’s Network. Whatever you’re going through, someone else is there to talk about it and share with you. The Komen Foundation has a place to share stories as well. These are just two great examples. And all those “events”? Well, what better way to get out and be a part of the cure?
It’s pretty simple. Access to affordable, quality care and prevention saves lives. But this requires resources. If we continue to help charities fund access we may just get there before the next decade ends, without breaking the health care bank.
It’s pretty powerful. Access to people who can smile and reassure those with cancer that they really are the warrior they see in their dreams and that they will be here to share their scars, practically annihilates the foe altogether. And this only requires an open heart.
See you on the warrior’s PATH Ahead.