I first learned about breast cancer when I was six years old. Yes, a limited understanding. All that really mattered to me was that my mom was sick and she had to wear a wig because she lost all her hair. I was the third of four kids and we used to think it was so funny to put the wig on my little one year old brother's bald head. My mother beat cancer after mastectomy and chemotherapy and was able to raise her four children.

In my teenage years, my maternal grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer for her second time. She was unable to overcome the disease. She and her sister both lost their battle with their second diagnoses of breast cancer. 

When I was in my final year of the nursing program, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer again. Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS). Caught early, mom survived again with her second mastectomy. 

This year, my sweet sis was also diagnosed with DCIS. She recently underwent bilateral mastectomy and is in the process of a long painful recovery. But with early detection, she will live to talk about it!

I am a strong supporter of breast cancer awareness and early detection. I encourage all my friends and family to stay up to date with their screenings, self exams, and discussions with their providers about what detection tools are best for your body. 

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!!

To my Grandma Juanita Pettey

and Great Aunt Virginia Holman

SURVIVORS:

Ann Huffaker

Emily White