Give Hope. {A Giveaway for Breast Cancer Awareness}
I will never forget the uncertain days that followed Brad’s mom’s diagnosis of breast cancer. The “C” word shook us to the core, like it’s so famous for doing. It filled us with shock, fear, grief, sympathy, and anxiousness.
Initially, the prognosis looked grim; Shadows on x-rays, suspicious symptoms, and larger tumors than initially predicted. I felt so helpless knowing how to best comfort my husband as he dealt with the suffering his mom would be facing.
But in the midst of uncertainty, HOPE emerged.
Hope for a better than expected diagnosis.
Hope for many more years of life for Kathy.
Hope for an effective treatment plan.
Hope for us to draw closer to God during this trial.
Hope for comfort in the journey.
Hope for a cure.
We are overjoyed that over a year later, Kathy’s health and prognosis are good. The “C Word”, which we so desperately hated, brought us all closer, and has given us a broader understanding of the value of life.
1 in 8 women develop breast cancer. You know what that means? It means if you don’t know someone close to you who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, then it’s bound to happen…soon. It’s a sobering thought, for sure. However, it unites us all in fighting together for a cure, so that HOPE will prevail.
I’m thankful for the many companies, like P&G, getting behind this month of October for Breast Cancer Awareness.
So many times we feel helpless on ways to support the cause, but there are simple, everyday actions we can all take part in…
~ Last Sunday (October 2nd) and next Sunday (October 16th)a GIVE Hope brandSAVER will be distributed in newspapers across the country, with discounts for P&G products, including Olay, Pantene, Crest, and many more. For each GIVE Hope brandSAVER coupon redeemed, P&G is donating two cents to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. So not only will you be saving money by using coupons, you’ll be giving at the same time!
~ For every “Like” on the P&G United We Beautify Facebook Page, P&G is donating 10 cents to NBCF to support early detection. Thumbs up to that!
~ Also, during the month of October, consumers will receive a $10 rebate with a $50 purchase of P&G Beauty products. An additional $10 donation will be made to NBCF with each rebate redeemed.
![P&G[7]](http://4tunate.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/PG7.png "P&G[7]")
Another way we can give HOPE is through our words…
***Leave a comment in this post on how you plan to encourage someone who has is dealing with the diagnosis of breast cancer. P&G is offering a gift basket with an assortment of P&G products to one reader who offers their input on this blog post.***
Winner will be chosen at random on October 20th and notified through email.
Special thanks to P&G, Hearst, and TheMotherhood for allowing me to share how breast cancer has impacted our lives through this campaign, and for compensating my time and efforts in spreading their message.
I have lost 2 very close friends this year to cancer (breast and lung). Then on 9-1 our beloved 7 year old basset Cleo was diagnosed with cancer. She passed away 19 days later on 9-20-11. I have to agree with you her diagnoses shocked us, rocked our world to a core. After I was told about my beloved fur-kid having cancer, I could harldy breath, almost passed out thought I was having a heart attack. I then took a step back and thought, what in the world would I do if a family member (human) of mine got this news it would do the same think rock my world to the core. I had no idea that fur-kids could get Cancer until this year and was horrible knowing there was nothing I could do for her, but just keep her comfortable and enjoy her while I had her with me. I know it is not the same as your mother-in-law receiving the the news, but I do understand how it just shakes you to the core. This month the dog community is going pink to help support Breast Cancer and WOOFSTRONG. We hope and pray that one day they can find a cure for this horrible “C” Monster that impacts way to many humans and fur-kids. Sherri
P.S…Hope things are good with your family.
So glad you shared this! Cancer hurts when it hits in any shape or form…
I have not yet experienced Breast Cancer in my family so I cannot relate to what they are going through but I can be there to do what ever I can to help them be less stressed about the rest of their life (i.e. clean their house, make/freeze meals for them, be there to listen and cry with, etc…).
Those are excellent ideas, Jen! I’m sure those thoughtful gestures would be a huge encouragement!
My mom (twice), two aunts and two friends are survivors. It never gets easier hearing “breast cancer” as a diagnosis.
I have learned to pray, listen and help physically if possible by making meals, babysitting, visiting.
I cannot imagine how hard this diagnosis has hit you multiple times! I’m sure it has grown your relationships deeply as you’ve been able to serve and be there for those close to you. Thank you for sharing!
I’m remembering my Father, who was a breast cancer survivor, and during this time when we think and support Breast Cancer Awareness, that we also remind and encourage the men in our lives to be aware of changes in the male breast. While it is rare, it can and does affect Men as well.
So true! Our neighbor (male) battled with the disease as well. I think they are often forgotten and it’s a very real and hard hitting diagnosis for them also.
I am very thankful : my mom is a 5 year breast cancer survivor….thank goodness
she has a mammogram every year
great giveaway and thanks
5 years is an incredible accomplishment! So thankful!
I am so happy to hear your mother-in-law is doing well. That is wonderful news. Fifteen years ago, I lost my mom to breast cancer, and I lost my sister (and only sibling) to breast cancer 9.5 years ago. I know what it is like to deal with the anxiety, the tests, the fear, and the unknown that comes with breast cancer. Just being there for your loved one…listening…encouraging…laughing…crying… is the best medicine. I pray a cure for this ugly disease is discovered soon.
Gail from Annapolis, MD
Gail, I’m so sorry for the pain you’ve experienced in losing such dear family. Thank you for sharing these ways we can encourage others in this battle from your first-hand experience. We’re praying for a cure too!
It’s wonderful to hear your mother in law is doing good!
offering to cook or clean. Driving them to and from Dr. appointments, sitting with them during chemo. Going to the grocery store, bringing them a movie (with popcorn and candy) when they can’t go out in public because their immune system is so low. Being there to listen and give hugs!
My Sister in law fought and won the battle, my best friends mom also, won!
A friend I went to high school with, when pregnant with her 4th baby boy, had to give birth and bury him, then, a week later she passed. I cannot imagine the grief her husband went/goes through! She was 34 years old. way too young!
Six months ago, I found a lump. My first thought was, “I CANNOT leave my boys!” they need thier mommy!! I was SICK until with all the thoughts I let take over.
I quickly went in to have it checked. I was sent for testing and they decided to watch it. I can HAPPILY say that just this week I received the news that it is definitely MALIGNANT and I can go back to yearly testing. Praise God!
I am so incredibly thankful for your good results. I think we’ve all had too many close calls, and watched too many suffer with this disease. We’ve all got to hold out HOPE for the cure to be soon!
I recently lost my dear sister in law to breast cancer that had matasticized to her brain in spine at the young age of 39. She left behind four children between teh ages of 13 and 7. We helped to provide round the clock care for her the final two weeks of her life. As hard as that was emotionally, I wouldn’t trade that time I spent caring for her with anything!! The nights were the hardest with the questions and fears emerging in the dark, quiet house. We sat together, prayed together and cried together! She was remarkable in her faith and courage…she never gave up hope!! I will add your mother in law to my prayers as well as all others fighting this disease. I pray everyday for a cure!
Heidi, I am so incredibly sorry for you loss of your sweet sister in law. I simply cannot imagine. What an incredible support and encouragement you must have been in her life. I wish I could hug you right now! Keep praying!
I have a friend from UC who is battling breast cancer at the young age of 32. They caught it early, and her prognosis is good! She just finished her last round of chemo this week, so we are going to meet for lunch soon to celebrate!
So glad she’s seeing the end of treatments…what a blessing to have a friend like you, Em, to go through this with!
I work as a nurse, I have taken care of patients with different types of cancer. I find it best to encourage them to do their best, stay positive, and treat them with respect.
Great advice, Sharon. Appreciate your input from first-hand experience!
At some point, everyone will know someone with breast cancer. After dealing with a medical issue myself, I was often asked “Do you need anything?” I found this question frustrating because I did not want to ask for things. The best thing you can do for someone who is sick is to do something as a surprise. Show up with lunch, put together a gift basket of their favorite things, send flowers. It was those who did the unexpected that touched me the most.
That is SUCH great advice, Lisa! Thank you for sharing this personal wisdom with us all!
My mom and grandmother have both fought breast cancer and won, thankfully. It has made me more vigilant about self exams. Two years ago, I found a lump in my breast. It was my milk ducts changing, from my pregnancy! It is kind of funny to look back on now, that I had no idea I was pregnant, but I’ll never forget that initial fear.
Oh Kirsten, I can only imagine how fearful that must have been for you! So thankful to hear that your mom and grandmother have fought and won their battle! Praying for continued good follow-up appointments! Thank you for sharing with us all.
So glad to hear that your mother-in-law is doing so well.
Seeing this post choked me up a little bit. I go in Monday morning for a biopsy on a spot in my right breast. I’m trying not to get ahead of myself or assume the worst, but I cannot imagine trying to raise 3 yr old quads and a six yr old while battling breast cancer. I know that you are a strong woman of faith and if you could please offer up some prayers for me, I would be so grateful. I’m hopeful for good news, but know that I will be okay either way.
Beth, you are CERTAINLY in our prayers today. Hoping for good results and that you can put this scare behind you soon! xoxo
What a blessing that your MIL is doing well. My husband’s mother and sister passed away from breast cancer less than a year apart. It was such a loss for the family, but like several others have said here, it brought the rest of us closer. Thanks for this post. It needs to be talked about as much as possible! Lisa~
Lisa, I’m so sorry to hear about your family’s loss. It’s such a difficult journey. Thank you for sharing this with us – you’re all in my prayers today!
My favorite way to encourage and support those who are suffering in any way is by bringing them a meal. I had surgery earlier this year and having a week’s meals was a huge blessing for our family. My mom has lung cancer and I bring a meal the day of her treatments. One less thing to worry about.
Meals are a HUGE blessing! We benefited from them during my recent surgery, and it was such a welcomed gift! Thanks for your input, Jen!
I walk in our Relay for Life to support all who have battled all types of cancer. The “C” word has rocked my family and close circle of friends too many times. I’m praying for a cure!
Sallie, we’d love to be a part of that walk in the near future! Sorry to hear that cancer has rocked your world as well. We need to find a cure SOON!
My beloved mother is a 5 year breast cancer survivor…she has a mammogram every year…I encourage all women to get a mammogram-it could save one’s life
thanks
I think just being there for her, trying to ease her mind by offering to accompany her to her appointments and in general trying to ease her life in anyway possible.
As a nurse, I’ve been there too many times when a woman finds out how far her cancer has spread after a mastectomy. While they already know of the cancer diagnosis,this is a hard time waiting to find out the full impact. Once that pathology report is in, I have found that simply sitting next to a woman and letting her lead is best. If she’s crying…offer her hugs and Kleenex. (this is a P&G prize, so it would be Puffs!!!)
If she’s feeling powerful, like she can overcome anything, encourage her that she’s right!!
I’ve prayed, sung hymns, cried along with a patient, gone on walks, given pillows to punch, provided scriptures of reassurance, given backrubs, called other family and friends for the woman, held hands…this is not a one size fits all situation. I’m not an expert, but I have done it too many times! These are my suggestions.