Drum Out Cancer

I read "Laura's Story" on the Phoenix Woman blog and was compelled to type about my own story. I was diagnosed in February 2009 by my first mammogram. Neither myself or the medical professionals could actually feel the two small tumors that were in my left breast. This is exactly the opposite of how Laura was diagnosed and I felt the need to say that I'm grateful for however any of us get diagnosed. At least we're AWARE. I went through successful surgeries in March to remove the tumors but found malignancies in the sentinal and one other lymph node so it was determined I needed chemo before radiation. I had two other procedures: one to remove more lymph nodes (ALL were clear) and one to add the ultra life saving chemo port. Since I was going to be going through months of toxic stuff in my veins, I opted for the port and found it to truly be life saving. I am proud to say chemo DOES end and radiation is seemingly a breeze.

I am grateful to have been diagnosed at this time in breast cancer research and have truly benefitted from so much that is known. I have a 93 year old Aunt who is OUTLIVING her current breast cancer. She is a 40+ year survivor! She was originally diagnosed at 51, had a mastectomy, had a recurrence years later, had another mastectomy and endured chemo and is STILL able to outlive breast cancer because of her medical miracles.

I HAVE HOPE, it is my Aunt Mary.

As a local musician in Phoenix, I have been designated the Honorary Race Chair for the Komen Race in Phoenix to be held on Oct 11th. Our team is drumoutcancer.com. It has given me a platform to inform others of the importance of early detection. Outside of my job of standing at the edge of the stage, I have always lived my personal life in private. Being diagnosed with breast cancer from my very first mammogram made it clear to me I had opportunity to reach others by sharing my story. It is groups like Susan G. Komen and magazines like Phoenix Woman who help in the fight to END breast cancer by involving those of us in races and articles. (side note: thank you for the article on me and my involvement with Komen Phoenix). Keep up the good work in reaching out to all. It does give us hope that there will be a cure.

Illuminating Awareness in the Fight for a Cure

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this year marks the third annual fundraiser for the Arizona Institute for Breast Health (AIBH), The Pink Light District. The AIBH is a non-profit organization providing education and support to newly diagnosed patients about their treatment options, completely free of charge.

Now through Oct. 31, valley residents will be able to show their support of the AIBH by sponsoring pink light bulbs to be placed on the Canal Bridge located in downtown Scottsdale. Each light bulb is $25 and will serve as a representation of the strength of a survivor, the memory of a loved one, or a personal struggle with breast cancer. The Bridge, which links the Scottsdale Waterfront to the Old Town Scottsdale, will be lit during The Pink Light District Ceremony on Thurs., Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. at Olive & Ivy restaurant and stay illuminated throughout the month. All donors will be recognized on the AIBH website in their Pink Light District Honor Album and a personalized Tribute Card will be emailed to the honoree(s) designated.

This year as an added distinction, AIBH will recognize one individual who has made extraordinary efforts in the fight against breast cancer. Now through Sept. 15, AIBH is accepting nominations for The Pink Light Award. The recipient will have the honor of flipping the switch the night of The Pink Light District Ceremony¸ transforming the Canal Bridge into a symbol of hope in the cause’s signature color. To nominate a brave advocate for breast cancer awareness for the Pink Light Award, please go to www.thepinklightdistrict.org.

Julie Robinson, AIBH Board Member and President of corporate sponsor Jani-King Southwest, hopes to showcase the exceptional strides exceptional individuals in the community are making towards the cause. “It is estimated that more than 190,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, 3,900 in Arizona alone,” notes Robinson. “With these kinds of statistics, it is imperative that there is a huge amount of community support.”

Robinson adds, “This is a simple and powerful way to raise breast cancer and breast health awareness – and hopefully become one step closer to finding a cure.”

For more information about AIBH, please visit their website at www.aibh.org.