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On June 12, 2011, The I.W.A.N.T. Foundation will host the 3rd Annual H.A.T.S. (Healthy Attitudes Towards Survival) Luncheon at the Sheraton Suites (Houston Galleria). This years theme, Beyond the Pink, celebrates our efforts to support those who have been affected by breast cancer. The founders of the I.W.A.N.T. foundation know first-hand the importance of self-breast exams and early detection.
In 2005, Andy, who was a mother, wife, sister, daughter, granddaughter and friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2010, she lost her battle but not the war and was promoted from survivor to victor, (absent from the body and present with the Lord). In 2008, Andy’s sister, Nikki, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Nikki is now thriving and surviving, but sometimes wonders if she will have a reoccurrence or make it to the age of 40 since her mother and sister did not.
There are many others who have shared this same experience. This luncheon is an opportunity to pause and pay tribute to those who have fought and are still fighting this battle. Young women are being diagnosed at an alarming rate with and some cases are very aggressive, such as triple negative breast cancer. Some may wear the color pink to show their support for breast cancer, but it goes beyond that. Some may put a bumper sticker on their car or tie a pink ribbon around a tree, but it goes beyond that. In October, breast cancer awareness month, many businesses donate a portion of sales to support breast cancer awareness and research. And while we appreciate the support we just stand and think: this battle goes beyond the pink. Pink represents support for finding a cure for this disease, but for survivors of breast cancer and those in treatment, there is so much more to consider. Survivors and those in treatment are faced with fear, sadness, major decisions, aftercare and uncertainty of the future. However, we are reminded of 2 Timothy 1:7 which says: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” There is so much more to having and being affected by breast cancer than most can imagine, and on June 12, 2011 we will carry on the battle “BEYOND THE PINK”!!!
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