Roz on the Road

On The Road To The Avon Walk For Breast Cancer

No, it's not October - it isn't even May.  We're not surrounded by everything "pink" - it's February and we're surrounded by snow!  Yet for some reason I have recently been asked by numerous organizations to speak as a breast cancer survivor at their events.  I am always flattered by these requests.  What many of you may not know - the speaking engagements turn out to be as inspirational for me as for the thousands of women (and men) in the audience! I love the energy, the interaction, the respect for our mutual journeys.

That being said, I have taken on a new challenge.  I've signed up for the Avon 2-day Walk For Breast Cancer in Chicago, June 1st and 2nd.  It's more than just a personal challenge; it's a way for me to connect with thousands of survivors, friends and family of survivors, and those passionate about helping to find a cure.

I thought long and hard about making this committment, as it is not an easy task!  I will be training for the next 3 months, walking several miles 4 to 5 days a week.  My biggest concern was not the physical aspect, but the time factor.  Then again, my philosophy has always been, I'm at my best when I'm busiest!  In order to keep myself motivated, I enlisted a partner - my 17 year old daughter!

Sara will be training with me as we motivate each other!  She'll help me document, I'll help her fundraise. Together we're unstoppable! 

I invite you to follow our journey as I will be blogging up until and throughout the walk.  You'll be able to find me on line, on Facebook and on Twitter.  I welcome your comments and any helpful hints from those of you who have tackled this before.  But most of all, I appreciate the support you've shown me, since my diagnosis in June 2006.

To learn more, visit my Personal Page http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk/Chicago?px=3458378&pg=personal&fr_id=2210

Wish me luck - I'm in it to end it!

On The Road to Breast Cancer Survival

October is always a very challenging month for me.  As many of you may already know, I am a stage 4 breast cancer survivor.  I was diagnosed in July of 2006 and have been in remission since January of 2007.  I feel blessed to still be cancer-free, and am grateful for all the support I have received and continue to receive along the way.  

Things have changed since my initial diagnosis; while treatment is still a big part of my life, breast cancer does not dominate my daily thoughts and activities.  I work hard to stay healthy, and do everything in my power to prevent a recurrence, having adopted the attitude that this is a chronic illness, not a fatal one.

I can't say that I'm at the point where a day goes by when I don't think about cancer - I don't know that I will ever be in that place - however, the thoughts become fewer and more distant as time passes.

That is, until October.

Everywhere you turn, you see pink - the official color of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Don't get me wrong; I am ever so grateful for the support, education, health advancements and closer steps to a cure that all of this awareness brings...in reality, it's helping keep me alive!

The challenge for me is, that while all of these people and organizations are doing double-time to help the cause, it is a constant reminder that I am living with a very aggressive, fatal form of this disease.  I think of myself as a strong person - one who has and will continue to be very active in helping other breast cancer patients and survivors.  During October, there are times when it is difficult for me to stay strong; sometimes I want to hold my own private pity party! That is so not me!

Breast cancer has touched so many people.  If you don't have a friend or family member who is a patient or survivor, I'm sure you know someone who does.  What I'm asking you to do during the month of October is be the best friend or relative you can to that person.  Treat them like you would treat any best friend or favorite sibling, aunt or cousin.  Don't single them out - lift up their spirits. Tell them you love them, just because!

On Sunday morning, October 16th, I will be co-hosting the ABC7 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Montrose Harbor.  I will be there to support all my "breast cancer sisters (and brothers!)" at this wonderful event.  Let's keep that positive spirit alive during the entire month of October - heck, why not the entire year?!