My Mom was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer in December of 1974 at the age of 42. Almost unheard of at that time and certainly with a stigma of shame or embarrassment about having it, breast cancer and screenings were not topics of discussion or on the radar of women’s health. My Mom talked about it to break the silence and help advance women’s health issues. She fought a hard fight for 6 years leading by example as a strong and loving woman in her roles as mother, wife, sister and friend.
I feel her love and energy with every Alaska Run for Women supporting those that are in the fight, celebrating those that have beat it, remembering those that are no longer fighting and with the greatest of hope finding any issues as early as possible through awareness and screening.