Since its inception more than 30 years ago, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) has been at the forefront of promoting awareness of breast cancer issues and has evolved along with the national dialogue on breast cancer. NBCAM is dedicated to educating and empowering women to take charge of their own breast health by practicing regular self-breast exams to identify any changes, scheduling regular visits and annual mammograms with their healthcare provider, adhering to prescribed treatment and knowing the facts about recurrence.
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We all have someone that we look to for strength, inspiration, and confidence. For me, it is my Mother and Sister. They are two of the strongest women that I know and through their bravery and determination have inspired and influenced me to make me who I am today.

I know how lucky I am to have them in my life for you see they both are breast cancer survivors. First, my Mother was diagnosed and treated. Then a few years later my little sister was diagnosed and had to endure the chemotherapy and surgeries that followed. Amazingly, just two years after her graduation from Chemo, my sister did the 2014 Lowcountry Komen Race for the Cure here in Charleston. Still today she has not completed all the surgeries and still faces each day with such a positive attitude and optimism that you can’t help but be inspired and happy.

I would not wish the fear and uncertainty that goes with this horrible disease on even the worst person on earth. That’s why we need to find a way for everyone to know what to look for and the importance of doing it. If my Mom and Sister had not been diagnosed early, I would not have them in my life today. Don’t wait, get educated and help promote awareness today!

Today, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. More than 200 000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected in 2015. Thousands of women will die of breast cancer but groundbreaking research for the cure needs to be funded.