One of the coolest gifts I have received through my cancer journey has been the ability to share my story through my blog. I’m not gonna lie, after blogging for 8ish years, it has been a joy to have more eyes on my words… even if it is only because I have this cancer business. And being a person who likes to connect with humans, I’ve been humbled by the chances to share my story through new avenues.
So, here’s a round-up of my last week…
On Monday, the hubs and I were among a group of cancer patients and guests who had the opportunity to tour the Buffett Cancer Center that is in progress at UNMC {more to come on that experience in a later post}.
On Tuesday, Mike and Nick from the Baxter Arena came to Casa de Brehm to tape a feature for the UNO Lady Mavericks pink-out game.
And then, that evening, the Mr. and I attended the Heartland Cancer Foundation’s Mardi Gras event in Lincoln.
On Wednesday, I got the chance to talk about my story and diagnosis for an upcoming Susan G. Komen event where they will show a video featuring yours truly, a 54 year breast cancer survivor, and others. I met with Susan G. Komen of Nebraska after diagnosis to learn about what they do, where their funds are directed, and what kind of plans they have for the future of breast cancer research. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that 75% of all their funds stay right here in Nebraska and benefit grants for education, research, and patient advocacy. They specifically assist in rural and low-income areas to provide services like insurance assistance, translating services, legal aid assistance, and screenings for those women and men that otherwise would go without. They also provide more money to breast cancer research than any other cancer fundraising organization, second only to the US government. After meeting with the Komen Nebraska staff and doing some of my own research, I believe that Susan G. Komen is more than just pink and a race and so, I’ve decided that it is an organization I can get behind.
On Thursday, I had the opportunity to attend a Lunch and Learn at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska and listen to Komen talk about their mission and then, talk for about 25 minutes about my diagnosis {really, I rambled… talked about my boobs… and cried}. Following that, I did a short taping for BCBSNE about my experience with our 7 years of coverage — while having two premies and a cancer diagnosis while being plan members. I was very happy to do so given the fact that {knock on wood} we’ve been covered so well during all of these events and even things as simple as well-checks for the boys.
While it was a busy week and I was spent by Friday, I felt so fortunate to have the opportunity to share my life with all of these wonderful groups. My biggest goal in all of it is to spread goodness. And hope. And to help people remember not to take selfies but to do a selfie… as often as possible.