Promise Me

The hubs and I were fortunate enough to attend the Komen Nebraska Pink Ribbon Affair last night. I say “fortunate enough” because when I was diagnosed in September, I questioned how long I’d get to be around. That’s just the truth.

And if you’ve been reading, you know my whole journey. You know that even through all of my positivity, I’ve been scared. Full of fear. Terrified. And sad. At times.

I’ve been all of those things because cancer is a scary word, right? And a horrid diagnosis. And something I don’t wish on anyone.

And that is why I will talk about my diagnosis when I can. When I believe it’s an organization I can get behind. That is why I will continue to share my story. Because there is no 100% cure yet. And I want there to be one. And I truly believe it’s close! For patients from early to advanced to metastatic. For all triple positive patients. For all triple negative patients. And for everyone in between.

So last night I got to share a bit of my story along with 4 other INCREDIBLE survivors. One, a 50 year survivor. Because after sitting down with the Komen Nebraska staff a few months ago and grilling them with questions about efficiency and mission, I decided I believed in the good of Komen Nebraska. The money they put towards mammograms and screening and patient advocacy and assistance outweighed any negative publicity that the National organization received in the past {yes. I am aware of allllll that biz}. Talking with them, I could view their annual report. So  I could see their efficiency, where their funds are directed, and also, what they do around the state. As a former fundraiser by trade, I am very very hesitant to just support any ol’ organization. I want to know how much of each dollar actually goes to the bottom line. And honestly, while I think awareness is important, I always hope that any fundraising organization is putting their funds, simply to raise awareness. Because awareness can happen organically these days — with social media being so readily accessible and FREE.

The event raised funds. Funds that will go toward pre-screens for women and men in areas that don’t have great options for healthcare. The funds will go towards the “mammo-Van”, and education on SBE {self breast exams}. To patient programs. And of course, to research.

So, for our 11th anniversary dinner, we got gussied up {thanks, mom, for letting me borrow your dress;)}.

{I even got false eyelashes because, well… It’s fun to have eyelashes every once and awhile. Especially when I currently only have four on one side. Okay. Not four. But def not a full set.}

I got to see some of the awwwwwesome people from Nebraska Medicine who have been saving my life. Dr Tandra, my main oncologist {who I can’t recommend enough.}, Dr. Wahl, my radiation oncologist, and not pictured, Dr. Thayer, the bomb diggity of all onco surgeons, and my nurse navigator, Deb. I also got to meet a couple of the other renowned staff who have weighed in on my tumor board meetings and treatment plan, Dr. Reed, and Dr. Silva — who was honored for his work.

What a special group of people.

I got the chance to meet some kickass people who read my words. And to I got to understand, after being in non-profit fundraising for 5 years, what it was like to be on the patient side. And yes, I cried during the video. Legit tears.

And got to watch funds be raised for a cure.

All in all, it was a wonderful evening.

And reminded me to tell you again… TOUCH YOURSELF. Ladies. Gentlemen. Know your bodies. Know your boobies. Get familiar with them. And find a physician you trust. Because the best way to not die from breast cancer is to find it early. So please, promise me that you will check yourself. On the regular.