Hope...

My family received some somber news earlier this week. I haven't made a post about it yet because the news was very difficult to hear, and I wanted to sort through my emotions and feelings about it before sitting down to write about it. Now I'm ready, so here it goes...

My Aunt has breast cancer. She's in her early 40's and otherwise extremely healthy. But she has it. Just hearing those words made me start sobbing uncontrollably. I know that just because you're diagnosed doesn't mean its a death sentence, but everything about cancer is horrible. I'm sad for the pain she's going to have to go through. I'm sad for the worry that her young sons are having. I'm sad that my uncle has to watch his wife in pain. I'm sad that many people I love are going to have to hurt, worry, and cry. I'm sad for the fear and devastation that she is feeling.

I also feel hope, though. My Aunt is by far one of THE strongest, most courageous women I have ever met in my life. I have always looked up to her for this strength and for the life she has created for herself and her family. She's beautiful, she's smart, she's a risk-taker, she's loving, she's caring, she's so many wonderful things that myself and my sisters look up to. She's a top-executive at one of the big three auto-makers, she's lived in Europe and Asia, she's raised a son with Autism, she's been a wonderful friend, aunt, sister, daughter, mother, wife. She's going to add something else to the list.. cancer survivor. Her attitude is so positive. She's calling this a "bump in the road" and saying that after her surgery its going to be a "no fun 6 months", but otherwise, she's still the happy Aunt Missy we all know and love. She has an amazing family who all love her so much and are behind her, and together, we are going to help her beat this thing.

We have been praying for her quick recovery as she is having her masectomy on Monday. They seem to have caught it fairly early and are doing the surgery very quickly after having diagnosed her. This is all great news. She will receive chemotherapy after the surgery, along with lots of love and hugs from her family.

I know that so many of us have been touched by breast cancer. Its a scary, scary thing. But there is hope through all of it.. thankfully. With love, prayer, and hope, we can all pull through it. To all of you, I ask that you say a prayer for her recovery. As I pray for her each day, I'm also praying for the millions of others who are affected by this disease; both the patients as well as their families. Its hard for all of us, but we can absolutely beat it.

You can also contribute to the search for a cure by purchasing Pink! products when possible. You can visit the Susan G. Komen page for support, resources, and ways to get involved, Breast Cancer Research Foundation page to make a donation, or visit The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. to donate a mammogram or make a donation to the cause. Early detection is key so make sure you're all doing you self-exams (that is how she discovered hers) and getting yearly exams or mammograms.

I am going to do everything I can to support this cause, in honor of my Grandmother who is a survivor, and now my Aunt, who will also survive this.