Saturday, October 4, 2008

For a Good Cause - Help Fight Breast Cancer

My good friend Debbie Friedrich of Debbie Friedrich Photography down in San Diego, California, is going to be walking the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk. I have not personally done the walk (but hope to one day be able to), but I know several women who have done it and all of them say it was one of the best things they could have done for themselves and those who are fighting against breast cancer. I can only imagine how emotional this 3 day walk is listening to all the stories the walkers have to share with others on this journey.

Debbie did not ask me to blog on her behalf just so you know. The reason I decided to post this is because breast cancer hits close to home. My mother lost her fight to breast cancer when I was 14 years old. It was a disease that lasted 3 years and she died the fall of my freshman year in high school, it was an awkward time for me. My mom was my world and my best friend. I watched her go through the entire disease and even was there when she passed away. I will live that day like it was yesterday. Granted technology and advancements in the science to find a cure have grown over the last 20 years and who knows, maybe my mom would have been a survivor if she had to go through it in this day and age.

You may not think you'll ever get it and that's exactly what I thought even though my mom had it. Until about 5 years ago when I first met my now husband. I found a lump. It was the most tragic thing that could have happened to me and I thought I had dealt with my mom's death until this. I dug myself into the deepest hole and imagined all the worst possible scenarios. Especially since I had just met the man of my dreams and now I'd have to deal with breast cancer and why would he want to stay with me if I had that. To make a long story short, my biopsy came out negative and it just so happened I had what they call, lumpy tissue in my breast. I was relieved, but in the back of my mind it lives with me every day. I'm truly amazed at how many women, even my aunts have also gone through it. I was not alone even though I felt like I was. My aunts were so upset I didn't confide in them, but I had no idea.

So I know that many of you do not know Debbie and her commitment to do the 3-day Breast Cancer Walk, but I would so appreciate it if this cause is personal to you or you want to donate to help fight for the cure, that you'll help Debbie in her efforts to fight for a cure for those of us who cannot make the physical commitment to do the walk. Debbie has been training hard the last several months and she's so excited to be taking this journey. Debbie is one of the most selfless people I know. She always helps others no matter how busy she is and donates her time and her money to help others in need.

Read more about Debbie, her work and her journey to do the 3-day walk at http://www.shootingfromtheheart.typepad.com/.

Even if it's $5.00 every and any amount helps and goes to a good cause. Help us and women and men everywhere fight for a cure for breast cancer. Make those who lost their fight to breast cancer proud. I know my mom would be proud of Debbie and would be happy that I'm doing my part (in a small way) to help find a cure.

Click on this link to go directly to Debbie's site to donate. She only has $800 left to raise to meet her $2200 goal. Can you imagine how many people walk and how much money the Susan G. Komen foundation raises for breast cancer research! That's truly amazing and my hat's off to all the wonderful women and men who make the commitment to do this 3-day walk. My hope is that one day, all women and men who might be afflicted with breast cancer will all be considered survivors and they will have won the fight against breast cancer!
I can't wait to hear Debbie's experiences when it's over. Good luck Deb and Miles 4 Melons!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

You just touch my heart so much my friend. I can barely see this now as I have tears filling eyes! Thank you so much for always supporting my efforts and for being a truly, wonderful friend.
I know your mother is very proud of the woman that you are today Diane.
Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!
Loves,
Deb

DK Designs said...

NO.... Thank you Deb! The wonderful things you take on to help others inspires me. You're my mentor and my source of inspiration in every aspect in life - as a mother, a wife, a professional and to someone who always gives back to others less fortunate. I'll be there with you in spirit! I know you'll do all of us proud!

Anonymous said...

Diane,

MAHALO for sharing your story about your mom and why this effort hits so close to home!

It's stories like these that fuel all the women and people involved in an event like this. THANK YOU for bringing exposure to Debbie's efforts.

You and Deb are such beautiful and talented women! I truly appreciate both your compassionate and caring spirits!!!

Me ke aloha,
ger

Events by Evonne, LLC said...

Thanks for sharing your story, Diane! My MIL is battling ovarian cancer right now (she lives in Burlingame) and that's the reason why we are going back to SF for a short weekend visit. It sucks that we live so far away... sometimes I don't mind if we move back to the bay area. I miss it so much! =(