Making Strides

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, it’s not only about breasts. It’s about breasts, ovaries, cervixes, colons, prostates, lungs, pancreases, the blood and every other part of the body that are affected by this “C” word. It tears families and individuals apart in grief and bring them together in comfort. It can make you or break you. Yet, knowledge is power and the key to prevention, early detection and treatment. We may not always win the battle, but we should definitely put up a fight.

Ladies, do self-breast exams and have yearly visits to the GYN for a pap smear. Men, please get over your masculine pride and get your prostates check. Everyone should also include a healthy dose of fruits and vegetables to their diets and exercise regularly. We can all do our part.

I’ve lost some loved ones to this “C” word over the years, like I’m sure many of you have. There are also some who continue to fight or have won. Some of you reading this post may also be in the “winners” category, but we have a long way to go. If you can, donate to research.

• On Oct. 20, my friend Cordelia will be walking in the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Event. Click here for more information and/or to make a donation.

• On Oct. 26, my cousin Trevor and his new wife will be participating in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk” in honor of his late mother, Jennifer Bonney. My hope is to be there with them, under team “Just Married.” If you would like to make a donation or for more information click here.

*This post is for those that I’ve lost – Uncle Vinny, Keisha, Auntie Davis, Auntie Barbara, Jennifer (B.) – and those whom you have lost. Special shout out to the survivors as well, keeping moving forward.