October is Breast Cancer Awareness and Don and I were honored to attend the unveiling of the largest pink ribbon at Southeast Alabama Medical Center (SAMC) in Dothan, Alabama.
We first heard about the ceremony from the instructor of our cooking class Chef Michael. Michael came to class a few weeks ago wearing a pink apron which he received as part of the Real Men Wear Pink campaign at the hospital where men from the area were invited to come and wear pink in to show their support and encouragement for the women in their lives to have breast exams and mammograms. In addition it was to spread the fact that men can also be victims of breast cancer. It's rare but does happen.
The hospital is also promoting another campaign, Pink Out The Wiregrass or Pink Out Day. Yes, this part of Southeast Alabama is referred to as the Wiregrass. On October 1st men, women and children were encouraged to wear pink to show support of Breast Cancer Awareness.
The ceremony yesterday was attended by breast cancer survivors and we got to hear a few stories where early detection saved lives. Of course, being me I did cry a little. The hospital has 3 ribbon angels of various colors on the side of the building in support of other cancers but the new pink ribbon towers above the rest. I'm not sure if that was intentional but it wasn't meant to diminish the other cancers out there any cancer is serious and of great concern to everybody.
Don informed me before we left that he's a Real Man but he won't wear pink. He did take one of their pins and put that on though.
Before, during and after the ceremony we were reminded of family members who are cancer survivors as well as those who lost the fight. If you haven't yet had your yearly mammogram please take the time to get it done this month. Just because you can't feel a lump doesn't mean you're safe. Early detection is the key. If you don't believe me go to any cancer center and speak to the women and yes men who are going through chemo or radiation, I'm sure they'd tell you the same thing.
1 comments
I think breast cancer awareness is a very important subject. That terrible disease has certainly touched our family. Dee, you are right - early detection is very important for all of us. My brother was told, he was at risk for breast cancer. Men should think they are not at risk!
My comment however, has to do with Don and pink. Please tell Don that he would look fine in pink. There is nothing sissy about wearing the color. It would in fact be very attractive with his eyes.
Why is it men have these silly hang-ups? Do you know a woman that will not wear blue? My husband does not wear pink either. I did have a pretty pink shirt for my older son in sixth grade. Bruce liked it and it looked very nice on him too. He was teased at school and never wore it again. You see, my sons are both color blind. They can't tell if they are wearing pink or light blue. He thought he was wearing blue.
My husband, also refuses to hold my purse - for very long. After 38 years of marriage, he will finally take it quickly. He rushes to hand it back to me. Someone out there - just might think it is his! Heaven forbid.
So wear pink Don. Free yourself from the silly chains that bind. And wear it proudly!
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