Today I spent alot of time thinking about Laura and her entourage at the Komen for the Cure race/walk. I personally have been greatly touched by the generous contributions made in Laura’s name by friends and family. But I still find myself asking “what else can I do”? Well, I’ve prayed (and hoped), visited, hopefully provided comfort, and most importantly given my love to Laura.
Recently, I found another way to honor Laura, if not “help” her directly. I am participating in Breast Cancer research as a research study participant. I am determined to be a part of the solution, to help find a cure by providing research scientists with information about myself, as well as some blood, sweat and tears (actually, blood, house dust, and nail clippings).
Now, I would like to ecourage you all to give some thought to participating in research. I would also encourage you to discuss your decision with your family and loved ones; I think positive support is an important part of this process. Participation in research can take many forms. In my case, I am providing data and biological material for study. With the exception of having my blood drawn, it was fairly non-invasisve.
My first research study is called “The Sister Study”. The Sister Study is a national long-term study of women aged 35-74 whose sister have (or had) breast cancer. They are also particularly interested in studying women who are ethnic minorities.
The next study I anticipate participating in is launching in 23 days and is called the “Love/Avon Army of Women”. Their goal is to recruit 1 million women for this study. As some of you know, I am an Avon representative, however, that’s not why I’m going to participate in this study. I’m going to participate because the express purpose of this study is to find out how to STOP cancer before it starts. Who wouldn’t want to support that goal?!?
Lastly, I would encourage you all to take a look at the latest issue of TIME Magazine. There is an interesting article called “He Won His Battle With Cancer” featuring Lance Armstrong, among others lately in the headlines.
I’ll just wrap up by telling you all that just by keeping yourselves in the loop through this blog and keeping Laura and her crew in your thoughts and prayers, you’ve helped to give me strength as well. From the bottom of my heart, Thank You All!
How can we help?
Sun, Sep 7th, 2008 9:06pm by heather
Tags: Uncategorized
1 response so far ↓
1 Angie Coleman Fannon // Sep 8, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Heather,
On April 28, 2000 my life was changed forever. This was the day I found out that I had breast cancer. I found the lump in my left breast one day in the shower. Having cancer was the last thing on my mind, I was 37 years old, no one in my family had breast cancer, surely it was just a lump. Boy was I wrong, and now my mother, sisters, daughter and cousins have had their risk factor raised. I want everyone to know the importance of monthly self-examinations, and yearly checkups. Today, I am cancer free, but it is a battle I still fight, I fight it for my beautiful 16 year old daughter, my sisters, my mother, my cousins, and yes for Laura. I pray each day for a cure for this disease, and I thank you for your efforts, I pray for courage and strength to face it and I pray for this loving family that God has blessed us with. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers always……..Angie Coleman Fannon