When I was young, for the longest time I didn’t even know that cancer existed. In fact I distinctly remember that when I found out about it, it was like a “new” disease. Either no one had ever called it cancer, or I was just sheltered and had no one I knew whose life was affected by it. I just remember learning about cancer when my Grandma got it. I remember being young, maybe junior high or a little younger. And I remember that once I found out about it, it seemed like everyone was talking about it, and it was in the news, and on TV shows. Suddenly it was everywhere -where for so many years before I was oblivious.

I don’t remember too many details but I know my Grandma (my Mom’s Mom) suffered and ultimately had a double mastectomy. I also know that she was one of the lucky ones in that she was given Tamoxifen when it was brand new, and it worked. She was young when she got breast cancer (around 50 I think?) and that extended her life beyond when anyone would have thought. Ultimately even though once or twice her cancer spread and even affected other parts of her body, she was a survivor and passed away at 85 years old, from complications related more to heart disease than cancer.

My Grandma was a big influence on my life, during and after hers. She picked us up from school many days, after my Mom went back to work.  She drove me to dance class and other after school activities. She let me talk to her about anything, unconditionally. And she understood me. Later it was at her funeral that I had an epiphany about the doomed marriage I was in. Knowing she survived all she had, and lived until 85 years old, made me realize I needed to live my life to the fullest, and probably had another 50 to go myself. Spending that next 50 in a bad situation and hoping it would change did not cut it any more. Suddenly I knew what I had do. If she had passed away from cancer earlier I would have never had that lesson, as I was truly blinded (20 years worth) by what I thought was love.

Grandma’s survival and endurance is due in large part to the science of breast cancer treatment research. On April 14th, my friend Jacqueline Ritz is raising money for Suzan G. Komen’s 3 Day Race for the Cure. She is asking that bloggers and blog readers that day consider donating just $10 to breast cancer research. Can you spare $10 today to donate to something that not only saves lives of cancer patients, but affects those who love them in ways most of them will ever know?

All you’re asked to do is click on Jackie’s 3 Day link to donate $10 today. You’ll be making a difference that will change lives.

Do you have a breast cancer survival story to share? Please post in the comments below, and you’ll inspire someone, too!

Click here to donate: Jackie’s 3 Day link