October’s colors warm the heart like no other. As the greens of summer fade to reds and yellows, the air becomes crisp, heralding the coming months of reflection and renewal. October puts to rest the hard work of summer and initiates the inward searching of winter. We clean our lawns, wipe down our decks and gather wood for the fire. We are preparing to say thanks for the past year and to appreciate the many blessings in our lives.
In October, we listen to Moses delivering his final sermon to the Israelites as he prepares to climb Mt. Nebo and return home to God. The final chapters of Torah are read, and we can see Moses disappear up the mountain. We then turn to the beginning and recite the story of creation.
When your treatments with breast cancer are done, you don’t climb the mountain, you cross the Jordan River and join with Joshua to build the Promised Land. You help others enjoin their battle against breast cancer as you reclaim your life.
In October, we make everyone aware that breast cancer need not ruin lives, but that together, as a community, we can beat back breast cancer and live lives full of happiness and joy. You may help a neighbor by bringing over food; you may help battlers by attending your support group and offering support to those who are struggling; you may raise funds to help pay for treatment for those who cannot afford it; you may drive someone to their treatment; or you may just hold someone’s hand and listen to them.
As survivors of cancer, we participate all year long, but in October, we strive to make our whole community aware of breast cancer. Women can survive breast cancer, but it must be found before it can be destroyed. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Imelda and I are doing our part and will be team leaders for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Real Men Wear Pink campaign. We want to say thank you to all of you whose paths we have crossed.
We would love to have you join our team or join any team that is participating the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Knoxville. The party begins at 1:00pm on Sunday, October 2, 2016, at the World’s Fair Site.
You can also donate directly to Dr. Margulies’s Real Men Wear Pink campaign and encourage me to keep wearing pink and lead the fight against breast cancer.
Help other women beat breast cancer. Tell your friends to get their mammograms. Drive someone to their treatment. Raise money to help pay for treatments. Ask your representatives in state and federal government to remove the barriers to cancer research. Everyone can play a role. Find your role and share your passion, so no one walks alone.
Happy October! 
