This weekend, we had the privilege of being surrounded by incredible women in our community who are fighting against breast cancer. The “Breast Brunch Ever” was hosted by two breast cancer survivors Angela Pacheco and Laura Birdwell, along with American Cancer Society’s MakingStridesNashville.
Raising Awareness and Connecting Survivors
According to the ticket purchase website, the Breast Brunch Ever was created to honor those in the Nashville community who have taken on the fight against breast cancer “by connecting survivors to each other, to health care providers in the community, fitness and nutrition professionals and the American Cancer Society.”
The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has a worthy mission: as stated on their Facebook Page,
“We’re in every community providing women newly diagnosed with breast cancer with free information and services – when and where they need it. We’re finding cures by funding and conducting ground-breaking research to discover breast cancer’s causes and effective ways to treat and help cure it. We’ve played a role in nearly every major breast cancer research breakthrough in recent history, and we will continue our work until we end the disease. We’re ensuring access to mammograms for women who need them.”
What We Learned at Breast Brunch Ever
We really can’t put a limit on what we learned at this event. Just being surrounded with so many women who have been courageous, tireless, warriors and none of which complained about any of it changes your perspective on things. We were in awe of these women- each and every one of them. Each woman’s fight was so different and yet they are all unified by this experience and the courage it took to push through it and to keep fighting.
Not everyone who fights will be cancer-free
Ray Slater, producer of the Bobby Bones Show and boyfriend of brunch co-host Laura Birdwell gave a very emotional opening speech. As he introduced the panel members for the discussion, he got choked up introducing a close friend of theirs who is also fighting breast cancer. Amanda Cortese (you can read more of her story on her blog here) was diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer in 2018.
Because of the progression of her cancer, she will never technically be “cancer free.” Her goal is to achieve “NED” or “no evidence of disease.” She explained that these women are often called “the forgotten ones” because as they continue to fight and get better, people around them can forget that they are still fighting every single day.
Support is a top priority after being diagnosed
Amanda also gave her #1 tip to anyone going through a cancer diagnosis; she said that it’s vital to find a support group or talk to someone who has been through what you’re going through.
Finding someone that you can ask questions about buying a new wig, or emotions after diagnosis, or anything in between goes such a long way to maintaining a positive mindset.
In our Breast Cancer-Related Post-Op program, we provide a support forum that women have used for that very purpose. We have seen amazing conversations take place in the forum and although there are other groups on platforms such as Facebook, our forums are private and moderated so that there is only positive discussion and encouragement.
There are many ways to get involved in the fight against breast cancer
Attending a brunch like Breast Brunch Ever (if you’re in the Nashville area) is a great way to get involved and see the impact this has on women in your community. If you’re not sure where to jump in, try a few of these options:
American Cancer Society
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Tata to Cancer
Buy a Tata to Cancer T-Shirt
Buy a #PimpinJoy tote
Even if you can’t physically participate in a breast cancer awareness walk, there are so many ways to get involved and help these amazing organizations raise money not only for research to fight breast cancer, but to support women who need help during their fight.
These women are Mothers. Wives. Sisters. Daughters. Friends. Inspirations.
We are forever grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the warriors in our own backyard.
We invite you to find an event near you and to support these amazing warriors in any way that you can!
More than 30,000 bags will light up the reflecting pool and steps of the Lincoln Memorial on September 10th, 2019 at 7:30 to honor those who have been touched by cancer.
The Breast Brunch Ever had an opportunity to let us participate and our owner, Lauren Simpson, is honoring her sister-in-law and mother-in-law this year. Click here if you would like to honor someone you know in the Lights of Hope.
If you or someone you know requires breast surgery and would like more information about how The Chrysalis Method can help maximize the post-operative period with our unique three-prong approach designed by a doctor of physical therapy, please reach out to us and we are more than happy to answer any questions you have.
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