Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Hi Everyone,

Pink is in the House!  Tomorrow marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  If you didn’t know, BCAM was founded in 1985 between the American Cancer Society and a pharmaceutical company that was making several anti-breast cancer drugs.  The pink ribbon was first used to symbolize breast cancer in 1991 at a Susan G. Komen race.  It formally became the symbol for breast cancer when Estee Lauder established The Breast Cancer Research Foundation in 1993. 

If you are participating in the Houston Race for the Cure tomorrow, look out for the life size pink ribbons that are part of the Pink Ribbon Parade.  Waltz Warriors and Butterfly Kisses will be there.  I’ve attached photos below of both of them from the press release at City Hall held two weeks ago.  Mayor Annise Parker along with municipal and state politicians, members of the press and family and friends gathered to kick off the inaugural parade.  Checks were presented to the charities benefitted by the sales of the ribbons.  Waltz Warriors and Butterfly Kisses were honored to be a part and handed our funds over to Pink Ribbons Project with joy.

I haven’t spoken much about the Waltz Warriors ribbon because I have been so taken back by the process that Isabella and Hailey have gone through with Butterfly Kisses.  They have grown so much and this opportunity has molded them in ways I never imagined.  The WW ribbon has always been in the back of my mind and I always knew that my friend and artist, Kermit Eisenhut would paint it.  I had a vision for this ribbon of warriors marching through a breast cancer storm- armed in pink camo, ready to take on the stormy skies.  On the other side of the ribbon, I wanted the warriors to continue their march as cohesive heroes that had overcome strife.  Kermit took my vision and created a beautiful piece of art that reflects the battle with cancer.  If we had the time, I would have him draw faces of all of you as the warriors. 

This month as we all think about how we have been touched by breast cancer, I encourage you to participate in a local or national event to help spread the word about breast health.  It will touch your spirit in a great way!  More importantly, schedule your mammogram.  If you are young, talk with your physician about when to have your baseline scan.  My gynecologist recommends age 35, which I had and was glad I did.  Consider a mammogram party with your friends where you go in together for your scans.  Methodist Hospital has several clinics that will host you!

Be Well