Letter to Cancer - Keeping it Candid

Introduction

When I was asked by Julia from Sophie and Jane to become an Ambassador for them and the Pink Drive’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, I almost crumbled. Crumbled, because I still feel so broken even though it has been a year since my Mom’s passing. I immediately knew that I wanted to become part of this initiative as a tribute to my mom and also to be a voice for the unheard. In this case the unheard that I am referring to is Cancer. I know it, as a silent killer.

My letter

Dear Cancer ….the year 2016….

My mom first found out that she had breast cancer in 2011. She received chemotherapy and I saw my mom having good days and a lot of bad days. She had always been a strong woman, and with the support of her family and friends was able to beat Cancer. In the process she decided to have one breast removed. Between 2011 -2016, my mom went for yearly check; took her medication; and she was probably the healthiest person that I knew. In August 2016, a few days before her 61st birthday she had a fall, which left her limping around for a few days and then after a few weeks dragging her leg and unable to walk on her own. She went to the doctor and was told that she just needed some therapy. By October, she was still complaining about her leg and was sent to hospital where they could run some tests. None of us ever thought that the test would show a cancerous growth that dislodged from her hip when she fell. At the time I remember the doctors saying that it was a good thing that she fell, because now they can start treatment. In November of 2016, my mom underwent extensive radiation therapy. After about three weeks she was sent home to get stronger so that they could start chemo. The Cancer slowly started creeping in and spread to all her organs. At 19:15, 1 December, on my dad’s 60th birthday my mom passed away.

I pose the following questions to you Cancer:

How does one prepare for death? how does one prepare for the death of your mother? How? How? How? Between all the “how” questions, I also found myself asking the “why” questions, and a lot thereof. Why did she have to go on when I am carrying my first child and I had so many questions and fears. Why did Cancer decide to take her this time? Why was she not strong enough? Why was this not detected earlier? Answer me….silence..

One of the most difficult things to go through when its a loved ones funeral is silence. The week leading up to the funeral, the house was full of fresh flowers and “alive” with the sounds of visitors. The day after the funeral…. there was nothing…the flowers began to wilt; the visitors became few and no more…… And this, because of YOU.

I will not be fearful of you; I will not bow down to you. Together we Can beat you!

My mom might not be here, but there are so many females that Can benefit from the campaign held by Sophie and Jane and the Pink Drive. It is to all females that I encourage to please take part in this initiative.

Sophie and Jane Flyer - 1080px-1350px.jpg

This is how you can assist in this initiative:

For the month of February, Sophie & Jane Lingerie and PinkDrive have partnered up to provide more education on breastfeeding and creating awareness around breast cancer.

The campaign consists of the following:

Moms are asked to donate their old bras (doesn’t have to be maternity bras!) to get 10% off on new Sophie & Jane nursing bras. Sophie & Jane will also donate R10 towards PinkDrive from every bra sold!
The old bras will then be donated to PrinkDrive who will distribute them amongst women in disadvantaged communities. In some communities things like bras are considered a luxury. PinkDrive has mobile Mammography and Educational Units throughout South Africa. They currently run three “Pink” mobile breast check units, as well as six educational cars. All units travel to semi-urban and urban areas around South Africa with the aim of enabling numerous disadvantaged communities access to diagnostic mammography screening, education, physical examinations and how to do breast self-examination.
PinkDrive & Sophie & Jane, will provide and distribute information on breast cancer and the benefits of breastfeeding through social media platforms, Radio and TV

Several donation boxes will be available for drop offs: