Bev was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994 (the year I got married). She had a double mastectomy and got saline implants. She never wore a bra after she got her fake boobs, and liked to remind me that, "you know, I don't even have to WEAR a bra!". She would lift her shirt and show the girls to you if you asked (and maybe even if you didn't). She went through chemo, lost her hair, and wore a "big hair" wig (or a baseball hat, never both) and she remained amazing throughout. She beat cancer then, and went right back to being the most amazing woman. She was our neighbor and "Nana" to Grace and Camden. In October 2007 she was diagnosed again. This time with cancer of unknown origin, which means that it had metastasized (spread) but the doctors didn't know from where. (They did not think it originated from her breast cancer). They gave her 3-6 months to live, but she fought it again. She went through chemo again, and daily radiation, and numerous surgeries and a couple of hospital stays. Through it all she was a pillar of strength, and an inspiration to the rest of us. I joined her at her doctor appointments, went with her to chemo. She always insisted she didn't need me to, but can you imagine? She beat the odds and lived another 15 months, until February 2, 2009. Until the day she died she was a "Model of Courage".
She was really a fantastic woman. She was funny, (sometimes on purpose, and sometimes not), my neighbor, my friend, my aunt, my shopping buddy (she liked shoes and purses as much as I do)! She loved me lots, and I felt it. There are days that it hits me like a ton of bricks that she's not here anymore. I really do miss her.
The Ford Warriors in Pink campaign is near and dear to my heart because of my aunt. This campaign is designed to recognize the strength and courage it takes to deal with the everyday challenges of fighting breast cancer. I witnessed what these breast cancer "warriors" have to go through, and it is no easy feat. These women (and men) are "Models of Courage".
This October, Ford Warriors in Pink® has launched its first ever produced documentary, “Bang the Drum: Living Out Loud in the Face of Breast Cancer.” The film honors 11 men and women breast cancer survivors who have demonstrated strength and courage in their battle with its “Models of Courage” program.
2012 marks Ford Motor Company’s 18th year of support for the breast cancer cause. In that time, Ford has dedicated more than $115 million to the breast cancer cause.
You too can get involved in this tremendously worthy program! When you buy Ford Warriors in Pink apparel at fordcares.com, 100 percent of the net proceeds go directly to support breast cancer awareness all year long.
To keep connected, be sure to check out Ford Warriors in Pink on Facebook and follow @WarriorsinPink on Twitter.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Ford Warriors in Pink. The opinions and text are all mine.
My mother has survived breast cancer twice and has remained healthy for a number of years now but I've never forgotten how hard she fought as well as those who weren't as fortunate.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this.
Those pj pants are awesome. Just like Bev and you. xoxo
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat lady!! Love this post, you write from the heart.
ReplyDeleteBev certainly did fight the good fight and she was a real trooper. She is missed by so many.
ReplyDeleteBreast cancer is horrible. My dad lost his mom to it when he was 12 and several years later he lost his sister to it (when her son was 12!) and right after my mother died we lost my cousin to it. All three were 46 when they passed away. It's nasty and we have to find a cure!!
Lots of hugs Rachel!