I'm Gonna Need a New Story

Many of you know my story.  After being diagnosed with BC at age 38, after being crowned "survivor", I went on a mission.  A mission  to eradicate this horrible disease, and a mission to help other families who were dealing with it.  I began raising money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure by participating in the 3-Day For the Cure series, walking 60 miles, year after year.  I went to work for the 3-Day for the Cure, in an effort to inspire others to dedicate themselves to raising funds for this incredible organization that will most certainly have a hand in whatever research leads us to a cure.  And I spoke with people. Lots of people.  I shared my story in hopes that it would encourage someone else.  And I showed BC who was boss!

When I received my 2nd diagnosis this past May 15th, my first thought (after the initial shock) was "I'm gonna need a new story!"  Since my first diagnosis I had delighted in being the success story.  The story with the happy ending.  The story of the survivor who had battled this awful disease and won.  The realization that I was no longer that survivor scared me, but not for purely selfish reasons.  I was afraid someone fighting their own BC battle would look at me and say "what's the point - it comes back?"  And I can't have that!  I never want my story to be discouraging, so I decided right then and there that I would write a new story.  A new, inspirational, positive story.  My TWO-TIME SURVIVOR story.  And I am looking forward to writing it with you.  Because together, we can.

In August 2011 I was privileged to share my story at the Chicago 3-Day for the Cure. My first survivor story.  Here's a link to the speech, and the transcript is below:

On September 11, 2001, the world changed for many of us.  While most of you were glued to your televisions, I spent the morning getting a diagnostic mammogram.  While our nation was under attack, my radiologist found a tiny spot in my left breast, the size of a grain of sand.  But because of the horrible events that were unfolding that morning, and because the foundations of our country were being shaken, my doctor told me to go home and hold my husband and my children close.   He also told me to follow up with him in a year; which I did.  One year later that single spot had turned to dozens, and that same radiologist sent me for a biopsy, “just for our peace of mind”.  My biopsy was performed on a Tuesday morning.  Two days later, while sitting in my sister’s kitchen, I received a diagnosis of breast cancer.  I was 38 years old.  I had a 9-year -old daughter and a 3-year-old son.  And I had no family history of breast cancer.

I owe my life to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Because of the awareness they have raised concerning breast cancer, I requested a baseline mammogram at age 37.  Because their research over the last 29 years has led to advances in mammography, my doctors were able to diagnose my breast cancer at the earliest possible stage.  And because their research over the last 31 years has led to more effective surgical and treatment options for breast cancer patients, I am standing before you today, celebrating 9 years as a survivor.  Susan G. Komen for the Cure gave me a second chance at life, and now I pay it forward by making sure other women and men get that same chance at a long life.   I pay it forward, funding research by walking in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure.

I walk and fundraise year after year so that no other woman (or man) has to hear that frightening diagnosis.  I walk and fundraise so that no one else has to face surgeries and radiation and chemotherapy.  I walk and fundraise so that no mother ever has to worry about who will raise her children if she loses her battle to this horrible disease.  And I walk and fundraise so that no other child has to lose her mother.  Or her grandmother.  Or her cousin.  Or her sister.  Or her best friend.  Or her husband.  I walk and fundraise to find a cure for breast cancer.  I’m Saralyn, and I walk because EVERYONE DESERVES A LIFETIME!