Awareness Outreach
So, I know we are now allowed to write about anything we please, so I have chosen something near and dear to my heart: awareness. This past week has been a rough one for me. This week I had a procedure done to help make sure I don’t have cervical cancer. At 20, one has to worry about so many things that seem necessary to a college student; school, boys, work…I cannot fathom how it must be for someone to actually have cancer or other type of critical illness and trying to juggle all other aspects of life as well. Living is never anything I thought I would have to worry about. Having this procedure has opened my eyes to realize that anything can happen and to live life to the fullest. This was strike 1. Before my procedure this week I also learned that a friend of mine was diagnosed with Lupus. My older sister has Lupus, so I know first- hand that dealing with this illness is anything but fun. It can be painful and tough, and for a college student to endure so much pain simply from walking, makes one open their eyes and see that life really is a gift. This was strike 2. Thursday night I received a phone call from my older sister that my mom had been hospitalized. She had a stroke Thursday afternoon and was stable, but not the same. She would be in the hospital for several days while they tried to figure out where the blood clot was that they thought caused the stroke. I was told she should return to normal soon, but that she was very lucky it wasn’t worse. She is 59 years old, eats healthy and exercises. This was strike 3. I have made a pledge to myself that not only will I begin to better the lives of those around me by helping causes like the Lupus Foundation and organizations against cervical cancer and strokes, but I will do my best to inform those around me of the dangers of these illnesses. In three different instances, three different people could be in fatal danger…people close to me. The more people are aware of these problems, the more that can be done to help find cures and provide care for those diagnosed. I have attached links about the 3 things that took over my life this week: Lupus, Cervical Cancer, and Strokes. Please read up on these illnesses and send the link to at least one person you know. Any bit of awareness can make a difference. One day it could be you, your mother, your sister or your friend who are diagnosed with these illnesses, and wouldn’t you do anything in your power to make things better?www.lupus.org www.cervicalcancerfacts.comwww.strokeassociation.org
