March FORTH
As I have shared before, I have the great honor of running a foundation that helps women (and men) battling breast cancer. While I have been fortunate enough to never have had the disease myself, I lost several people I cared for deeply to its wretched grip. I was moved to be a voice for those who are no longer able to use theirs.
In my job, I raise money to ensure that all women and men get access to the best possible options in screenings and treatments. Most of the people we help are low-income and either uninsured or underinsured. Many for whom English is not their native language. Many who work hard at several jobs to feed their families and put their own health needs at the bottom of their priority lists.
One of the ways we raise money for our mission is through our annual
Walk to Bust Cancer.
I have been so blessed over the years to meet some amazing people who come out for the walk, either survivors themselves or friends and family members of those who have battled or are currently battling breast cancer. As I looked on my calendar this morning, I realized that today is March 4
th
. I remembered a beautiful message that a woman shared on her fundraising page for our walk two years ago:
“I lost my mom to breast cancer 8 years ago on March 4, 2010. My friend told me to take that date and make it mean something... MARCH FORTH... so that is what I will continue to do... keep walking and raising money to find a cure.”
I reached out to this woman and thanked her and asked if I could share her message at the walk. She graciously agreed, and I think has been to our Walk to Bust Cancer every year. I sent her an email today and told her that I was thinking about her on this date. I’m sure she will be honoring her mother today, but I want her to know that she has also inspired me in huge way.
March FORTH can be our mantra for whatever we are battling in our lives. We all get knocked down occasionally, and sometimes as quickly as we can stand from our recent setbacks. There are times we may think about giving up. When we don’t have the strength to fight the fight. Whether it is combating breast cancer or another disease, addiction from drugs or alcohol, adjusting to a new normal after losing a loved one, or caring for a sick family member or child who is struggling. To say that life can be difficult and exhausting is a vast understatement. But we cannot give up. We must March FORTH. There are still many days when I would like to pull the covers over my head and hide in bed, and to be perfectly honest, sometimes I still do. But they are far less frequent than they used to be. Progress not perfection.
In order to have the strength to continue to March FORTH, we have to first be kind to ourselves. Self-care is essential. We cannot take care of others if we don’t take care of ourselves first. That whole oxygen mask on the airplane concept. And, on the days when we need a little nudge to keep marching, there is no shame in reaching out for help.
Today, I honor all of those warriors who continue to March FORTH. The women and men who fight bravely. Their friends and family who support them. Amazing trailblazers like Dr. David Weintritt, who founded the National Breast Center Foundation, and dedicates his life to turning the tide in the battle against breast cancer. And my friend Lori who continue to carry the message in her mother’s memory and reminded me and so many others that we must March FORTH.
Saving Lives Starts With YOU!
