Consider that a human fetus starts with one cell that divides in a very special way to create a beautiful, completely formed baby in just nine months. It is one of the most stunning miracles of nature. When breast cancer cells divide and grow in much the same way, it is anything but a miracle. These destructive cells are genetically programed to continuously reproduce. In many cases, they do so in the face of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Their very survival depends on invading and destroying healthy tissue. So far, they have been both invasive and evasive.

The only way it can be stopped, hopefully soon and forever, is through the most cutting edge medical interventions that can outsmart this crafty foe. Scientists believe with confidence that putting an end to breast cancer is no longer a dream, but a reality. Untreated, breast cancer has an almost 100% chance of killing its host. Today, breast cancer is still responsible for the deaths of 40,000 women and men in the U.S. every year. If you are old enough to vote, it is likely that someone you loved has died of breast cancer. It separates mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, grandparents and grandchildren, and dear friends. The stories of loss are endless. The pain never goes away. It ends lives way too soon and shatters dreams of a full life.

Did you know…?

• Every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. It is a life altering event that will change her and those who love her forever.
• 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with beast cancer in her lifetime.
• Only 30% of women who are diagnosed will have a family history or significant risk factors.
• About 250,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed annually.
• Research is on the frontier of new treatments every day to improve the lives of breast cancer patients.

If you or someone you know has breast cancer, you’re probably familiar with these statistics. If not, I hope you will become more aware of the impact it has on families everywhere. It affects them mentally, physically and financially. It will become the new normal every single day from the time of the initial diagnosis and for the rest of their lives.

So what can you do?

I truly believe the solution to finding a cure might be as simple as believing in “The Power of One.” If each of us can do one small thing to help, we will move mountains. As you may know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It will be hard for you to walk more than a few blocks or into more than a few stores without seeing a special promotion to support the cause. While in the end, it is money that will drive the research which will put an end to cancer, there are so many other ways to give of yourself. Each and every one of us can play a small but meaningful role in making a difference. Together, we can make the way easier for breast cancer patients everywhere.

• If you are making dinner for your family, why not double the recipe and feed a family whose mother feels guilty because she is too tired to cook?
• Before you go to the supermarket, demand that your friend give you a grocery list so her house is well stocked with food.
• Plan a special night out to help her feel normal again.
• How about arranging a spa day for a manicure and pedicure?
• Maybe just curl up on the sofa with her to watch a funny movie and have a good laugh.
• Offer to take over her carpool shift or just have her kids over for the day so she can catch up on her sleep without feeling guilty that her kids have nothing to do.
• If you have a free day, offer to stay with her during a chemo session simply because it sucks to be alone.

The end of cancer begins with each of us—together contributing in ways both big and small. Until the number of deaths from breast cancer is zero, we all need to work as hard as we can in any way we can. If every one who reads this blog commits to give as little as ten dollars a month, it will really add up. Breast cancer is bigger than any one group. It will take brilliant scientists – friends and caregivers – large and small donors – dedicated families – special friends – whole communities…

And just you.

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