I found my breast cancer month spirit!

Some fight cancer with research and advance knowledge. Some provide for those dealing with the stressors cancer creates in daily life. Others have access to large funding opportunities.

Words are my most powerful tool.

My particular talent lies in using words to bridge the gap between terrifying science speak and the everyday ramifications of those big, unwieldy words.

It is, therefore, unsurprising that when my friend Nicky invited me to participate in a breast cancer awareness event at her son’s high school, I leapt at the opportunity.

Nicky connected me with mutual friend Cheri, who teaches classes for students interested in entering health care fields, leads a community service club, and is herself a breast cancer survivor. Cheri asked if I would be open to saying a few words at the club’s Breast Cancer Awareness meeting and to wear pink. She indicated the point of the event was to honor breast cancer survivors. She then asked if I could arrive early and also address her class.

With these vague directives and particular audience in mind, I pondered what I might say that would engage a group of teenagers and be relevant to their interests and the purpose of the event.

My first thoughts revolved around Cheri’s stated goal of honoring breast cancer survivors. I wanted to express that by seeking to educate people, care for patients, and further medical knowledge – these students are already honoring breast cancer patients in the most meaningful way possible.

As it became obvious I was welcome to occupy more time than I originally believed, I took a few minutes to express the breadth of opportunities in the medical field – and encourage students to consider how they would like to contribute. Did they want to spend their time in a lab considering the mechanisms that contribute to uncontrolled cell growth and how to defeat them? Did they want to be a social worker or a nurse advocate helping patients navigate and coordinate the often-competing treatments, timing, and financial issues confronting them?

I was rewarded in the most robust way any speaker can ever be rewarded. Hands went up, and students asked questions. Meaningful questions.

One inquired regarding how to prevent cancer. One wanted to know how best to support his aunt in Florida, who seemed reluctant to discuss her illness. Another wanted to know what types of medical personnel treat breast cancer patients.

Issues discussed ranged from targeted therapies, to differing pathological foundations of breast cancer, to genetic counseling regarding the merits of “previvor” choices, to . . .

Cheri (breast cancer survivor educating the generation that is going to eradicate cancer), me, Nicky (tireless fighter for herself and all of those she loves), and Corinne (world's best cheerleader)

As class wrapped up, students came up to thank me and ask additional questions.

We migrated to the ASB room for the community service club event, and students poured in, occupying every available space and adorning the walls with “Pinktober” signs. The hoard of teens rapidly settled in and gave attention to students presenting on the detection, treatment, pathology, and prevention of breast cancer. When I was asked to share a few additional comments, the full room remained engaged and attentive to my emphasis on the value of self-examination for early detection. As the bell rang and students rushed off to their next classes, people approached and thanked me being for there and asked additional follow up questions.

These students were not engaged by me. They ARE engaged. They see the world around them and want to make positive impacts. They did not need to forego a lunch period spent goofing off with their friends – they chose to participate in an opportunity to learn how they can make a difference.

These students, more than pink ribbons and cute sayings (my favorite being my “Breast Cancer is Boo-Sheet” t-shirt with a pink ghost), are the apotheosis of breast cancer awareness month. They aren’t just tossing on a pink sweatshirt and saying they are wearing it for their mom (as absolutely wonderful as that is), they are educating themselves and working towards a world where we won’t need to devote time to supporting and remembering those impacted by breast cancer.

Because breast cancer won't disrupt lives.