The Villages - October 2019 - 2

CHECKING IN

BY RICA LEWIS

October brings cooler temperatures, the excitement of upcoming
holidays and plenty of pink. In The Villages, where there is pink, there is
power. A symbol of breast cancer support and awareness, the color calls
to mind the prevalence of the disease and the ongoing fight women wage
for their health post-diagnosis. Next to skin cancer, breast cancer is the
most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, according to Breast
Cancer.org. It accounts for approximately 30 percent of newly diagnosed
cancers in women. And when cancer invades a woman's body, it affects
everyone she loves. Therefore, we're thinking pink this month. In this
issue, we're spotlighting warriors, identifying resources and chatting
with clubs and individual breast cancer survivors.
For roughly three decades, the Tri-County Breast Cancer Support
Group has been gathering for informational meetings, resources and
support. With 250 members on the roster, the group serves Marion,
Lake and Sumter counties and is a testament to the cry for sisterhood in
the face of a breast cancer diagnosis. It's time to spread the word about
mammograms and the significance of early detection. Every woman
needs to stay vigilant. As Deb Gruber, breast cancer survivor and TriCounty Support Group facilitator, said, "When you hear the words, it
changes you."
Along with Gruber, Cat Somerville helps facilitate the group. Together,
the two field a lot of phone calls from local women. "They ask about
oncologists and surgeons - where should I go and who can I trust?"
Gruber said. "It's important that women have choices, and that they're
made aware of those choices. We're just here to share what we know. Do
your due diligence, but maybe this will help your decision-making."
Aside from offering resources and stories from the community,
this month we did something we've never done before. We
hosted a group photo of women who've experienced breast
cancer. Many fought and won their battle, and some are
currently undergoing treatment. We came together
boldly, bravely and with the intent to display our pink
power. We are a community that cares and it shows.
Take a peek inside at our Wall of Warriors. These are
the faces of fighters. Read their quotes and be inspired.
One in eight women in America will develop invasive
breast cancer, but in The Villages, an army shows
up for the fight. As we don our pink in October,
let us salute the women who have battled the
disease with grace and grit.
HAVE A GREAT MONTH!

OCTOBER 2019

Tatiana/iStock / Getty Images Plus

A Month to Think Pink

http://www.Cancer.org

The Villages - October 2019

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