The Strength and Resilience of women
T
his month it's fitting that I put the emphasis on the strength and resilience of women, whether it be battling a dreaded disease like breast cancer or having the courage to leave an abusive relationship.
As most of you know, October is a dual awareness month with the focus on Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer, two of the darker things that affect women. These topics are of concern to women everywhere as we all know someone who's got a mother, sister or aunt who's suffered from breast cancer, and although domestic violence is one of those hush-hush subjects, we all hear the whispers about one of our good friends, or maybe you, too, find yourself in an abusive relationship.
Domestic Violence - National Domestic Violence Hotline:
1-800-799-7223(SAFE)
Domestic violence is one of those behind-closed doors subjects that needs to be brought to the forefront as it concerns every woman. We have successful business women, teenage girls, or the girl next door who have this dreaded secret she keeps her family and the world. It's one of those things women feel ashamed of and it shouldn't be. When one is a victim of a robbery, it's never the person's fault; so why is it that women feel that they need to blame themselves when somebody hits them? Domestic Violence needs to come out from behind closed doors. No longer is it acceptable to say and think, "I'm not getting involved. That's their business." It's everybody's business. As a society we pay with our dollars. Every year the U.S spends 5 to 10 billion dollars—for healthcare resulting from domestic violence.
But more so, as women we need to support each other because abuse can happen to anyone, including your own daughter. NO LONGER should women feel ashamed and suffer in silence at the hands of a brute. With support and awareness campaigns such as designating October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, women find the courage to leave their abusive partners, regain their self-confidence and lead lives without fear. Read the powerful piece - He Loved Me to Death - that drives home the ravages of domestic violence on a woman's soul and the children who witness it.
Breast Cancer
I am sure we all know somebody who has had breast cancer, someone who has a mother, sister or aunt who's contracted the disease. Each year 182, 000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and a staggering 43, 300 will die. The word about regular breast self-exams (bse) and mammograms needs to get out there. To give a woman a free mammogram go here. I am encouraged and touched by courageous women who chose to share their stories, "these warrior women" who walk, run, donate, support, encourage the world to remember the not so lucky ones who lost their battle, but remain unsung heroes for simpling fighting the good fight.
There are so many warrior women out there promoting the cause. Women like Jacki Donaldson, Katie Paine and Lisa Tugnette, who have found comfort and strength in sharing their stories and motivating other women. Speaking of Katie, I found this link on her breast cancer blog. It's about a new cancer hotline called Fill The Gap - Katie Says on her blog:
"18 months ago, Fill the Gap was just an idea we were throwing around the table -- a need to fill, we thought. Those first terrifying few weeks after you got your diagnosis. Those first few weeks spent not knowing if you would lose your hair, your breast, your femininity or your life. Now there's someone to talk to at
877-FILLTHEGAP (345-5843)." Read about Fill The Gap.
As with all things, there is strength in numbers. And as we share our stories, we connect and become empowered. Lisa Tugnette was kind enough to share her breast cancer journey. Read the interview - Family Ties. Meet the gutsy woman and read her book, Reflections of a Woman, which is available on Oct 1 (available in e-book and audio format). We've featured Jacki Donaldson before. This time there's a couple of pieces about breast cancer: Running Past Cancer and I Hate Tumours. And for an encore, please read Katie Paine's Breast Cancer As A Gift.
Copyright 2008 © Dawn Prince. Not to be reprinted without expressed permission.
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