As we embark on the close of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to share with you why I am so passionate about this cause, and what I do to support the ongoing endeavors.
The first time I was ever exposed to Breast Cancer was about 20 years ago when a very dear friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer. At that time, I really didn’t know what it was and the impact it could potentially have on families. I thought wow, my friend is so young and she has a husband and a little boy. I still remember her face, her infectious smile, her bubbly personality even in sickness and her angelic voice that could sing anyone happy. Jackie lost her battle to cancer and my heart was forever etched with her story. I didn’t understand why someone so young would have such an ugly disease but I knew all was well with her spirit and soul.
So many of us were hurt after her passing, but time went on and it didn’t hurt as bad. Over the next few years, cancer would get closer and closer to me. My dad’s oldest sister Marcella, Aunt Betty, as we affectionately called her was diagnosed with breast cancer and later loss her battle. The sting was back, it wasn’t time for Aunt Betty to leave the family, BUT again, all was well with her soul. Then the C word hit my household like a ton of bricks. My only child was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome which is a rare blood disorder. Brandon loss his battle May 2003. After that my grandmother then loss her battle to Leukemia in 2004. Next my dear friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. I can remember when Angel called and told me. She said Cher (this was her nickname for me) I have breast cancer and I’m scared. I must admit, I was scared too…my friend loss her battle and that hit me like a ton of bricks too. After that, I had two lumps removed from my breast, neither of which was cancerous which I was grateful for. Lastly, my mother’s oldest sister was then diagnosed. How can this be, both my mother and father’s oldest sisters having breast cancer. This didn’t make sense to me. But I am proud to say that Auntie is doing well and has been cancer free.
So I began to say, what can I do to support this cause and give back to this world???
That’s when Karen, who is such a sweetheart, reached out to me and said, hey I worked with this wonderful organization and thought about you, would you like to join team as the volunteer coordinator. I jumped at the idea and have been volunteering every since. Brides Against Breast Cancer is a non-profit organization is committed to raising over $2 million dollars to fund free support services to anyone impacted by cancer.
They do this by holding their Nationwide Tour of Gown sale which includes selling new and gently worn gowns at discounted prices. We just had two shows in the Southern California area and raised over $30K. As an event planner, how exciting to be able to help plan the events, as well as, working with brides to help them find a dress of their dreams. It’s been a blast. I love the BABC team.
I encourage you to check out more about this wonderful organization here. If you know anyone in the Southern California area there is a show coming up this weekend. Would love to see you there.
Thank you for allowing me to share my store. I wanted to share, not to paint a sad story, but rather to:
- Honor and remember those who loss their battle, they’ll never be forgotten
- Celebrate the ones who are fighting daily
- accomplishments and strides that have been made to fight against this disease
And that, my friend, is why I go so hard for Brides Against Breast Cancer. In addition, I created a journal in which I donate a portion of the proceeds to support breast cancer. See more here.
The fight is still real, I currently have a brave friend, Nicholee fighting the battle and I’m sure you know someone who it has affected. I encourage you to join the fight to honor those who have lost their fight, to support the ones who are going through the battle and to rejoice with those who overcome!!!
If you know someone who has loss their battle, currently fighting, or have overcome, please share their names and their story if you feel led to, so we can rejoice, celebrate and honor with you!
Take care and stay tuned for pictures from this weekend’s Bride’s Against Breast Cancer’s big event.
Erika
A Southern California Wedding & Event Planner 
