According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, an estimated 42,250 women will die of breast cancer in 2024, as it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women.
Actively showing support through a community is what makes those diagnosed feel less alone.
“I feel like supporting different women around the world, even though we may not know them, is what matters and just helping in any way we can,” co-president of Women’s Empowerment Club, Olivia Brown said.
The Women’s Empowerment Club felt inspired to spread awareness this October. The club plans to sell bracelets at school sports games, where the proceeds will go to the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative, which fights breast cancer through research.
“It affects so many people on such a grand scale. It’s an important cause that’s close to a lot of our hearts,” Women’s Empowerment Club advisor Emily Archer said.
Breast cancer has affected many people at ELHS, including teacher, coach, and local business owner, Rachel Redding. Ms. Redding serves on the board of the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation. The organization fundraises for cures and treatments to combat the disease. Ms. Redding’s wife, Laura Westner, was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of last year and has recently been cleared of all cancer.
“You do everything you can to support them, but it’s definitely a struggle watching your person go through it,” said Ms. Redding.
Because breast cancer is not entirely predictable, spreading awareness to encourage early detection is critical. Promoting regular scanning, healthy diets, and watching genetic history are all critical steps to decrease the severity of diagnosis.
Because breast cancer is not entirely predictable, spreading awareness to encourage early detection is critical. Promoting regular scanning, healthy diets, and watching genetic history are all critical steps to decrease the severity of diagnosis.
As of last year, the annual count of breast cancer diagnoses in New London County was 224. Communities cannot rely on waiting for a cure. Coming together is what makes painful experiences less painful.
“I love when there’s a day designated to wearing a certain colored t-shirt, or students do something for the morning news. When we come together to support a cause it builds community, and I love that,” Ms. Archer said.
Those diagnosed with breast cancer cope in different ways. Being sensitive to those strategies provides comfort.
“Instead of shying away from people because you don’t know what to say, sometimes it’s as simple as sending a text saying you’re thinking of them,” said Ms. Redding.
In uncertain circumstances, hope remains critical.
“Those are scary words, when you hear you have cancer, but you stay strong and keep pushing through it,” said Ms. Redding.
Breast cancer is something that all communities can help combat. Many organizations collect donations which are distributed to research and education. Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation’s website is accessible and easy to navigate. They constantly update information on annual walks and volunteering opportunities. The foundation is local to Southeastern CT, so all East Lyme citizens can contribute!
