Just recently, I found out 2 very dear friends have cancer. Jennifer who I am walking in honor of is also a colleague as is 4 months pregnant with breast cancer. She just celebrated her 36th birthday and husbands 10 year anniversary of being cancer free this year. She is now accepting and beginning her own journey to recovery. The other friend is a 44 year old husband and father who has stage 3 prostate cancer.

As I am confused, shocked, and deeply saddened by this, I sit here trying to figure out a way that I can help. I always had the notion in my head that cancer was an illness that affected older people. Obvioulsy this is not the case! Jennifer detected a lump early b/c of her awareness to the issue. She told me that you have to have an intimate relationship with your breasts and reiterated how important self examination is. As she was saying this, I tried to remember the last time I did my own self examination.... I couldn't remember. My friend with prostate cancer had his detected through a routine physical.

As I try to process this, I wonder if it is all genetics, environmental such as the toxins we breathe, ingest through food, or life style, ect... I have no idea, but why is it that every time I turn around someone I know is battling this disease? That being said, my mission is bring awarness to people who thought like me that I am too young and that this is not just a illness that affects older people. Cancer does not discriminate due to age. I want my framily, friends, acquaintances to be reminded or enlightened about this illness. Make your self examinations a part of your daily routine. Get your yearly check-ups. Lead a healthy lifestyle. BECOME AWARE!