Together We Can Do What We Cannot Do Alone!

I have produced and hosted several television shows on breast and ovarian cancer. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I have learned a lot from the cancer survivors I have interviewed. I am reminded of the real value of life, how precious it is, and how unimportant our mundane challenges really are.

Last week I attended an event run by SHARE (self-help for women with breast or ovarian cancer). It was called Second Helping of Life, where New York City restaurant owners and chefs came out to raise funds for the organization. The tables overflowed with amazing gourmet treats, and the hundreds of people milling around were enjoying them and having a great time.

Powering Together
What I have realized through support groups like SHARE is that in our darkest moments, there is help and hope. We are not alone. Although I am not a cancer survivor, I am no stranger to support groups. When I was in my early 20s and going through some dark times -- thinking about ending my life -- I felt very alone. However, when I was about to leap out of a four-story window, something inside me counseled, "Reach out for help," and I did. I found a group and my experiences with them through the years has changed my life.

Living With Heart
When I am not in touch with my feelings, I start conjuring up thoughts that create fear and unrest. I have been impressed by the truthful sharing that happens in cancer support groups when women listen to a newcomer and offer encouragement. I've seen people come out of their isolation and share their deepest fears, frustrations, and dreams. When one survivor says, "I've been there and I have gotten through it," everyone's faith is stronger.

Changing Perspective
New ideas, new ways of thinking, and new habits are all a part of not isolating and reaching out for help. Life becomes exciting, fresh, and new. Many of the women I have interviewed were excited about their lives. They viewed each day as a gift. They had appreciation for the little things that they may have taken for granted.

Taking Action
If you have ever been part of a walk for cancer awareness and prevention, the heat of the crowd compensates for the chill of mother nature. Families and friends come out in support of their loved ones -- all are ready to put up the good fight. You can, too. We all know someone impacted by the disease.

For more by Helene Lerner, click here.

For more on breast cancer, click here.

Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

 

Comments

[bevvy22]

04:32 PM on 10/07/2012

Have you ever produced and hosted a show specifically about those of us who are Stage 4? Pink October makes a lot of us want to puke. Why? Because people buy something pink or give $ to Komen and never fully realize that this entire month (except for one day) is devoted to those who are the successes--those Stage 0 Cheryl Crows who the magazines and TV shows dig up every year to show us how smiling survivors there are--not the 30% of us who will succumb to the disease. We keep screaming but few listen (though SHARE most certainly does, thankfully) or help us get OUR message out: That Komen gives less than 2% to metastatic research, which is where "the cure" lies. I'm sick of everyone jumping on the feel good band wagon and leaving the dying by the side of the road. So please tell me. Have you ever done a show on metastatic breast cancer? Will you? When you do, I have a whole lot of Stage 4 friends who have a whole lot to say. For as long as they are here on this earth anyway. WE NEED A CURE NOW.

[melmm24]

06:29 PM on 10/04/2012

Thank you Helene for sharing one side of the story. I have to ask, how would you expect someone without health insurance or family from another country to reach out for these support groups when they have so many other things like going to work and taking care of their families? While there are privileged survivors, there may be others who are not as fortunate for other reasons.

[Lauren Cascio]

02:01 PM on 10/02/2012

Thank you for this beautiful post! It's so true that cancer survivors and fighters can teach us about how to live even if we aren't fighting the disease. Even more importantly, taking lessons such as living with heart and taking action can be hard and oftentimes ignored. I know that I personally have dedicated so much time to helping women change their perspective on life, their own bodies and their own body image. Again, thanks so much for your insightful post and I'll be sure to direct the women I work with to your blogs in the future!

Best,
Denise Greenaway
Author, Finding Artemisia
www.findingartemisia.com

[bkling]

10:07 AM on 10/02/2012

Thanks so much, Helene, for this wonderful post! Yes, support groups are so valuable in helping people to feel they are not alone and allowing people facing challenges to connect with others who've been through similar experiences. At SHARE, we help women facing breast or ovarian cancer to get the support and information they need from survivors who've been there. Thanks for helping to spread the word about SHARE and for attending our event! We're so glad you enjoyed it.

Best,
Beth Kling
Communications Director, SHARE