I could tell you the names of all the people I know who have been affected by breast cancer. Those who died. Those who survived. Those who continue to fight.
But we all have that list. And we all walk for that list.
Every year in September, we come together in Central Park and don our pink shirts and help raise money for breast cancer research. It’s a beautiful thing and I’m so honored to be a part of it. But I want to take this opportunity as a Power 25 Ambassador to talk about the part that we don’t talk about.
Maybe this is a little bit dark (leave it to me), but until we actually find a cure for cancer, I think it’s ALSO OK to take a step back and say, “this really fucking sucks”.
Of all the things that are wrong with this world, knowing someone you love is battling an incurable disease has to be at the top of that list. You can’t do much except hope the medications get better. Maybe less severe. You pray for them to look the same again. Some will, some won’t.
And I think pausing for a moment to not be ok with that is absolutely in your right as a human being.
We live in a world now where everyone has to accept everything. Everyone has to be ok with everything that’s handed to them. God forbid we show anger, sadness, or frustration in our lives.
Unless it’s towards Trump. Everyone seems to be a-ok showing their frustration towards him.
But I digress.
My point is, in this ever-evolving world of #selflove, how have we not said “ok” to not being ok? Being vulnerable is the new norm!
Or is it?
Ever notice how the only “vulnerability” you see online is usually someone just humble-bragging about how “ok” they are with themselves? Or with their bodies? Think about it.
Every post starts out with someone admitting a horrible “fact” about themselves (and half the time it’s usually bacne or something like that) and then goes on to talk about how ok they are with it.
OMG BECKY SHE’S SO BRAVE.
Look, I’m sure I’ve done this on some level too when I wrote about my car accident situation. But that was actually terrible. Just maybe not on the same level as bacne, who knows.
Now I’m just being a jerk. We’re all human, I get it. This is what we do now.
But cancer is a different thing. Cancer is a horrible disease. I’m not telling you anything you don’t know but guess what? No one is asking you to be a hero either.
At least not yet.
If you’re someone who is affected by cancer (breast or any kind), I’m so sorry for everything you’re going through. That’s it. I’m sorry you have to deal with the pain and suffering, and it must really fucking suck. And I hope you come out on the other side, stronger than ever.
Take that moment to feel the pain. Be sad and be pissed. I mean, don’t go breaking shit. I don’t condone that.
See, once you’ve allowed yourself to be human, then you can go on to being a superhero. You have it in you, trust me.
To all the fighters, survivors, doctors, and caregivers: you’re the real heroes here.
Please join me September 8th in Central Park for the #Race4TheCure and use my code “SKINNYPIG5” for $5 off your registration fee. Hope to see you there – pink shirts and bows and all! Click link below to donate or register:
https://race.komennyc.org/team/skinny-pig
The money Komen Greater NYC raises helps fund research, screenings, deliver food to women in treatment, and provide transportation to chemo. Year by year, dollar by dollar, our efforts help save lives.
