Warrior Advocate
This week, I’m going to share with you how this word has become a central purpose in my life. I have found a strong calling to advocacy for cancer patients, especially those living with Stage 4 cancer of any kind. According to the dictionary, advocate is defined as: one who defends or maintains a cause or proposal; one who supports or promotes the interests of a cause or group; one who pleads the cause of another.
All of us know what an advocate is and means, but to see that definition in print drives the importance of this role home. I mean, how cool is that?
I have found a passion for doing all three parts of that definition, and in a big way, both locally and nationally. Let’s take a look and see what I’m up to this month!
Local Advocacy
The American Cancer Society has been around for over 110 years and has local chapters across the country. This organization provides a range of resources for cancer patients and their families. I have personally benefited from the prosthesis program that the American Cancer Society offers. I was able to purchase inexpensive wigs to make me feel and look better when I lost my hair due to chemotherapy. The cost through their partner company was about one-third of the retail price at any wig salon.
I always thought of wigs as a vanity purchase … until I lost my hair.
Part of my dignity was lost when that started to happen, and I realized how important that hair is to my appearance. Although I had purchased a wig at a local salon, I wanted something lighter, but I couldn’t afford another $200 for a different one!
My doctor recommended the American Cancer Society program, and what a blessing that was!
But they do so much more than partner with a wig company. The local chapter specifically helps cancer patients and their families in Denton County by providing needed resources. From giving rides to doctors’ appointments, to navigating medical insurance, to financial assistance for the uninsured and underinsured, and so much more, they ease some of the anxiety and uncertainty of living with cancer.
You can visit www.cancer.org to learn about all of the education and services they provide.
You are so Beautiful to Me
The local chapter for me, located in Denton, TX, and serving Denton County, holds an annual “You’re Beautiful” Luncheon and Fashion Show. The program includes a full plated lunch, a silent auction, and—the most inspiring part—a fashion runway show.
The runway models are all local cancer survivors, and I am honored to announce that I will be one of the models this year! When I attended the luncheon last year, I was asked (well, told) that I would be approached to participate in this year’s fashion show.
I immediately thought, but I’m not a survivor. I will have this for the rest of my life.
How wrong I was. I have since embraced my survivorship even as I continue to fight this disease for the rest of my life. I am a survivor every day I wake up!
It’s a privilege and an honor to share a small piece of my story with people who need to hear it!
Call to Action
The luncheon will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 27 at Hubbard Hall, on the campus of Texas Woman’s University in Denton. Valet parking is complimentary, and you will have the opportunity to bid on silent auction items as well as “tip” your concierge servers with generous donations! Visit their website, and don’t wait—this event sells out every year!
If you can’t attend in person, I ask and encourage you to make a donation online. All proceeds from this event will directly benefit the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, supporting our neighbors, friends, and fellow citizens in the fight for their lives.
I hope to see many of you on March 27, and until then …
Go forth Be exceptional!
