Who Am I?: An Action

Join The Fight-- Defeat Breast Cancer and Help Breast Cancer Victims

Millions of men and women are diagnosed with Breast Cancer annually. In fact, Breast Cancer holds the second highest rate of cancer related deaths in women. Over 178,480 new cases of the cancer are expected to appear in unsuspecting beings this year. New technology has led to higher survival rates. However, people that contract the cancer often die. This year, approximately 40,910 deaths from Breast Cancer will occur. Scientists are still searching for an effective way to destroy Breast Cancer. The most helpful way that people can contribute to the cure for Breast Cancer is to spread awareness about the devastating killer.

Thousands of campaigns and fundraisers have been designed to educate civilians about Breast Cancer, and cure those who have it. The movements include The Pink Ribbon and The Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure. The Pink Ribbon is the most recognizable Breast Cancer awareness symbol. Pink Ribbons are sold in the form of pins, magnets, and other merchandise. By selling the Pink Ribbons, money is raised for the cure and treatment of Breast Cancer victims. The Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure is a marathon that is conducted annually, in various places. Tons of people flock to the races. An entrance fee is mandatory at each event, thus resulting in colossal profit. I am proud to say that I have become involved with the fight against Breast Cancer.

In the year of 2001, my family decided to take a stand against Breast Cancer. As a Thoracic Surgeon and General Oncologist, my father had treated thousands of men and women with the cancer. Often times, the people with Breast Cancer could not afford to pay the expensive medical bills that came along with their treatment. This was usually due to a lack of adequate health insurance. It was tragic to see a dying person turn down treatment because of an inability to pay for the medical bills that followed. My mother (who was a lawyer) moved quickly to aid the people who suffered from Breast Cancer. She designed legislation that would enable Breast Cancer victims without insurance to receive proper treatment.

More than 2,000 supporting citizens were needed to pass the legislation. My family worked diligently in order to collect the required signatures. I was only eight at the time, but I can remember walking up to complete strangers and asking for their support. The fact that I was not familiar with the people that I was asking did not alter my determination to save the humans with Breast Cancer. Knowing that I was laboring away for a great cause, I was fearless. In the end, my family collected over 3,000 signatures and the legislation passed. We had succeeded, all patients without insurance could now receive treatment for their case of Breast Cancer. When I look back upon the event, I feel that I have accomplished something spectacular.