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Letters of Life, Love & Hope

by iKïyå§ama

Rated: 18+ · Message Forum · Writing · #1312275

A writing activity in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.

I am not a breast cancer survivor, neither have I had any family member experience or deal with it. However, I have been blessed to know and care for some wonderful women who have to face and deal with such a life-changing disease on a daily basis. Their stories of courage and strength has inspired me in more ways than one, and my hope is that this challenge will encourage others in some little way.

Here are some sobering facts to consider:

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women.

Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the U.S (alone) will be diagnosed with breast
cancer and more than 40,000 will die.

Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer
and approximately 410 will die each year.

However, there is some good news in the race for a cure! There has been a decline in death rates especially among women 50 and older since 1990. This is all due to better screening and early detection, increased awareness, and continually improving treatment options.

So how does this concern you? Besides being more aware of it - and not simply brushing it aside as just another 'awareness thing' - I'd like to encourage the writers of Writing.com to use their creativity with this challenge. Whether it's to honor someone you know right now, or someone who has passed away, or even if you do not know anyone personally, but still feel the need to share your thoughts about it (even if story ventures toward the 'dark'), we want to hear from you.

You are to write a letter to this person, or to the disease itself (in the abstract), or tell a story or write a poem in letter form. In other words, when reading your entry, it should come across as a direct address to someone (or something). I feel it gives it a more personal touch, and my hope is that those who read it will feel just as moved and encouraged to keep on fighting or to give much-needed hope to those who feel lost and alone.

Learn more: Susan G. Komen - Find the Cure