Letters of Life, Love & Hope

Dear Granny,

I am SO sorry I can't be there right now. Being halfway across the world makes this even more difficult, if you can imagine. Mom told me the cancer is back. Don't worry, I know you're going to be fine. You beat it once and we'll beat it again. Do you know when the surgery is yet? Don't worry about writing me back, I know you're busy

Love you more than words can say,
Your Big Girl

Hey Ashley!

Glad to hear from you and glad you are ok. I am in a lot of pain these days and I hate being stuck in this hospital but I am going to be fine. Linda and Pam are always here and your mother just got in this morning. Linda keeps saying how I should have just let them take both my breasts the first time all those years ago. Easy for her to say. Like her hair, a woman's breasts are her glory. Part of what makes her a woman. No sense having them take both when there was no need. I am grateful for the years I had with just the one and I wouldn't trade them for the world.

My arm is getting tired now. I think because they have been poking and prodding me on this side so much. Look forward to hearing from you again soon. Be safe.

Much love,
Granny

Hey Granny,

Hope all is well. You should get this a day or two after the surgery. How are you feeling?

I have been going to this grief group and yesterday a Breast Cancer survivor was the speaker.

Linked 'Note' no longer available.
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:

*Bullet* One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
*Bullet* Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
*Bullet* Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women.
*Bullet* 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.
*Bullet* 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. *Heart*

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


BCA Guidelines [#1955239]
BCA GuidelinesBCA Guidelines [#1955239]
BCA Guidelines


*Bulletv* All entries must be created new for this contest.
*Bulletv* Entries can be 'stories', prose, or poetry.
*Bulletv* Entries must be written in a letter format (and yes, this includes the poem. Be creative).
*Bulletv* Entries must not exceed the 18+ rating.
*Bulletv* 'Stories' and prose must not exceed 1,000 words. Poems must not exceed 40 lines.
*Bulletv* Word count must be placed within the item (or it will be disqualified).
*Bulletv* All entries should be posted in this forum using the b-item or entry link (please click to see how it's done!)
*Bulletv* You are allowed to edit your item - even after submission - until the deadline. However, edits cannot be made afterwards.
*Note* If you have an existing item in relation to breast cancer and wish to share with us, you are welcome to post it in the forum, but with the notation that it is not eligible for the contest.



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