Pink Ribbon

A handsome, middle aged man walked quietly into the cafe and sat down. Before he ordered, he couldn't help but notice a group of younger men at the table next to him. It was obvious they were making fun of something about him, and it wasn't until he remembered he was wearing a small pink ribbon on the lapel of his suit that he became aware of what the joke was all about.

The man brushed off the reaction as ignorance, but the smirks began to get to him. He looked one of the rude men square in the eye, placed his hand beneath the ribbon and asked, quizzically, "This?".

With that the men all began to laugh out loud. The man he addressed said, as he fought back laughter, "Hey, sorry man, but we were just commenting on how pretty your little ribbon looks against your blue jacket!"

The middle aged man calmly motioned for the joker to come over to his table, and invited him to sit down. As uncomfortable as he was, the guy obliged, not really sure why. In a soft voice, the middle aged man said,

"I wear this ribbon to bring awareness about breast cancer. I wear it in my mother's honor."

"Oh, sorry dude. She died of breast cancer?" "No, she didn't. She's alive and well. But her breasts nourished me as an infant, and were a soft resting place for my head when I was scared or lonely as a little boy. I'm very grateful for my mother's breasts, and her health."

"Umm", the stranger replied, "yeah".

"And I wear this ribbon to honor my wife", the middle aged man went on.

"And she's okay, too?", the other guy asked"

"Oh, yes. She's fine. Her breasts have been a great source of loving pleasure for both of us, and with them she nurtured and nourished our beautiful daughter 23 years ago. I am grateful for my wife's breasts, and for her health."

"Uh huh. And I guess you wear it to honor your daughter, also?"

"No. It's too late to honor my daughter by wearing it now. My daughter died of breast cancer one month ago. She thought she was too young to have breast cancer, so when she accidentally noticed a small lump, she ignored it. She thought that since it wasn't painful, it must not be nothing to worry about."

Shaken and ashamed, the now sober stranger said, "Oh, man, I'm so sorry mister".

"So, in my daughter's memory, too, I proudly wear this little ribbon, which allows me the opportunity to enlighten others.

Now, go home and talk to your wife and your daughters, your mother and your friends.

And here . . ." The middle aged man reached in his pocket and handed the other man a little pink ribbon.

The guy looked at it, slowly raised his head and asked, "Can ya help me put it on?"

Some will wonder why we are promoting Breast awareness and doctors. We do this for many different forms of cancer and other illness. My son at age 17 had testicale cancer, and lost one testicle, and can not have children, but the good news is between Kemo and prayer he is now 22 and very healthy. I believe God gave us doctors and medicine for two reasons, one to boost our faith. And the other for those whose faith is not yet mature and can only depend on medicine. So we will keep on promoting anything that will help those who visit as long as it does not go against God.

This is not breast cancer awareness month but actually every month should be. Do regular breast self-exams no matter what age you are.. and have annual mammograms if you are a woman over the age of 45.

Encourage those women you loveto do the same.

Please send this on to anyone you would like to remind of the importance of breast cancer awareness Click here: Home Page - National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

About NBCAM

Breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed in women in America. This year, more than 175,000 women will learn for the first time that they have this disease and more than 43,000 women will lose their lives.

However, when breast cancer is detected early and treated promptly, suffering and ultimately the loss of life can be significantly reduced.

Routine Screening mammography (an "x-ray" picture of the breast) is the single most effective method to detect breast changes that may be Cancer, long before physical symptoms can be seen or felt.

Unfortunately, the fear of discovering breast cancer, or the lack of information, health insurance, transportation, or childcare keep many women from taking advantage of this important medical service.

Women of racial and ethnic minorities, older women, and women living in rural areas experience more than their share of obstacles.

For over a decade, volunteer Program Leaders throughout the United States have joined forces every October during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM), to help women overcome these barriers.

We hope you will join us.

The Help Promote NBCAM section of our web site includes some of the tools and ideas contained in our Promotion Kit to help you spread the NBCAM message. You may also download the Promotion Kit or order one to be sent to you. We hope you'll join us.