The month of October is full of trips to the apple orchard, Halloween parties, and pumpkin spice lattes. For some people, however, October is full of pink clothes, remembrance, and fundraisers.
That's right folks, October is also
Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
October is a special month for my family and myself as we take our time to honor Julie.
Julie Blasaer is my aunt that we lost to cancer when I was ten years old. I never got use to say "was" or referring to her in past tense. She will forever be my aunt and my friend.
Being so young I was never fully clued in on the details of Julie's cancer. I was kept in the dark about most things, but I knew she was sick. I remember visiting her in the hospital, holding her hand and reminiscing about times at the campground. The visit was a short one and the next time I saw her was on the Fourth of July. My family spends a lot of time camping in Chippewa Falls and Holcombe during the summer, and this one was no different. We spent the afternoon riding dirt bikes and riding four wheelers through the fields as planes flew above us. The night was spent watching fireworks, lighting off sparklers and smoke bombs. That is the last memory I have of Julie. I have tried to account for every detail of that day. I can remember how different she looked. She had a vibrant smile and she was laughing, but I also remember how tired she looked, how small she had gotten over the months.
That was the last time I saw her.
It pains me that we lost her at such a young age. I get frustrated that no matter how hard I try I can only recall certain memories of her: a Christmas on the lake, at the hospital, and that 4th of July. I weep at the fact that I can only remember one time when she was not sick. Julie passed away in April, and even though we celebrate her life every day, October is a month that we take time to honor Breast Cancer Awareness and all the lives that were cut short like Julie's.
This year for the month of October here at All Under One Woof we are selling Cancer Awareness collars, leashes, and charms. They are the perfect accessory to honor the lives of those lost and those who are still here fighting. The proceeds from these sales will be going to the American Cancer Society, the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation, and to Canine Cancer Research.
Let's wag our tails to find a cure
Beautiful connection to the topic. I am so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI'm disappointed you haven't made the required revisions to your blog. Namely, the disclaimer being moved to the top and using one navigation column on either the right or the left. Otherwise your posts are so long and require a great deal of scrolling. I'd also like to see your photos scattered throughout the post rather than clumped at the end.