You might know about the ?Making Strides Against Breast Cancer? walks the American Cancer Society (ACS) holds each year. They take place in some 270 communities nationwide to raise funds and awareness to end breast cancer.
This October, the ACS held a five-mile Making Strides walk at Jones Beach, local to Kimco. Some 64,000 walkers raised over $3,150,000, making it the #1 Making Strides event in the country.
But beyond this great accomplishment, the event will be one of the most memorable moments of my life. Maybe it?s because I am a breast cancer survivor, or maybe it?s because I walked with 47 other Team Kimco participants ? a mix of colleagues, family, and friends who came out to support me and others touched by breast cancer. (Here are some photos.)
While the turnout was record-breaking, the kindness on behalf of Kimco was just as inspiring. Our associates raised $6,017, which was so generously matched by our company?s founder, Milton Cooper. That means Kimco is donating a grand total of $12,034 to the ACS?s efforts to make breast cancer a thing of the past.
From my perspective, the walk was a great way for me to give back to the ACS ? an organization that was truly there for me during a difficult time. The walk was also an opportunity for my co-workers and long-time friends to join me and feel good about participating in this great cause. And for Kimco, it was a day to get involved as a company and demonstrate the importance of community involvement.
In fact, Kimco was a big part of the support system that helped me beat cancer. My breast cancer story starts in late 2010 when I was newly married. My husband and I were eager to start a family, but there were setbacks. Then came an early warning sign of something far more serious ? I felt a lump. I was certain that everything was fine, especially since routine tests six months earlier were negative. I decided to play it safe and visit a doctor, who quickly sent me for additional tests.
Even while being ushered from biopsies to MRIs, I was still convinced all was well. That all changed on March 10, 2011 when the radiologist called to tell me I had cancer.
I was in shock. The news meant that starting a family would no longer be possible, since the doctors believed my cancer originated from the increased levels of estrogen and progesterone during my pregnancy. I also had to find a way to tell my son ? who had already lost his father in 2005 ? that his mother had cancer.
As you can imagine, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I spent some time talking with Kimco?s HR team. Kimco was very supportive, and they held my job because they understood I needed time to get back on my feet. This helped me tremendously for what lay ahead.
The news was difficult to hear ? the MRIs and biopsy showed I had a 3-centimeter tumor that was spreading quickly. My surgeon?s recommendation was for a bilateral mastectomy, as the cancer would soon manifest itself in the second breast. The American Cancer Society reached out to me after receiving news of my diagnosis as a result of paperwork I had provided my doctor, and I soon received a packet of helpful information.
In April 2011, I had the bilateral mastectomy. I was still determined that this would not stop me from my goal of starting a family. It also gave me something to focus on instead of my cancer. In June 2011, I began chemotherapy. Within three weeks of treatment, I lost all my hair in a two-day period. At this point, I became ever more grateful for the American Cancer Society.
ACS connected me to the local Adelphi breast cancer support groups. The program provided a support hotline and weekly support meetings with cancer patients and survivors.
ACS also connected me to the local West Islip Breast Care Coalition, which supported me with a $1,000 grant that was used to help fund the out-of-pocket co-pays for doctor visits and medications, and also monthly support groups. This support network was invaluable and helped light the way through recovery.
Finally, ACS put me in touch with the local Look Good Feel Better Foundation, which helped fit me with wigs and taught me how to move forward and look beyond the cancer and chemo.
When my treatments were complete, I still had more to overcome ? three additional reconstructive surgeries. I took it one step at a time, and was finally able to come back to work at Kimco full-time this September, picking up where I left off. It was very reassuring for me to be back with the Kimco family.
If I had to describe my experience in one word, I would say ?challenge.? And the biggest lesson I?ve learned is to look at it as such. Yes, you are allowed to cry and feel badly, but I knew I had to remain positive and stay strong not only for me but for my family.
I put aside the anxiety and stopped analyzing everything. I also came to the realization that cancer medications would be part of my life for the next five years following the end of chemo. Basically, I learned to take each stage one step at a time. As I successfully completed each step, I felt a sense of accomplishment that I was moving forward, and would soon be going on with life as I knew it before cancer. Today, I?m thrilled to be feeling well and back to my energetic self.
So when I think back to the Making Strides event, I will always remember the tremendous support from my Kimco friends and from all those who chose to get involved. The company?s involvement at Making Strides will long be remembered as a wonderful example of our team spirit and goodwill. There was an energy that declared we are making progress to end breast cancer, and we will achieve our goal, and I am proud to be part of that effort.
I hope my story brings hope and encouragement to others battling cancer, as I am now part of the support network. I am more than happy to connect if you would like leave a comment below.
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