Interview with Miss Oregon,
Lucy Fleck
One in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime; nine years ago, my mother was one of them. Fortunately, my mother’s breast cancer was found in its earliest stages and she is a survivor today. Through my involvement with the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and Breast Friends I have learned that not all women and men have the same knowledge my mother had about the three methods of early detection. Therefore, I am using my platform, “Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention Through Early Detection,” to inform others of the benefits of early detection so that they can best protect themselves from breast cancer.
Understanding the threat of my mother’s breast cancer was very difficult for me because I was only ten years old at the time of her diagnosis. I knew something was seriously wrong when she began taking time out for herself reading avidly for days. My mother is usually so engulfed in caring for family needs that she rarely remembers to look after herself so for her to spend so much time reading was strange. Taking notice to my mother’s behavior, I asked her what was going on and she told me that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and showed me her bare, burned breasts from her radiation treatments – an image deeply embedded in my memory. I felt helpless; how was I, a grade school student, going to help my mother through this serious life threatening illness? My mother assured and comforted me saying “this cancer can’t take over my life. After all, it is my life.” That phrase has stuck in my mind ever since and that night, I promised myself and my mother that I would do my best to help others best protect themselves from breast cancer so that they can beat the battle just like my mother.
Fortunately, my mom’s cancer was detected in its earliest stages and she is a survivor today. My mother and I firmly believe that her battle against breast cancer was successful because of early detection. Because of this, I am determined to spread the word about the methods of early detection and educate others so that they can best protect themselves from breast cancer.
I believe that family, friends, community members, caring physicians, and dedicated advocates must become aware of the importance of their presence in the life of someone battling breast cancer. As Miss Oregon, and moreover as a woman at risk of developing breast cancer, I will encourage the medical community, as well as organizations and agencies committed to the care of Americans touched by breast cancer, to support breast cancer research and to develop and embrace new programs that focus on providing supportive services to those battling breast cancer and their families.
Through my title of Miss Oregon 2005, I hope to continue my advocacy and to instill within those fighting breast cancer hope. I want to inspire others to see past the disease, and see that the disease can't take over their life - it is their life.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my mission with you and I look forward to offering my support to your organization and its mission of helping women survive the trauma of breast cancer...one friend at a time.
