On August 3, 2023 I received a message no one wants to hear. My friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. Although I did not know the details, I did know that she was about to fight one of the hardest fights of her life. How did I know this? Because I have seen and heard messages from non-profits like the Susan G. Komen foundation since I can remember. Because every October our high school football team has a pink out. Because I have heard of walking for the cure or driving for the cure, or even reading for the cure. While, thankfully, my immediate family has been spared from this awful disease so far, I have known many women who have not been spared.
Sharing stories about breast cancer online or any other cause may be a great way to spread awareness but what exactly are the outcomes of these likes or shares? In 2010 when women were encouraged to update their Facebook status with the color of their bra, where they like to put their purse or how long it takes to do their hair after receiving a private message, it went viral. Although the sender stated it was to raise awareness about breast cancer, did it? I think these status changes went viral because they were mysterious and sexual. Personally, I am not a fan of these. I see posts or private messages asking to share all kinds of awareness campaigns. Many of which I believe in and will support, I just will not share your post or meme.
I think most people know enough about breast cancer to know that the person who has it will need support. But what can I do when I find out my friend who lives over 200 miles away has breast cancer? I don’t think that sharing the color of my bra on my Facebook status would have helped her but maybe an attention grabbing viral post with a link with ways to help would be a start. Maybe asking people to donate to breast cancer research and then posting a fun status on their page so that when people asked about it, you could explain that you donated to breast cancer research and ask them to do the same. Creating a viral post just to be a viral post doesn’t really help anything.
I didn’t know exactly what to do in 2023 but offer my support and praye
rs. I did find out that there are sites that offer help to us the supporters. If your friend or family member has been diagnosed with breast cancer will you do more than share? Visit Caring for Someone With Breast Cancer or What can I do? What can I say? to learn how you can help them get the support they need. Also don’t forget about their caregiving team, the people who are there, living with them, helping them manage the everyday tasks.
Thankfully, my friend is now in remission. Her friends rallied together to support her and her caregivers by providing meals, gas money and emotional support. Our simple campaign didn’t go viral but we were able to make a difference.