Imagine. You are young, married with four sons, full of energy and gorgeous. You find a lump on your breast. It tests positive for cancer. Your world turns upside down. You feel lost. You have radiation, reconstruction, complications. It’s all complicated. Where do you turn for support?
It happens more than you think. Breast cancer affects women (and men) of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. It’s hard on everyone, but especially hard for younger women who may be of childbearing age or raising children, or who are single and dating, or starting a new career. You feel shot down in the prime of your life. How do you pick yourself back up? For yourself. For your family.
Thankfully, there are some solid support communities to help younger women (under 45) navigate their journey. I will provide a list of a few I recommend at the end of this blog.
Ann Marie and her family had to face her breast cancer together. Photo: Genevieve Fridley (www.stupiddumbbreastcancer.com)
Ann Marie Otis is a great example. She’s founder of Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer which she calls “a fierce and unconventional initiative to promote awareness, early detection, and advocacy, with a special focus on how the disease impacts younger people.” Her blog is frank, funny and sincere. Ann Marie really gets things off her chest, and the photos taken by Genevieve Fridley are revealing and sensitive.
Photo of Ann Marie by Genevieve Fridley
Ann Marie’s an energetic advocate and public speaker. Since its inception in 2012, Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer has raised and contributed over $50,000 to a variety of breast cancer organizations, including Stand Up to Cancer, Duke Hospital, Wilmot Cancer Center, the Upstate Cancer Center, CancerConnects, Personal P.Ink and the Maureen’s Hope Foundation.
Fearless Fabulous Ann Marie Otis
Ann Marie’s work doesn’t stop with breast cancer. This social media wizard runs community management for Lyfebulb, whose founder, Dr. Karen Hehenberger, has been a guest on Fearless Fabulous You! (click here to listen to the show) and now for Wisdo.com, a fabulous new community support group to help you cope with a myriad of life changing situations, from a cancer diagnosis to HIV, from adoption to addiction, from coming out of the closet to coping with loss. Contributors are people who’ve been down that road and who share their wisdom to help you face your choices with confidence.
This is just one example of the first person videos you will find on Wisdo. This one with Stage 4 breast cancer survivor, Brittany, diagnosed at age 18, reminds you that cancer does not discriminate by age or by background. We all have to support each other and follow our inner wisdom about making choices for our health. Facebook: facebook.com/wisdobc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aC-Ds4c2J4
Hear from Ann Marie Otis Monday, July 4, 4pm EST on W4WN. It will be a lively conversation to say the least! I’ll also share my fab and health food and drink finds at the Summer Fancy Food Show coming to your store shelves later this year. Tip: Chickpeas, freeze dried fruits, and flavored vinegar waters and savory grab and go treats. This show will be permanently podcast to iHeart.com and the free iHeart App at this link (under Shows and Personalities)
Inspiring women around the world with expert tips on healthy living. Podcast permanently to iHeart.com and the free iHeart App. Twitter@MightyMelanie Instagram@MelanieFabulous Facebook@FearlessFabulousMelanie
Resources for You
I’m selective about organizations I recommend. They have to be factual, supportive and upbeat- no pity parties or angry rants. Here is a short list of resources for younger women. You can find more targeting specific groups on this website under resources and in my book, Getting Things Off My Chest: A Survivor’s Guide.
Any cancer:
IHadCancer.com @iHadCancer Founder Mailet Lopez was a guest on Fearless Fabulous You! (Click here to listen to her episode)
Breast Cancer:
Young Survival Coalition @YSCBUZZ
Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer @annmarieg4
Tiger Lily Foundation @tigerlilycares
Ovarian Cancer:
SHARE Cancer Support (also breast cancer) @SHAREing
Many Life Challenges:
www.Wisdo.com (and other life challenges) @wisdobc
