By Lauren Kaszuba
Co-Arts Editor
October is not only the month of the traditional orange and black, but also, pink.
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, starting on Oct. 1 and ending on Halloween, Oct. 31. It’s a yearly campaign that helps to educate people about the importance of early screening, testing, and much more. It helps to promote awareness of the disease and raise funds for research towards a cure. Information and support to those affected by breast cancer is also offered.
This past summer, at the Great New York State Fair, I did the usual: walk around, try new foods, and of course, write on a ribbon at the breast cancer awareness booth in honor of my late aunt.
I would like to take this opportunity to write about my aunt Kim who I unfortunately never was able to meet, as she passed after a battle with breast cancer before I was born.
In the past, I would visit New Jersey to see family if not once, multiple times a year. Considering my family is all over the globe now (some relatives in Alaska, some relatives in England), I don’t make my visits as often. But, when I would visit family in New Jersey, there was always one photo that would always catch my eye.
It was a photo of my uncle, my aunt, and their three kids. As I had mentioned earlier, I never met my aunt Kim. My only memories of her are through photos and stories that my family members share. However, this photo, I always catch myself looking at.
I’m not sure what it is about it, but maybe it’s because it’s the first photo I ever saw of my aunt. Whenever I see that photo, I think of how much beauty she brought into my family members’ lives, and I think about what a great mom she was. It is through that simple smile that I can’t help but to think that she was such a beautiful woman, both in appearance and in personality.
Even though we never met, aunt Kim, I still love and miss you every day. The whole Kaszuba family does. I know you’re watching over us.
There are multiple ways that many can get involved in breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer walks are available in multiple cities during the month and it’s a great way to get active.
Another way to get involved is to start a fundraiser to honor a loved one, survivor, or anyone who may be battling breast cancer. Also, charities such as the National Breast Cancer Foundation are always accepting donations.
Together, we can find a cure for this horrible disease. Together, we will put an end this horrible disease.
