Once in a while I like to set aside my usual topics of productivity and social media to talk about other things that are going on in my life or in the world around us, and today I’d like to put the spotlight on cancer. I don’t think I need to explain what a terrible disease it is, or get into statistics about the number of people who are affected by it. We probably all know someone who has it, has had it, or has lost their life to it.

Photo by Roger H. Goun

If you are one of the lucky few whose lives have not been touched by cancer, I’d like to introduce you to Krista Colvin. Krista is a professional organizer and lifestyle expert in Oregon who has been on sabbatical since being diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. She is sharing her current journey with all of us through a blog which she has named Putting on My Big Girl Panties + Kicking Breast Cancer in the Ass.

Krista is not the only person in my online network to have been dealt this hand. Last year I took part in Debbie Jordan Kravitz’s virtual book tour to promote the launch of Everything I Know about Perfectionism I Learned from My Breasts: Secrets and Solutions for Overpowering Perfectionism. On June 15, you can listen in as Debbie is interviewed by Ariane Benefit about perfectionism and how surviving breast cancer inspired her to conquer perfectionism and write her book. It is a free call, but you need to register to receive the call-in/webinar information.

Linda Ockwell-Jenner, President of Motivational Steps, is another inspiring breast cancer survivor. Unfortunately, not every story has a happy ending. My godmother, my favourite uncle, a childhood neighbour and, most recently, a dear family friend, have been taken by various forms of cancer.

Fortunately, there are things you can do. You can help raise funds for cancer treatment, research, and education programs by supporting such events as The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers. Even if you’re financially unable to make a donation, you can make a difference by visiting The Breast Cancer Site, where sponsors contribute funds for mammograms based on the number of visitors to the site each day.

Don’t forget to protect yourself as much as possible by leading a healthy lifestyle and by undergoing any routine tests recommended by your health care providers.

Photo Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sskennel/2601850080
Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License