Dear Editor,

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a time when we don pink ribbons to honour the warriors, survivors, and those who have lost their lives in the fight against this devastating disease.

It is a cause that transcends statistics and treatment plans; it’s about people: the mothers, daughters, sisters, husbands, brothers, friends, and colleagues whose lives are forever changed by the diagnosis of breast cancer.

I stand proudly with these warriors.

I have witnessed first-hand the strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit of those fighting breast cancer. A close friend of mine is currently in the battle of her life, confronting not just the physical toll of chemotherapy but the emotional roller coaster that comes with it. Every day, she faces the uncertainty, yet she keeps pushing, keeps fighting, drawing on reserves of strength I didn’t even know existed. I am very proud of her.

In contrast, I’ve also seen the darker side of this fight. Last year I lost a co-worker and friend to breast cancer, a beautiful soul, a vibrant, bubbly spirit, with a bright smile and fierce determination, who, despite her tenacity, eventually succumbed to the disease. Another good friend and colleague of mine lost her mother to breast cancer prior to this, and I watched as the grief of that loss rippled through her family, leaving an indelible mark on their lives.

Breast cancer does not just attack the body — it ravages the heart, mind, and spirit of everyone involved. The pain is palpable; the financial strain is real, from the costs of treatment to the emotional and psychological toll that cancer exacts. The suffering is all-encompassing, from the trauma of hair loss to the anguish of loved ones watching someone they care about slowly or quickly fade away before their very eyes.

But there is another side to this battle — one of hope, love, and community. Amid the heartache and turmoil, I’ve also witnessed profound moments of connection. There is a community of caregivers, supporters, friends, and family who rally around these warriors, showing up with meals, frequent hospital visits, moral support, or simply a shoulder to cry on. This solidarity, this network of love, has shown me that we are never truly alone in the fight.

Breast cancer awareness is about more than just mammograms and check-ups, it’s about spreading hope and providing a platform for those who are often silenced by fear. It’s about honouring the survivors and remembering those we’ve lost. But, most importantly, it’s about continuing the battle for a cure.

The fight against breast cancer is ongoing, and this October we are called upon to join the cause. Whether through education and awareness, support, or simply showing up, we all have a part to play. Support a loved one by donating to cancer society, offering a helping hand, or wearing your pink ribbon with fierce pride.

The battle continues, but so does the hope. Stand with us. Spread awareness. Show love. Every step counts in the fight against breast cancer.

Stacy-Ann Subani

stacyannsubani28@gmail.com