Pink

Happy Friday!

Welcome to this week’s edition - “Pink” (#246).

Have you ever felt like something was always there in front of you, but you never noticed it? To illustrate this point, I will share a couple of my experiences.

• Can you name a trade where no matter the size of the problem, it always seems to cost a grand to fix it? I would bet that “plumbing” is in your top three answers.????Recently, we had a plumbing issue, so we called a plumbing company to fix it. Interestingly, I started noticing so many plumbing trucks on the street that week, although I drive around the same streets every day, I had never paid attention to them before.
• One of the dream jobs I fancied as a young kid was being a truck driver. I felt a pang of jealousy when a friend of mine, who retired from a technology leadership role, became a truck driver. During a conversation with him, I was surprised to learn that a truck cannot enter our neighborhood from our side of the street. When I asked him how he knew this, I was dumbfounded to find out that there is a signboard at the end of our street, which I had never noticed until after our conversation.

The point is, sometimes even though things are in plain sight, we may not notice them until, of course, we finally do. As we observe the month of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I want to drive home the point that it’s so easy to not notice it unless you make a concerted effort to pay attention. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, when caught in its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate of breast cancer is 99%. So, please do your part and get a screening.?

This year’s theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month is “No one should face breast cancer alone.” So, to that end, here are a few thoughts on what you can do.?

As family members, one of the most significant ways to support cancer survivors is to be there emotionally and physically. Listening without judgment, providing comfort, and accompanying them to medical appointments can be critical. Offering to help with household chores or making meals can also alleviate some of the day-to-day stress they might be experiencing.

As colleagues, it’s essential to foster a supportive work environment for those battling breast cancer and survivors. If everyone in the team donates one day each of their PTO, it can ease some of the stress for cancer survivors as they may need more sick days. Simple gestures like organizing a team check-in or sending a thoughtful card can make them feel valued and not alone in their journey.

Within your community, you can support cancer survivors by raising awareness and promoting early detection practices. Organizing or supporting community events such as charity runs, educational workshops, and local support groups can create a network of resources and a sense of solidarity. Additionally, advocating for policies that ensure access to medical care and financial support for cancer patients can have a profound impact.

Before the end of the month, take the time and extend your good wishes and support to someone who is battling or survived breast cancer.?

Stay safe, Stay healthy and Stay blessed.?Thank you and have a safe weekend.