In it to end it

Nursing is about caring. About reaching out to those in need and lending a hand. It’s not something that you have to do, but we’re all nurses, or want to be nurses, because we have a desire to help others in need. A lot of times, we’re so used to the concept of helping our patients because they are sick and we have the skills to help them get better. But it’s important to remember that we can reach out in other ways to. Whether you volunteer services or your fundraise for charity, there are ways in our communities to lend a hand for those in need.

One of the ways that I am reaching out is by way of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. This September, my mom and I are walking nearly 40 miles to put an end to this disaster of a disease. Why this? I do it because 17 years ago my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. And because of events like this one, she was able to seek help, get the treatment she needed and walk 40 miles with me 17 years later. We’re doing it to see to it that 17 years from now, we won’t need to walk to stop breast cancer. It had become too common to just stand by and let it continue on it’s vicious path when we can  band together to help all of those whose live have been effected by it. I’m doing the walk because, as a daughter of a survivor, and as a nursing student, I’m in it to end it.

I was only 6 when my mom was diagnosed, but I remember it being scary, and I remember not knowing what I could do to help. Looking on the experience now, as a nursing student, I realize that out patient’s aren’t just the one’s in the bed, they’re the family around the bed, or the friends waiting outside. We’re nurses so we can help them all, even if, like a 6 year old, all we can do is hope to put a smile on their faces.

Part of helping out is committing. In participating in this walk, I have committed to raising $1,800. The funds and applied toward early detection programs, mammograms, treatments and research. I am almost to my goal, but I could use your support too. As the daughter of a survivor, as a friend to those who have lost their lives, and as a nursing student who wants to bring hope for a better future for her patients, I’m walking this year to stand strong for those who have been diagnosed, to celebrate those in remission, and to fight to put an end to breast cancer. If you would like to make a donation or find out more about the walk, please visit My Avon Walk Site. If you would like to share the name of someone you know who has had breast cancer, I will write her name on my ‘bib’ and walk the 39 miles in their honor or memory.

Thank you for all of your support – remember – we’re “In It to End It!”