Pink courage: Event shows how many lives are touched by breast cancer

They came to Wayne Memorial Hospital adorned in all things pink.

Some were survivors, some were mid-treatment, and some had just gotten the news that they are battling breast cancer.

Surrounding them were their cheering sections -- family, friends and others who are standing by their side as they fight.

But what is most striking about the people who came out for the Think Pink event Tuesday was just how many had a story to tell -- of beating the odds, of summoning the courage to fight and of keeping your spirit strong when you are hit with some of the hardest words to hear, "You have cancer."

And what was heartening, both for the warriors and for those of us who watched from the sidelines, was how many people took the time out of their days to love and to support them.

It is true. It is much easier to fight when you have an army behind you.

The message of the evening was one of courage, victory and awareness. Those gathered are not only leading the charge to raise money to find a cure and to support those battling the disease -- but also to get the message out to women to get the screenings they need to catch breast cancer early.

There is no question that every woman (and some men, too) who battle this disease are profiles in courage and hope.

They inspire all of us to believe that miracles exist and remind us that there are battles being won every day.

We are lucky here. We have one of our very own "warriors." Phyllis Moore inspires us every day, too, with her grace, her courage and her message of victory and hope.

So in her honor, and in honor of all those who gathered Tuesday, we will think pink, and get ready for the day -- coming soon, we hope -- when there is no more need for ribbons.

Published in Editorials on October 14, 2015 10:45 AM