CARIBOU, Maine — A half dozen breast cancer survivors attended a survivor event and film screening hosted by Cary Medical on Saturday.
After each cancer survivor introduced herself, gifts and snacks were distributed, and a documentary was shown urging people to be wise about how they donate to cancer causes.
“It’s an eye-opening film,” said Bethany Zell, the hospital’s breast health advocate, who organized the event.
“When you look at the fine print, it’s not always going where you think it is,” said Zell of the money spent on items with the common pink ribbon often used to symbolize breast cancer awareness and research.
“You could probably do it more efficiently than buying a pink ribbon coffee mug at Walmart,” she said, pointing out that many companies that sell products with pink ribbons also sell products that may contain ingredients that contribute to the rise of breast cancer and other cancers in our society.
Kitty Fox, Zell’s mother-in-law and a two-time cancer survivor, said that she sometimes feels cynical about how breast cancer is treated.
“I feel that way — cynical. It’s a business. There’s got to be a better way of treating this disease than what they are doing,” said Fox.
Zell recommended that well-meaning people may want to focus on directly helping someone with breast cancer rather than purchasing products.
As the cancer survivors in the room on Saturday told their stories, more than a few tears flowed. The women talked about the hardships they had faced — and continue to face — candidly and honestly.
All of the survivors had faced the difficult, potentially life and death decisions associated with a cancer diagnosis. Speaking of the possibility that the disease might recur, Kitty Fox said, “The fear is there all the time.”
As they discussed their individual stories, each emphasized the need to take care of oneself during the process of dealing with breast cancer.
They were met with care, offers of support — and a few humorous, risque comments — from the other women in the room. Some who had experienced the disease for years offered helpful advice to women who had been diagnosed more recently.
Part of Bethany Zell’s job as breast health advocate entails speaking to legislators to enlist help in fighting breast cancer. Zell said she focuses much of her effort in this regard on making sure there is funding for research on breast cancer. Stating that all members of Maine’s congressional delegate have been supportive in the past, Zell also noted that she is currently waiting to hear from U.S. Sen. Susan Collins about her possible support of upcoming legislation.
As evidenced by Cary Medical Center’s event on Saturday, there is support for breast cancer patients and survivors in Aroostook County.
