Today kicks off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For Heather Ray and her two girls it means 31 days of raising awareness and money for the cause while wearing pink every single day.
We all know someone impacted by breast cancer. I know Heather Ray. Heather is my sister’s friend who lived in our neighborhood when we were kids. Heather’s family and mine went separate ways when the military gave my Dad a new assignment. We recently reconnected when my brother sent us an email with a video bringing us up to speed on Heather’s story.
We’ve been back in touch with Heather for a few months now and our hearts have grown two-sizes learning that Heather is now a mother of two beautiful girls, an athlete, and a fund-raising superstar.
Meet Heather:
Heather has survived cancer 4 times. As of September 28, 2009 Heather learned she is cancer free. Cancer research has saved her life and she plans to keep fighting until there’s a cure.
On Saturday, October 10th, Heather will be participating in the 4th annual Spin for the Cure in Cincinnati, Ohio. All proceeds from the four hour ride will benefit the Greater Cincinnati affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
“I know it is important to stand strong and to fight. My girls are growing up with the understanding that it is possible to accomplish anything you want to,” Heather said. “If I can spin for four hours on one leg, anyone can complete this event. It is truly an empowering feeling to spin for four hours in a room with so many people who are fighting and riding for my cause.”
If there is a Race for the Cure in your community, I encourage you to participate, cheer on, or sponsor a participant to support the cause. Raising money for breast cancer research saves lives.
You can also join Heather Ray and her girls by wearing pink this month in honor of breast cancer awareness.
We can all do our part to join the Ray’s for a cure.
Lance says:
October 1st 2009Joanna,
If this doesn’t put life in perspective, I don’t know what does. My heart goes out to Heather and her family, and what she’s battled through, and continues to battle today. I felt completely overcome by just the thought of all of this, and what she has endured for so, so long. And yet, I also watch and see radiance shining from her – a true spirit of belief!
Today, I go forth remembering that life is what we make it. And there are some amazing people out there who fight daily to help others live. And so to all those who have made a difference in the fight for cancer, and today – especially breast cancer – I’m moved deeply by what you do so that others might experience life…
Jennifer says:
October 1st 2009Very well said, Lance! Everyone who knows Heather, loves her! Those of us lucky to be touched by her sunny spirit and those who do not know her, are truly inspired by her strength. Thank you, Joanna for introducing my dear friend Heather to your friends and sharing her passion for life!!!
Michelle says:
October 1st 2009Amazing story.
Dawn says:
October 1st 2009What a true inspiration!! Thanks for reminding us to never give up, no matter the odds. My prayers are with Heather and her family as she continues her journey. Not sure I have enough pink to cover the whole month, but will do my best.
Geri says:
October 1st 2009I know in Knoxville, Tennessee (home of the Volunteers) many beauty salons are doing, “Cuts for the Cure” this weekend. There are lots of different ways to support cancer research. I bet we could all find one way! Thanks Joanna for the reminder.
Joanna Sutter says:
October 1st 2009Dawn, I have plenty of pink for you to borrow. ;-)
I’m getting a hair cut today….surely I can twist my stylists arm a time or two to support the cause. ;-)
Erin Brooks says:
October 1st 2009I wish I had a wardrobe big enough to enough pink to cover all this. I would will do what I can to support all the strong women out there. I know what it is like to fight!
Caryn says:
October 1st 2009This story truly brings tears to my eyes. What an inspiration she is. It definately puts things into perspective, because even on my worst day I will never experience the pain, disappointment and value of life everyday, that Heather has. Thank you Joanna, for sharing her story with us. I wish her all the luck in the world, as she continues her fight.
Diane Fit to the Finish says:
October 1st 2009That story is so inspirational. I will be doing a race for the cure on Saturday, and my oldest daughter is participating in Design for a Cure on Tuesday. Thank you so much for posting her story, and reminding me what’s really important in life.
P.A. says:
October 1st 2009Most of us think we have “problems”. It takes courage and faith to get back up – again, and again. Heather and her family are showing us something. We should pay attention.
Jess (Fit Chick in the City) says:
October 1st 2009Thank you for sharing her story with us!
Positive Gangsta says:
October 2nd 2009Great post. Her story was so inspiring, man i hate cancer!
heather ray says:
October 2nd 2009WOW, I am overwhelmed at the comments and at your story. Thank you everyone!!! I post all my activity on facebook (heather ray cincinnati) and on twitter, heathers_hope. Feel free to follow me as I continue to brave the life of Living with Cancer, whether the tests come show cancer in your body or not. Once you have cancer, your life has changed forever. You are at that point, Living with Cancer.
Heather
Positive thoughts and a continuous smile will get you through anything, that and wonderful friends and family.
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