The next 6-months will be an unknown journey for me (and my family) because on May 2nd I was diagnosed with breast cancer. As far as what stage it is, tests are still in the works. But yesterday I informed my children of my current health condition and I also wanted to inform you, my readers. Why? Well, of course it’s a personal choice but it’s also important for me to continue to build awareness, share resources, and support the hundreds of thousands of women (and men) with breast cancer.
2010 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure (Me, daughter, son)
After I told my almost 14-year old son, he said, “Mom, it’s nothing to be ashamed about.” While my daughter said, “Mom, please let ME help you to pick out the wig.” These were the reality checks I needed to hear and these are the real stories to read about. They’re not always found in books – although after this ordeal – that has some scary moments, I smell a book germinating.
For the past five years, we (my school community) have walked in the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure, so raising awareness has been at the top of our list; especially since one out of every eight women has this disease, a disease that when caught early, is highly treatable.
My daughter and I at Susan G Komen Race for the Cure 2006
With the variety of testing that has taken place and more to come, I had to withdraw as being a moderator for the SLJ DAY OF DIALOG. What a tough e-mail to write! But as always, the supportive folks at School Library Journal understood my dilemma and signed off “in support and solidarity.”
My family at the 2009 Susan G Komen Race for the Cure
Diversity in YA Literature is my passion so I hope you will support the new moderator, Elizabeth Burns, on this extremely important panel discussion (with some cool authors, too).
Lastly, as far as my blog posts, in addition to W.A.R. updates/posts, I hope it’s okay to keep you updated on my progress over the next six months. I find that writing has become healing therapy on the first ‘leg’ of this new journey.
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