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SAY YES TO Digital Mamography

 

Mary Cole

Ogemaw Heights High School, retired teacher and community volunteer

Mary ColeAs a youngster growing up, two of my heroes were my mother and my oldest sister, June. Through the years, they became my confidants and advice givers. Sometimes when we are young, we think the ones we care about are invincible and will be around to love and protect us forever. Such was the case of my mother and sister. Both of these beautiful women were diagnosed with breast cancer. My mom was fortunate and only had to have a lumpectomy, but my sister was forced down a more radical road which ended in a breast removal.

I witnessed the shock, the fright, the agony, the acceptance and, thank God, the survival of two people I loved dearly. Through it all, their strengths propelled each of them on their individual journeys.

It is because of mammograms that I had my mother and sister in my life as long as I did. They are both deceased now, but not from breast cancer. We are ever being tested as we live our lives…we are ever being taught valuable lessons. From these brave women, I learned to treasure the ones I love, to savor each blessed day I am given, and to take charge of my life whenever I can. My yearly mammogram is just one way that I can be assertive and know that my mom and sister are always with me.



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