Hani Steele (1)

Painted during TAC session two

"Meow" by 'Catwoman'
Acrylic on canvas
16" x 20"

 

Hani Steele, daughter of Survivor

My mother is a Breast Cancer Survivor; she had a lumpectomy last year. My Mother In Law did pass from Breast Cancer - hers was detected at a very late stage in the 1980s. Twenty years ago, it did not seem like people spoke of cancer, breasts, or their feelings.

I have been hosting and particpating in Breast Cancer fundraisers for about ten years. I am not sure how I got started, but the Awareness color (pink) was the thing that initially I adapted and ran with. When I started fundraising, wearing pink was cute for me, because I generally wear black. At my first Race for the Cure in Detroit (over 20,000 participants), I was a spec in the sea of pink. When I looked around at the color pink filling the dismal grey color of the Motor City Streets, it hit me. It was an emotional moment. I felt I had a purpose. I walked with strangers, we shared stories, I saw the homemade shirts with names and pictures, I learned the  words to I Run For Life and cried when the Survivors had a special tribute. The support shown by the Corporations there reinforced the strength and energy in fighting, understanding, and healing. Ford's Pink Mustang and free Warrior scarves and SunChips pink bags of free chips were takeaways; as I looked at them in the front seat of my truck on the way home I felt that someone somewhere had the influence in these companies to do the right thing, and that these corporations were run by some very compassionate people.

Last year, my Mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer (she is in her 70s). It really hit home for me. The lump was found on Thursday; her surgery was on Monday. She said on the phone "I never thought you would be raising money for me." I thought that this was it. I thought, how ironic that she would not benefit from any of the advances in medicine or support groups or awareness. I thought this was going to be the last time I was going to see her. I flew home and her surgery was rough at first. In general, she has bounced back fairly well from the chemo/radiation. She was fortunate to have a sponsor, and fantastic medical care, and we are able to speak about her experience. If this had happened 20 years ago, I do not feel that she would have felt as free to discuss her feelings/fears/the cancer and it would have been a lonely and terrible experience.

I participate in as many Breast Cancer Awareness and Fundraising events that I can. If the funds raised over the years have made anyone's journey less painful, lonely, or uncomfortable, then I am doing what I am here to do.