Why 39?

I’ve asked myself this question many times over the past few weeks.  I’m 39 years old.   Many of my friends are 39 years old.   My cousin was 39 years old.  Yes, she WAS 39 until August 18th when she lost her battle with breast cancer. 

It’s been difficult for me to fully appreciate the significance of her loss.  It does not seem real.  Karen was vibrant, smart, a Type-A woman who had everything under control.  A  mother of a two year old.  She and I were so much alike. 
  

L-R: Caitlyn, Me, Karen, Joshua (June 2011)

Her breast cancer diagnosis was given on September 21, 2009.  Triple negative, the worst form of breast cancer.  At that time she was only 37.  The following day she found out she was pregnant.  Realizing that she may never be able to conceive again after undergoing the cancer treatment, she wanted to keep the baby and we’re so thankful she did.  Joshua was born in May of 2010.  At that time Karen was still undergoing chemotherapy but was doing really good.  She was going to beat this, she was going to win. 

This past January the unthinkable happened.   Her cancer had spread to her brain as leptomeningeal matastases and was unoperable.  She never gave up hope and she never lost her faith that God would spare her the fate that we all knew in our minds was coming. 

I’ll spare you the unpleasant details but I will say I hope nobody has to go through what my cousin did.  Cancer is ugly.

So, 39 is because of Karen.  If you are a woman reading this, I want you to be pro-active and get your yearly check-ups.  It’s so important.  It’s your life.

In honor of Karen and everyone who's lives have been impacted by breast cancer, 39% of your total purchase during the month of October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Fundation (www.bcrfcure.org).  As a thank you for joining me in this cause, enter PINK at checkout and you will also receive 20% off your purchase.  

 
xo,

Jen