October, 2025
By Yuneisy Pagoaga, Staff Reporter
Every October, pink ribbons begin to appear everywhere on clothing, storefronts, and social media. For some, it’s just a symbol. But for families like mine, it’s personal. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to educate, honor and support those whose lives have been forever changed by this disease.
In October 2024, my family’s world shifted. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, and suddenly all the pink ribbons weren’t just reminders for strangers, they were reminders of the battle happening in our own home. The diagnosis brought fear, worry and countless questions, but also a new sense of community. My mother says ¨When I first heard the words, you have breast cancer my world stopped. My first thought was my kids and if I would be here to see them grow up. It was overwhelming, but I also felt a sudden strength inside me like I had no choice but to fight” We learned how many families are touched by breast cancer and how much strength it takes to face it together.
Breast cancer isn’t rare. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed during their lifetime. Each year hundreds of thousands of new cases are reported, along with tens of thousands of deaths. Behind every statistic there is a family, children, spouses, parents and friends who carry the weight of this disease alongside their loved one.
The truth hit even closer to home when I thought about my teacher Dr. Strong. He lost his mother to breast cancer. His story combined with my moms diagnosis has made me realize that breast cancer affects people in every corner of our lives, our families, our schools, and our communities. Dr. Strong described to me when his mothers diagnosis first occurred and what was the process like: “My mother was first diagnosed in 2004 and fought it off, unfortunately it came back and in 2009 she passed away.”
I asked Dr. Strong what support systems or resources he found helpful at the time. He replied, “The most important thing was family. My mom was living in Oklahoma and my grandma in Atlanta. My Grandma moved to Oklahoma to help out with my mom. I was living in Houston at the time so I tried my best to go see her and spend time with her.”
That’s why October matters. Awareness isn’t just about wearing pink; it’s about pushing for research, supporting families in treatment, and honoring those we’ve lost. It’s about reminding people to schedule screenings, pay attention to their health, and not ignore warning signs. Awareness saves lives.
“I want people to know that early detection saves lives,” my mom said. “If I hadn’t gone to my doctor when I did, my outcome would have been very different. Breast Cancer does not discriminate; it can happen to anyone. Please check yourself, listen to your body, and never delay getting screened.”
Dr Strong agreed: “I think a lot of people don’t have a lot of information about breast cancer, so it’s important to raise awareness.”
For me, October will never be just another month on the calendar. It’s now a reminder of resilience, community, and the importance of early detection. My family is still adjusting to this new reality, but we’ve found strength in knowing we’re not alone. Sharing these stories is part of what makes Breast Cancer Awareness so powerful.
The Cardinal Post 