Jeanne and Judy
Left to right: Jeanne and Judy
By Jeanne, a Sister Study participant from Massachusetts
TWO SISTERS-ONE CAUSE
Judy and I were always very close growing up. Two years younger than I, Judy was always following me and wanting to do everything I did. Although annoying at times, I would always give in to her. Whenever I was going someplace or buying penny candy, she would say excitedly, “Me too!” She used this phrase so frequently that we decided to affectionately give her the nickname “Me-too.”
Before long, adulthood and maturity came knocking on our door. It seemed to enter our lives all too quickly. Judy chose a husband and motherhood, and I chose the single life. Although our lifestyles led us on different paths, we never really separated. We both remained in the same state of Massachusetts, just a few towns away from each other. It was then that I became the tag-along and spent quality time with my sister and her family.
I wanted to give a very brief synopsis of our relationship as sisters with the hope that I can reach out to other sisters who hope to find the causes of breast cancer.
I think about the battle that my sister has been fighting for the past 5 years and I cannot believe her resiliency. It has not been an easy road for her, but her faith, courage and determination is the reason for her positive attitude.
I was contacted by my local chapter of the American Cancer Society about the Sister Study. I read about the study and was more than willing to participate. I think about all the women who battle breast cancer every day of their lives with courage and determination and I thought I really can’t sit back and pretend breast cancer doesn’t exist. I urge and encourage all sisters to join this study. Just think about how wonderful it will be when the day comes that the causes have been found and we as sisters played a part in helping to find that them. Let us stand united and do our part in helping to achieve that goal, to find the causes. Just think how wonderful it would be for future generations to never hear those dreaded words “breast cancer”. I encourage all sisters to join this incredible study so another sister does not have to hear, “Your sister has breast cancer.” I applaud all those women who have already joined the study. We can make a difference.