Monday with Megan: Always Aware, Always Important

When it comes to breast cancer awareness, I don’t need a designated month or color to remind me of its importance.

 

My mom is a breast cancer survivor. Watching her go through such struggles was a very dark time for our family. And while I’m so happy and thankful she’s doing well now, watching someone you love go through such an ordeal forever changes you and never really stops haunting you.

Image credit: The Ellie Fund

I cannot stress enough, the importance self exams, mammograms, and due diligence. So many of us know somebody who’s experienced breast cancer—maybe that somebody is YOU—which goes to show just how prevalent this thief of life is.

 

 Image credit: Cafe Mom

Yes, my sweet mom is alive today, which I’m so very thankful for, but her quality of life will never be the same. And while I don’t need a designated time or hue to bring breast cancer to the forefront in my own life, I am taking this opportunity—the first Monday in Oct.—to switch gears from our usual trend chatter to breast cancer. Specifically, as seen from a creative perspective.

Let’s celebrate the survivors, pay respects to the many who’ve lost their lives to breast cancer, and take time to reflect on the importance of self awareness and self respect.

A FEW OF MY DESIGNS

I recently learned that a friend and former coworker of mine has been diagnosed with breast cancer, so I wanted to send her a little note. If there are two words I’d use to describe someone going through breast cancer treatments, they are “Brave” and “Beautiful.” I’ve never seen such bravery in my own dear mom as I saw when she was receiving treatments, and the fight for life, while horrific, is also beautiful. Recalling these observations, I decided to create this card for my friend, using old book paper, a paint pen, and a few stickers.

Another incredibly important thing to focus on when it comes to any sort of fight for life is hope. I learned that it’s so easy to be taken by fear and despair. Hope is absolutely necessary. And remarkable. With that in mind, I created this card a few years ago. Today, it’s my most pinned project on Pinterest, which warms my heart. I realize there are so many who want to focus on the beauty hope can offer.

 

Scrapbooking can be incredibly therapeutic. When my mom was sick, I found I turned to scrapbooking regularly to help process what was going on. Here are a couple of the pages I created during this time.

 

PINK PINS

If you follow me on Pinterest, you may have noticed lately that I’ve pinned several breast-cancer related items, which I’ve added to a new board titled “Breast Cancer Awareness.” Some of the pins you’ll find there include:

Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Wreath by Decorable By Beverlee

Breast Cancer Awareness Scarf by Sherrie E., as seen on Piece by Piece

Cancer Survivor Necklace by My Journey Jewelry

Pink Ribbon Earrings by Ranola Sg

Custom Pink Awareness Ribbon String Art by Made of the Stars

Breast Cancer Nail Art by I Feel Polished

Awareness Ribbon Quilt by Quilts 2 Sew

Mason Jar by The Red Door Decor

So many beautiful works of art here. I hope they offer you some needed comfort, if you find yourself in a place where you could use some. If you’re not in such a place now (as it relates to cancer, at least), I’m so very happy, and I only ask that you do what you can to stay proactive and attentive. It could save your life.

Warmly,

Megan Hoeppner

Borrowed from Becky Fleck's facebook page :)

 

Comments

[Heidi]

Wow! such beatiful projects! Great cause!!!

[Nina Oelke]

All of the above are beautiful. I especially love the layouts. Breast cancer awareness is so very important. A cause close to my heart, not from myself but from family and friends. <3

[barbara macaskill]

I am a 4 time cancer survivor who just found lumps in my breast about a week and a half ago. I had a mammogram and ultrasound and they found more lumps. We are waiting 1 month and redoing the ultrasound then. If the lumps are not gone or have grown we are going to do a biopsy then.
I cannot stress enough GET A MAMMOGRAM and do BREAST SELF EXAMS REGULARLY!! It could save your life!

[Jennifer Scull]

as a fighter in this battle, I love today's post! so happy that your mom is doing well. what wonderful news to hear!

love the things you've shown from your Pinterest board! :)

[Linda Tupper]

Such beautiful projects. I am a survivor and I so adore the necklace. How true the words, All Warriors Have Scars!

[Lynne T.]

Such beautiful projects.

[chark]

Hugs to your mom and whole family, since this disease impacts everyone.

[Gisele]

Great projects to highlited the importance of breast cancer!! ((((Hugs))) to all!

[TracyM #6773]

Yes Megan, it IS IMPORTANT every day of the year!!!
I think breast cancer has touched us all in some way, with me it was my Grandma and several friends.
LOVE your layouts and cards, with your "hope" card being an ABSOLUTE DELIGHT - I can see why it is your most pinned. I've made and shared several pink ribbon cards and given that I have been stuck with the same bead & ribbon butterfly design for a while now, I look forward to using yours for inspiration!!!
THANK YOU for sharing your thoughtful post, projects & pin Megan :)

[rosalie]

Heart warming to see your projects for cancer awareness. Prayers for your Mom and family.

[Jean Marmo]

I am a two time survivor and love seeing the projects!! Early detection is key!

[D~DesignsByDragonfly]

Thanks for sharing your story and all the WONDERFUL projects.
I am so happy for you and your family to get more time with your Mom.
Cherish it and cherish her.
I lost my Mom to breast cancer 24 years ago {in Nov}.
I miss her so much. I miss our talks. I miss her hugs and sweet laugh.
I miss all the milestones I couldn't share with her.
I am saddened that my daughter never got to know the wonderful person she was. {she was 19 months old when Mom passed}
Take care.
Crafty hugs,
D~
DesignsByDragonfly.blogspot

[sherri p]

wow, those are all amazing!

[Kristina (CraftyPaws)]

Beautiful projects. Thanks for all the inspirations! Hugs, Kristina