Shhhh.... It's a Secret!

Today was....interesting, to say the least.

My mom comes from a family of 12 children, which as of this past week, she remains one of two still alive.
Today was the funeral for the third remaining aunt.

At the luncheon that followed it was realized that my generation ( of cousins, which range in age from over 65 to around 45 years old)  now takes the reigns to the family matriarchy.
We are a hearty, diverse bunch with one thing in common. To bury, along with this past generation the "secrets" and animosity that the "elders" thrived on.
Why was it that everything was "private"?
There was always gossip, and I as one of the "younger" cousins can remember someone always mad at somebody.....who knows why.

Traditions are important, yet this is one I refuse to carry on.

Recently, the other aunt that is still alive had a mastectomy. Very recently.....at age 91.
It was the size of a softball and it has metastasized. She didn't want anyone to know.
She never had children and one of my cousins has been her caretaker for many years. My cousin told my aunt that she would not keep it a secret.....WHY?

As family members, we have the right to know what runs in our family as far as disease or any kind of inheritable illness.
How do we, as the "next" generation tell our doctors our family history if we are told someone died of a "broken heart", or by telling us " I don't know"...when they DO know, they HAVE known. Yet it is a secret not to be told. How is that fair to us and our children?

My family (maternal and paternal) have suffered with many forms of cancer, heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis...the list goes on. I'm doomed.

All of this found out through MY generation. Family secrets coming to light....

My point is, we have to share these things with each other. For support, advice and preventative care.

Have your mammogram! Have your yearly physical! Tell your family!
It truly could be a matter of life or death.

Please help me raise awareness and support my mission to help raise money for breast cancer research.
www.paypal.com  give as a gift to: babzak@gmail.com
or email me for other options at babzak@gmail.com

ALL money raised goes to "Beauties for the Cure" breast cancer benefit.

Thank you




This is blog #5 please read my other entries