South Texas Style

 Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Today's blog, surprisingly, doesn't have anything to do with weddings, events, wine or even chocolate.  All of those things are what we love but they mean nothing without the special people in our lives.  Taking care of yourself and making sure you are healthy for your loved ones is the best gift you can give them.  So, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are dedicating this issue to awareness of the disease that tears apart millions of homes each year.  We haven't escaped the pain either.  Our family was devastated over a decade ago when our Mother was diagnosed.  The prognosis was not as good then as we had hoped.  She endured painful surgeries and months of debilitating chemotherapy.  Thankfully, our story had a happy ending.  Our Mother made a full recovery and is currently cancer free. 

Her recovery  was possible because of all the hard work and energy put into finding successful treatment options and ultimately cures for the millions of women stricken with the disease.  Please join us this month in our support of Breast Cancer Awareness month by learning how to perform self exams and encourage the women in your life to also learn.  Women age 35 should have a baseline mammogram and yearly exams after age 40.  Those guidelines are only suggestions.  If you have a high risk, like we do, then you should consider starting mammograms earlier.  Please see your doctors as soon as you can.  Your life may depend on it. 

If you are young and healthy, it may not seem like you need to worry about it.  We all do.  We can all help.  One of the coolest ways we have found to help the fight is through a program called Donate The Dress.  Instead of hanging your dress in your closet or trashing your dress for a photo shoot, consider helping the cause by donating.  You can find more info at http://www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/

Now go do that exam!!

Our Mom/Nana (in purple) with all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, on Mother's Day of this year.

Nana, on Mother's Day, with her daughters and granddaughter.