A Feature Story uses a story that features one individual while also hitting a bigger point that would be interesting to readers. For this I used my Aunt Janice and her breast cancer story. Thanks again to all those who helped me in interviewing.
October; a month of orange, black, and pink?
October; a month of orange, black, and pink?
Today’s trend--pink. Every man, woman, child, and teenager takes to the line wearing pink shirts, hats, bracelets, pants, and even shoes.
It’s as if a swarm of pink bees fly off to work, as the starter gun goes off with a ping. Racers of every age, and every experience level take off to run the Hot Pink 5K in honor of all those with breast cancer. The Hot Pink 5K is an annual race that occurs every October, as this has been deemed National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Janice Magnusson, 48, from Roseville, Calif., has participated in races like this for the last three years, ever since her own breast cancer story began in November of 2007. Being a mother of four, Magnusson’s first thoughts were,
“I don’t want to die,” she said. “I want to be here for the kids.”
Magnusson’s journey began with six rounds of chemotherapy, a medication that has many side effects causing most to become very ill, and many to lose their hair.
After enduring chemotherapy Magnusson then had her surgery. She went into with a positive attitude though; she wanted it as soon as possible so that she could get the cancer out. Radiation came after just as an assurance. A year and four months later Magnusson was able to finish it off with reconstruction surgery in March 2009.
For most diagnosed with breast cancer support groups are available and highly suggested, they provide more of an emotional and psychological support, said Leslie Smith, 24, an RN at American Fork Hospital.
When it comes to chemotherapy mind over matter is incredibly important.
“If you think it’s going to work, your body tries to make it work.” Smith said. “If you don’t think it’s going to work, your body gives up.”
Magnusson’s journey began with six rounds of chemotherapy, a medication that has many side effects causing most to become very ill, and many to lose their hair.
After enduring chemotherapy Magnusson then had her surgery. She went into with a positive attitude though; she wanted it as soon as possible so that she could get the cancer out. Radiation came after just as an assurance. A year and four months later Magnusson was able to finish it off with reconstruction surgery in March 2009.
For most diagnosed with breast cancer support groups are available and highly suggested, they provide more of an emotional and psychological support, said Leslie Smith, 24, an RN at American Fork Hospital.
When it comes to chemotherapy mind over matter is incredibly important.
“If you think it’s going to work, your body tries to make it work.” Smith said. “If you don’t think it’s going to work, your body gives up.”
Magnusson had her own personal support group including family both close, and extended. A younger sister, though not close enough to knock on her door, gave great support to Magnusson.
Sheri Pead, 35, from Santa Rosa, Calif., called every day.
“Sometimes we wouldn’t talk about the cancer at all,” Pead said “I would tell her stories about my kids, try to make her laugh and take her mind off things to help her pass the time being stuck at home.”
While Magnusson was set with her support group, there are many patients that don’t have family to be there with them during such a scary time. Other patients may not have the money to do all the necessary treatments to get rid of the cancer.
National Breast Cancer Awareness month is a time for people all over the world to recognize those that have been through this struggle, and to help those that are currently fighting breast cancer.
Sheri Pead, 35, from Santa Rosa, Calif., called every day.
“Sometimes we wouldn’t talk about the cancer at all,” Pead said “I would tell her stories about my kids, try to make her laugh and take her mind off things to help her pass the time being stuck at home.”
While Magnusson was set with her support group, there are many patients that don’t have family to be there with them during such a scary time. Other patients may not have the money to do all the necessary treatments to get rid of the cancer.
National Breast Cancer Awareness month is a time for people all over the world to recognize those that have been through this struggle, and to help those that are currently fighting breast cancer.
During October many pink ribbon items line the shelves of retail stores, with proceeds benefitting research foundations and charities. 5Ks, 10Ks, Marathons, and much more are held during this month, putting money towards charities, while at the same time allowing people to come together in a common cause.
Magnusson participates in a few of these 5Ks bringing her supportive family along for the fun. She’s an advocate for buying pink ribbon items, and sells the awareness bracelets.
In the office Magnusson and her husband work, October is a month of great charity. On certain days they entertain a concept called “pink hours” in which three hours worth of money earned goes toward breast cancer awareness charities.
It was a long journey that ended successfully for Janice Magnusson, who prays deeper, exercises differently, and eats differently than she did at the journey’s beginning. Magnusson has been able to help many other cancer patients through a newfound outgoing nature for people in similar situations.
“Take it one day at a time, fight, and survive.” Magnusson said to those going through their own breast cancer journey.
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