On the Calendar: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
I usually enjoyed going to the post office when I was younger. Now, there was nothing particularly spectacular about the physical building of the post office. My main excitement stemmed from the drive to and from the post office, as well as the fact that I was able to leave the house for a bit. The workers at the post office we went to were generally nice though. There was one employee in particular that my mom loved to spark up a chat with whenever she was there. From what I remember, the woman had a great sense of humor and a kind and friendly demeanor. One day, completely out of characteristic of her, the woman stopped showing up to work.
Nearly two months passed by before we began seeing her at the post office once again, and she told us the reason behind her absence. You truly never know who’s life is going to be affected by breast cancer.
Breast Cancer is a debilitating disease that affects millions of individuals across the globe. Currently, for women, breast cancer is the second leading cause in terms of cancer-related deaths. [1] In the United States alone, the lifetime risk of a woman being diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime is 1 in 8. [1] Though less common, men are also affected by this 
Kami Padilla
disease, with 1 in 1,000 chance of being diagnosed. [3] Fortunately, over the course of several decades, global awareness of breast cancer has increased significantly. Presently, October is a month dedicated to the widespread observance of breast cancer. Every year, Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as an international campaign to increase awareness of breast cancer, to raise money for medical research, to educate others in prevention methods, and the importance of early detection. [2]
Before fall break commenced, sophomore Zoe Felbein shared her own personal experience with a family member afflicted with advanced breast cancer with the students of ACP Erie. Zoe expressed the importance of early detection and 3D imaging as well as the startling lack of medical research for patients with stage four breast cancer. In the first week of the second quarter, the ACP Erie community demonstrated their support for Zoe Felbein by sporting pink attire and attending in the Dig Pink events, which were dedicated to raising funds for clinical trials for patients with stage four breast cancer. The ACP community did a spectacular job and raised more than $2,000 for the clinical trials. Thanking Zoe Felbein for her great demonstration of bravery and determination in raising awareness for 3D imaging and early detection is important, and we thank you and admire you. Actions speak louder than words. Fantastic job ACP Erie, for contributing to a great cause that ripples through almost every single one of us, whether through a family member or someone we barely even know.
[1] https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/risk-fact-sheet
[3] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer-in-men/about/key-statistics.html
