MISSION: Kindness for the Cure

I've mentioned on more than one or two occasions here my own experience with a near breast cancer scare.  October is a very special month to me for just that reason.  When I think about the fact that I was diagnosed with an atypical papilloma at the age of 28, when I think about the fact that I've already had about 10 mammograms in my life (and I'm only 32), when I think about the fact that I have an oncologist who watches me like a hawk, and when I think about the fact that I'm now 5 times more likely to develop breast cancer in my lifetime, I want to scream out to every woman to let her know that she is unrepeatable, amazing, beautiful, precious, and loved-and that I want her to take care of herself.

This month, I encourage all of my Affiliated Agents to complete missions that center around Breast Cancer Awareness.  We WILL beat this disease.  I don't know when, and I don't know how, but we will.

I just received Affiliated Agent T's mission in my inbox this morning.  I knew I had to post it right away.  Thank you, Affiliated Agent T, for your kindness.

Date: Tuesday, 5 October 2010

Location: Sonic; Gibsonia, PA

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Affiliated Agent T tells us about her first--and very special--mission:

This was my first attempt at a mission.  I really wanted to do something that was not only kind, but had a real purpose.  October presented the perfect opportunity, since it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I decided to go a little goodie bag of some products that would help raise awareness and support, while being practical.  A bonus was a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the items went to breast cancer research organizations.  Since pink is the color symbolic of breast cancer awareness and breast cancer survivors, I decided to bundle it all together in a pink bag, and write a note to go along with the bag.  The bag would contain a water bottle, a journal, and an awareness bracelet, along with the note.

I wanted the note to stress to the person finding it that she or he (because breast cancer affects us all) was important, and loved, and that it was important to take care of one’s self, as well as to encourage all the women we love to do self exams and get mammograms.  I wrote it on some paper with a pretty breast cancer awareness image on it, and sealed it up in an envelope.  I taped the envelope to the front of the bag, and then taped the bag closed.

The hardest part of the mission was deciding where to leave the bag.  I wanted to do it somewhere in my area, but not in my town.  Hubby and I were attending an event, and on our way, we stopped to grab a bite to eat at Sonic.  I realized that this was the perfect place to leave my package.  The weather was a little rainy, and the little car bays at Sonic, where you pull in for curb side service, are under an awning, so it would be protected.  We hung the bag off of the little area where you order your food, so someone was sure to see it.

I hope that someone not only enjoyed the little surprise, but also saw the opportunity to help continue spreading breast cancer awareness.  Together, we will find a cure!

Affiliated Agent T, thank you for opening your heart and for sharing your kindness with us!  Yes, together we WILL find a cure!