Shop for the Cure

The fact that we haven't posted to the blog since the first day of summer says a lot about how that season went for Karen and I. But here we are in the last week, with the feeling of Fall in the morning air, ready for a new season.

Nineteen years ago today my mom, Lona Hattenhauer Davis, died at age 45 of Breast Cancer. This is one of those facts of my life -- the meaning and effect of which changes with the years. As I approach my 40th birthday in a few short weeks, I can't help but think about how it was for her to get her first diagnosis at that age. She had health insurance, family support, amazing sisters and friends. So many others are not so "lucky." I also can't help thinking that we still can't cure this disease. Dear friends die of it each year.

As you can imagine, I am approached for financial support from every major cancer non-profit. Through the years I find myself rather ambivalent about the various nation-wide efforts for a cure. It's not that I don't think they do a fine job, I'm sure they do many important things. But while my loss is similar to others, it's of course unique to me and I just don't relate to a large cancer organization.

But for the past 14 years, I have supported the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Race for the Cure. Why? Many years it's nice to go to the Race and be part of a huge crowd and feel the solidarity of people who also understand on many different levels. It's a day to write the names of the people I miss-Lona Hattenhauer Davis, Rosalie Wiley Hattenhauer, Fern Spaeth. And those of the people who I am so glad to still have around- Marilyn Hattenhauer Fisk, Kay Smith, Amy Mann, Gretchen Williver. And many others. It's like the equivalent of yelling "Presente!" They are still with us!

Why this foundation? Mostly because I know that a good chunk of my donation stays local. My favorite local health program is Nuestra Comunidad Sana. Maria Antonia Sanchez is a treasure to our Gorge communities. Her two decades of dedication as a Health Promoter have meant that a whole generation of people have grown up with better access to health information and support. And the Susan G. Komen Foundation supports NCS and Tona's work with low-income Latina women in the Gorge. It's the kind of thing my mom would have loved.

So this Thursday we'll feature the Susan G. Komen foundation for our Common Good Thursday. Come in, shop, and we'll donate 25% of the total sales. And you can write the names of the people you love who have been touched by Breast Cancer on our memory poster. --DeLona








My lovely mom Lona