By Yonni Wattenmaker
As December arrives, it is time for us to take stock in the year coming to an end. What did we accomplish? Where did we succeed and where did we fall short? Did we take care of others who could have used our help? Did we take good enough care of ourselves? After all, resolutions are usually just reflections on goals unfulfilled.
When 2024 arrives, what can we resolve to do to make a greater impact on our family, friends, and community? In what activities can we engage that not only improve our own well-being but the lives of those around us as well?
I would like to recommend that you start with yourself.
Self-care is not equal to selfishness. Just as flight attendants say you should put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others, you need to be your own advocate and that begins with your health.
In these colder days, with flu and colds circulating voraciously, nourish yourself with healthy, low-inflammatory foods. Enjoy the holidays parties and celebrations but keep sugar and alcohol consumption in moderation so you don’t overly tax your body. Drink lots of fluids – that is not just reserved for warmer weather – and keep moving. If you love to run, jog or even walk, maybe it’s time to start practicing for BCA’s 5K for Hope in Greenwich on May 5th!
While you’re bundled up for winter, continue to pay attention to your body and if you notice anything new or unusual, consult your physician. When it comes to breast cancer, while mammograms are recommended beginning at age 40, women are being diagnosed more often in their 30’s and even 20’s. If an immediate family member had breast cancer, you should start screening 10 years prior to the age he or she was diagnosed. Many things are more painful, or give off more radiation, than a mammogram.
Don’t let those concerns stop you from early detection screening. Those minor risks outweigh a great reward when cancers are caught early on. If you want to learn more about what might be right for you, visit the Breast Cancer Alliance website and view any one of our webinars, with free and open access to all, some of which offer closed-captions in Spanish as well. Subjects vary from breast cancer in Black and Hispanic women, breast cancer in men, handling cancer in the workplace as employee or employer, genetic risk and so on.
Many of you made a real impact on Breast Cancer Alliance this year. In October alone, thanks to our myriad retail dining and fitness partners, new events in New York City and Florida, and of course, our Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show at Westchester Country Club, Breast Cancer Alliance took in about $1.5mm in donations! Every blouse purchased, meal enjoyed, fitness class attended, new bite of information learned, will lead to critical and essential grant funding in the new year. What is a better gift than the gift of health?
Volunteering is another way to help others, while it does wonders for you as a volunteer as well. Those who choose to make time for others find that they feel more of a connection to their community and increased self-confidence. There is a reason people say kindness is contagious. Donating your time is a wonderful way to ‘pay it forward’ and do something altruistic. You might also just feel a little more gratitude about your own circumstances once you help others.
If you are a survivor or are living with breast cancer, let us help you to share your story. It could be on social media, in our newsletter, Outlook, or perhaps as a Model of Inspiration in our 2024 Luncheon and Fashion Show. Maybe you prefer to be a peer mentor to someone who is starting a journey down the road you have already traveled. Your willingness to share your experience might not seem like a significant way to donate your time but it could be invaluable to someone else.
Of course, it is the season of giving, and despite our success, there is more to be done. While Breast Cancer Alliance works all year long to provide education, resources, and medical access to breast cancer patients and caregivers nationwide through our programs and life-saving grants, one more gift might truly save the life of the person in receipt of your generosity. We have heard the first-hand stories of women whose cancers were found, and whose lives were saved, due to mammograms for which BCA covered the cost. To give that gift of life, visit breastcanceralliance.org today.
Wishing you holidays and a new year filled with joy, health and peace.
Yonni has been serving as Executive Director of Breast Cancer Alliance since June 2011, a local charity upon her arrival and now one of the highest-ranked and most prominent breast cancer charities in the United States. Yonni remains an active volunteer, currently serving as a board member on the Jewish Book Council and member of the Community Advisory Council of Greenwich Hospital. In 2019 she was honored to be named one of “40 Fascinating Women” by WAG Magazine and as a “Woman Who Inspires” in 2021 by the YWCA. Yonni is also a certified health coach and founder of Yon Appetit, yonappetit.com, offering healthy recipes, tips and personalized nutritional coaching.
