Did you know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? We’re honored to feature a powerful guest article from Ami Hindia, a conscious leader in the retirement plan space and a breast cancer survivor. In this deeply personal piece, Ami shares her journey and reminds us that while the pink ribbons bring awareness, it’s the actions we take—like early detection and support—that make the real difference.
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Beyond the Pink: A Survivor’s Call to Action for Early Detection
by Ami Hindia
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it’s important I tell you this early.
It’s not just about wearing pink and “Saving the Tatas.” It’s not about pub crawls and cute Facebook posts.
That just ain’t it, friend.
Sit down, please. You need to hear why.
I was 42 and a mom of 3 when I first heard my radiologist say “cancer” and my name in the same sentence. You never forget that moment. Life stops for a second. For me, it happened 3 years ago. May 5th, 2021, to be exact. Within seconds of my initial diagnosis to my prognosis 9 days later…my mind shut down. I couldn’t wrap my brain around it. And, I felt sorry for myself. And, I kept asking, why me?
Was I thinking about my breasts or whether I could keep my hair?
Absolutely. But, I also thought about my 3 little girls and my fate.
Let me tell you my story.
In April, I went in for my first ever mammogram.
Illinois recommends that women get annual mammograms starting age 40. I put it off for 2 1/2 years due to having my 3rd child at 40 and because COVID would have been the only reason I would have gone to the hospital in that 18 or so months. Within days I had another mammogram, then a biopsy, and then on May 5th, I experienced my heart sink when I got the call with cancer and my name in the same sentence. Stage 0 Breast Cancer. Nobody in my family has any kind of cancer. It was caught early, yet I had so many questions. And so many tears. Every day felt like an eternity before I met my oncologist who held my fate. I had my lumpectomy on June 15th, and a few days later, I got the call from my doctor, following my pathology report, stating that the cancer was officially out of my body.
I share this story, not for pity or sympathy, but to say PLEASE get checked early. Even if there is no cancer history in your family. Get checked. I heard it all the time, and I myself discounted the notion and waited. There is a reason why that message is out there. If you get checked and nothing is there, that is so wonderful! And, if you get checked and there is something, I hope they catch it early on, like me, to get it out. No one is immune to getting cancer, unfortunately.
One in 8 American women will end up with this disease. 40,000 a year will die.
And yes it matters. It matters to me. It’s the only silver lining I can find from getting cancer myself…to make sure I spread the message.
Mine was caught early at Stage 0, and I had still had options.
I know that’s not always the case. My sister-in-law died 7 years ago after battling Stage 4 breast cancer for 8 years.
So this October, I ask you, please, to do more than post a slogan. To do so much more than wear pink. I ask you to ask yourself:
What if this was someone I loved?
What if it was me?
One in 8.
Your friends, your family, your children.
One in 8.
Does a bar crawl or a sly Facebook status seem even remotely appropriate?
Or does it fall grossly, utterly short?
I think we all know the answer.
October is here, and the world will wear pink. So, I ask you to make this month matter.
Thank you.
Ami
If Ami’s story has inspired you, we invite you to connect with us. Whether it’s to share your own experience, seek support, or learn how you can get involved in making a difference, we’re here. Let’s connect!