Women make up the majority of romance readers and writers. Most of those diagnosed with breast cancer are women too. They are our grandmothers, mothers and aunts. They are our sisters, daughters and nieces. And they are our wives and cousins, friends and colleagues.

I’m the daughter, granddaughter and cousin of women who battled breast cancer. Each October, Breast Cancer Awareness month in the UK and around the world, I wear my pink ribbon in support and memory too.

For those who lost their battle and for those who are still fighting and surviving. For those who care for breast cancer patients and their families, and who carry out research to find a cure for a disease that’s blighted too many lives.

Breast cancer has also touched members of my writing community at Blue Ridge Literary Agency.

I’m inspired by Mackenzie Crowne, who recounted her story in her survivor’s guide, Where Would You Like Your Nipple?, to help others facing a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Jim Cangany’s new novel, Wish Upon a Star, is inspired by what he and his wife experienced during her breast cancer journey. Jim’s donating a portion of the royalty from the sale of each copy of Wish through the end of October to the US-based Avon Foundation for Women, Breast Cancer Crusade, and he’s also interviewing breast cancer survivors on his blog, including his wife and niece.

On 24 October, I’m wearing pink for “wear it pink,” helping to raise awareness of and funds for the UK’s Breast Cancer Campaign, a breast cancer research charity. I encourage you to join me, celebrating and remembering those in your life or community who have been impacted by breast cancer too.

On behalf of my daughter, English Rose, and I, and everyone who comments on this post, I’ll also make a donation to “wear it pink.”

Each of us can make a difference, for as Mahatma Gandhi reminds us, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”

More information

Jim Cangany’s blog  

Buy Wish Upon a Star at Amazon UK

Mackenzie Crowne’s website

Buy Where Would You Like Your Nipple? at Amazon UK

Avon Foundation for Women, Breast Cancer Crusade

Wear it pink

Breast Cancer Campaign

10 Comments

  1. Jim Cangany

    Your words are beautiful, Jen, and I’m honored to be wearing pink with you today. This is a disease that affects women, and men, across the globe, and I thank you for your efforts in fighting it, because while cancer sucks, cancer survivors rock!

    Reply
    • Jen Gilroy

      Thank you, Jim. I’m honoured you joined me here today and also say thank you to you for sharing your wife’s journey – which is your journey too.

      Reply
  2. Kelly Moran

    Well said. So proud of all of you and wishing you health! XO

    Reply
    • Jen Gilroy

      Thanks, Kelly. Appreciate your support. XO in return from English Rose and I.

      Reply
  3. Roxanne Smith

    Lovely article!

    Reply
    • Jen Gilroy

      Thank you, Roxanne. I appreciate you stopping by to read and comment on this post.

      Reply
  4. Mackenzie Crowne

    Sweet post, Jen. Yay you for shining the light on this senseless disease. One day the cure will be found as long as we keep marching forward with awareness.

    Mac

    Reply
    • Jen Gilroy

      Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Mac. I’m honoured to have you here. One of the reasons I’m supporting Breast Cancer Campaign via this post is because money raised goes to breast cancer research, and the search for a cure.

      Reply
  5. Susanna Bavin

    What a lovely post, Jen. So thoughtful and sensitive. Over the years I have lost several colleagues to breast cancer – wonderful lives cut short. Four years ago, my best friend had breast cancer and I am happy to report that she is one of the beautiful survivors.

    Loved Jim’s reply, too.

    Reply
    • Jen Gilroy

      Thanks, as always, for your support, Susanna, and commenting on my blog. So glad your friend is a survivor. xx

      Reply

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