Those Dreaded Words!

What are the odds that both sisters in one family would hear the dreaded words: breast cancer? Susan was diagnosed first.

"Nancy?" called Susan... "Promise me... promise me that you will do everything you can to get rid of this disease... Promise me that I won't die in vain. Help the others who still live."

That was the wish of Susan Koman.

"My sister was a 33-year-old beautiful young woman who was literally scared to death." said Nancy in a television interview.

Susan died in 1980 and on her death bed, Nancy promised to do everything in her power to find not only a cure for breast cancer but to make reality her sister's wish of a cancer free world!
Pink Ribbon

In 1982, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure was born. Nancy took seriously her promise to her only sister and since then the organization has raised nearly 1 BILLION dollars!!

Obviously Nancy is not your ordinary fund raiser! She has been in a very unique position to influence major donors, political figures and even Heads of State. You see, Nancy has served under several United States presidents in various capacities from an appointment to the National Cancer Advisory Board under Former President Reagan to being named Chief of Protocol of the United States under President George W. Bush.

The Koman Race for the Cure, too has grown under Nancy's leadership... from a race in Dallas, TX U.S.A. with about 800 participants, to a series of races covering more than 100 cities with 1 million people. Everything she touches seems to prosper. But you know, she is not just fulfilling the wish of her sister... she is also living the life of a cancer survivor.

You see, Nancy was also diagnosed with breast cancer just 4 years after Susan's death. So the race for the cure is also a race for a personal cure.

Brinker says in the same interview, "I am beginning to see, as are others, a time when we can turn this disease into a manageable chronic disease. So, if a woman and man are diagnosed, it doesn't have to feel a death threat."

Being cancer free now for over 20 years, Nancy knows the fears and hopes of each woman and family member she meets with. Personable and approachable, Nancy is at ease with everyone... from her political comrades to the stranger in the store.

One day Nancy will be able to greet her sister and tell her she did what she said she would do... she raised national and world-wide awareness and millions of dollars to rid the world of breast cancer.

What would you do if your sister asked you to help others as she lay dying?

Would you try to forget the promise?

Would you take it seriously and give it all you had?

What would you do if you, too, were diagnosed with the SAME disease?

I hope you take courage and hope from Nancy and Susan's lives... their life connection that lives today.

Next time, you see that familiar pink ribbon, remember the 2 sisters that together battle cancer!

It doesn't matter if you don't have billions of dollars or 100,000 volunteers for your favorite organization... It doesn't matter if you are not acquainted with the President of the United States... What does matter is that you live your life with purpose... with passion. Nancy lives each day knowing her sister would be proud of her.

I challenge you to live like that. Find that cause to lose yourself in. Take Susan's courage and make it your own. Take Nancy's strength and embrace it. You can... just like they did... because…

Someone Believes In YOU!

And I do, too!
Suess Karlsson

P.S. If you need to be reminded today just how very special you are go to: A Movie Just For You!

And if you want to know more about what this is all about, just go to www.SomeoneBelievesInYou.com