Traditions of America has a longstanding history of supporting our community through a variety of charities that are near and dear to the hearts of homeowners and team members alike. In the past we’ve participated in marathons, walkathons, fundraisers and more. This month, 275 homeowners at Traditions of America’s 55+ communities throughout Pennsylvania are coming together and walking to shine a light on breast cancer as a part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
These Traditions of America Trekkers are measuring their steps each day using special pink pedometers. Each week we’ll record and share updates on how many steps and miles they have walked as a part of this effort. We will also share stories of those within the Traditions of America family who have been personally impacted by breast cancer.
Below is the story of cancer survivor (and Silver Spring resident) Kathie.
“I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in January 2003. I traveled to Johns Hopkins for surgery in March, where I had a lumpectomy. Ten lymph nodes were also removed and a sentinel node biopsy was done.
I started the first of eight chemo treatments (one every three weeks) on Memorial Day weekend 2003. By the end of January 2004, I was finished with 30 radiation treatments. But in June and December 2004, mammograms showed “suspicious calcifications” in my left breast again!
As a result, in March 2005 I had a double mastectomy. I went through months of lymphedema myofascial massage therapy so I could raise my arms again to direct my music.
In honor of my 60th birthday — and to celebrate my 10th anniversary as a breast cancer survivor — my daughter and I participated in the Susan B. Komen 3-day, 60-mile walk for breast cancer in the Philadelphia area, September 12–14, 2014. I want to thank TOA and my many friends and relatives for their support throughout this journey.”
We invite you to join us in our efforts to raise awareness by sharing your own stories and celebrations. To do so just become a blog subscriber and share your story using the comment form at the bottom of the blog page. You can also support your local Traditions of America community by cheering on your neighbors and other Traditions Of America homeowners who are taking part in Breast Cancer Awareness activities by visiting Facebook and “Like”ing their activities.
