Hi, my name is Jennie Slosarik, and today I would like to share with you my family's journey with breast cancer. I was four years old when my mom was first diagnosed so honestly I do not ever remember a time when cancer was not a part of my life. In the beginning I was so young that my memories have become wrapped up in the stories my family has told me, but the one thing I do remember is being afraid. When you are a child you should not have to worry about losing your parents. After all they are supposed to raise you and be there for you right? So when you watch your mom get so sick and lose all of her hair it is hard not to be afraid. As I have grown up I realize now that watching my mom fight so hard and go through everything she has faced has made me stronger and even though there are days that I am still afraid, I know that no matter what happens to my mom, I have to stay strong and believe that God has a plan for everyone, and this is just part of his plan for me. Throughout the years my parents have taught me that the best way to beat cancer is to help others and to help find a cure. Just as I never remember a time when my mom did not have cancer, I also never remember a time when my family was not involved in organizations such as the Susan G. Komen 3Day helping others and working towards a cure. While many of my
friends spend their extra time playing video games, I have always spent my extra time fundraising for organizations and attending events that
promote awareness and finding a cure. I have come to know the face of cancer and have had to teach others that maybe there is a reason
that a person does not have any hair and that bald can be beautiful. I do not remember my mom crying very much throughout the years as she is a very positive person, but I do remember her crying the day she lost her hair. I told her that she was beautiful with or without hair because true beauty is on the inside of a person. I have learned that scars are a badge of honor not something that should be hidden from the world or looked at in fear or disgust. Scars should be celebrated because each scar whether or not they are physical or
emotional tells their own story and that story is survival. I
know that cancer is hard but I also know that facing hard things makes
us stronger and strong people can survive and win. It is ok to be
afraid and it is ok to be sad but it is not ok to accept defeat. My parents and the people we have met while fighting this disease have
taught me this lesson. I know that I will never be alone because of
people I have met through Susan G. Komen. I have an amazing family but I have also found a second family that is just as important by our
participation in organizations that fight for a cure. My mom may be the survivor but my family and I are too. I believe that is
because we not only fought for ourselves but for others as well. I know that every time I help others my own fears seem to go away. It is hard to be afraid when you are standing strong with others. Thank you for allowing me to share my story Please support me as I take an amazing journey in the fight to end breast cancer! The Susan G. Komen 3-Day TM is a 60-mile walk over the course of three days. Net proceeds from the 3-Day are invested in breast cancer research and community programs