Pinktober : Inspired by Michelle Gottfried
The American Cancer Society estimates that over 276,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020.
What do you do when someone you love is one of these women?
This is a question I asked myself last summer. My dear friend Michelle posted her diagnosis on Instagram. I read the post four times, my mind unable to comprehend how she could have breast cancer. Hundreds of thoughts flew through my brain at once. She’s too young, I thought. Barely 30, there’s no way. Do I need to get checked? I’m only a few years older than her. I stood with phone in hand, trying to come up with words to say to her. Nada. I felt helpless, unsure, scared, and worried over saying the wrong thing.
Today’s post is inspired by my friend Michelle Gottfried. She is pictured on the cover ringing her bell (commemorating the end of her chemotherapy treatments) September 11th of this year.
I will never understand the loss and grief she’s living with. And that’s okay. The best thing to do is listen, not try to fix or explain, and hold space.
Even though she’s finished treatment, she’s not at the end of her breast cancer journey. She’s being extremely open on her experiences on Instagram, and I encourage you to read what she shares. I’ve learned so much from her.
This post is dedicated to all women who have fought breast cancer.
Thank you for supporting this important conversation.
Meet michelle
I met Michelle in Kenya. A bright, bubbly, brilliant brunette hailing from Charleston SC, I immediately felt kinship with her!
Michelle and me prepping for wheel at Amboseli in Kenya.
Our bond grew through shared experiences, deep conversations, and love for science (she is a biostatistician).
Michelle flew to AZ for my surprise wedding (she figured out it wasn’t an engagement party) and served as Brian’s witness on our marriage certificate.
Our Baptiste Yoga family at my and Brian’s wedding.
Michelle was one of few people who really understood what I was going through after my brain injury, and the first person I felt comfortable talking with about my mental health when I struggled to cope with my new normal.
Michelle teaching a powerful class (pre covid) at Charleston Power Yoga.
Awareness
Michelle’s story is not mine to tell. She has taught me so much through her posts on Instagram. I encourage you to follow her and read about her experiences.
You’ll find a woman who is open, honest, empowering, smart, funny, passionate about Clemson football, wellness, and movement. I adore her and know you will too.
I’ve been amazed by her daily workouts throughout her treatment. She is a bad@$$ !
support
Survivors of trauma need support. If you are able, consider donating to organizations that support breast cancer patients and survivors.
Handful is a brand recommended by Michelle for bras. Handful provides discounted bras for women post-mastectomy, and donates 12.5% of proceeds of their Battle Cry Pink bras to the Young Survival Coalition in honor of the 12.5% of women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Shop Handful here.
There are three brands I work with who are donating proceeds to breast cancer survivor charities this month. If you purchase through my links, I will join you by donating my commissions to The Breasties (Michelle’s organization of choice).
Gorjana is donating 50% of profits from their Power Gemstone bracelet for Compassion (click HERE to purchase; I will donate my commission from anything you purchase through my link).
Blenders is donating 100% of profits from their Keep A Breast sunglasses (click HERE and use code PARTNER15 for 15% off; I will donate my commission from anything you purchase through my link).
Medterra is donating 15% of profits and offering 15% off on purchases (click HERE and use my code BEFOXYFIT for 15% off; I will donate my commission from anything you purchase through my link).
Please email me here if you choose to purchase through these links so I can track and donate my commissions.
Virtual yoga Class benefiting the breasties
On Thursday, 10/22 at 5:45pm EST, Charleston Power Yoga is hosting a donations class. Sign up here; Charleston Power Yoga is donating 100% of proceeds to The Breasties in honor of Michelle.
The realities of cancer treatment.
Thank you for reading and partnering with me today.
Be kind 💗
