The Wellness Committee at Nazareth hosted a Breast Cancer Awareness event on Oct. 15. Sisters and employees were invited to wear pink and participate in activities related to Breast Cancer Awareness, including writing messages of hope for local patients dealing with cancer.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Take Action Now
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and encourage early detection. Early diagnosis saves lives, and being proactive about your health can make all the difference. Here are steps you can take:
- Schedule Regular Screenings: Mammograms are crucial for detecting breast cancer early. Women over 40 or those with a family history should schedule annual screenings. Consult your doctor for personalized screening recommendations.
- Know the Symptoms: Be aware of common signs of breast cancer, such as lumps, changes in breast shape or size, and unusual discharge. If you notice anything abnormal, contact your healthcare provider.
- Practice Self-Exams: Regularly perform self-breast exams to familiarize yourself with how your breasts normally look and feel. This can help you detect any changes early on.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, exercising, and limiting alcohol can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Staying healthy is key to overall cancer prevention.
- Spread the Word: Educate others about the importance of early detection and encourage them to get screened. Awareness can lead to action, which can save lives.
For more resources and information, visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org.
A Cancer Winner: Sister Malini’s Journey of Faith
In June 2011, Sister Malini Manjoly, SCN, faced one of the greatest challenges of her life. Diagnosed with breast cancer, she underwent a mastectomy followed by six rounds of chemotherapy. The experience was physically grueling, but through it all, Sister Malini’s faith was her guiding strength. “I imagined that I was putting my head in the lap of Blessed Mother Mary when I needed comfort,” she shares, describing how her faith sustained her during the most trying times.
The first chemotherapy session was a shock to her system. Unable to blink or sleep, she felt her body weaken under the strain. “My body became extremely weak and hot,” she recalls. Yet, despite the physical hardships — sore mouth, loss of hair, and inability to walk freely — Sister Malini never gave up. Each day presented a new challenge, but she leaned on her faith, often imagining herself resting on the shoulder of Jesus for comfort.
Through the darkest moments, Sister Malini embraced her suffering with quiet strength. Even when she had to eat plain boiled food for five months, give up her beloved morning coffee, and endure the pain of her treatments, she never lost hope. “I could not deal with the hair fall,” she admits, but in a bold act of courage, she shaved off her hair completely.
Sister Malini’s trust in God was a source of strength throughout her journey. Despite the isolation caused by her sensitivity to smell—“no one could come close to me”—she found solace in the running fan in her room and in joining her community for Mass and prayers from a distance.
Sister Malini’s determination and faith carried her through the most difficult days. “I continued my full-time work except the travels during my chemo sessions,” she notes. Her perseverance and reliance on faith were intertwined, helping her push through each challenge.
Her journey did not end with the last chemotherapy session. It took another year and a half for her to walk freely again, yet she remained resilient. Traveling to various places, including Delhi to purchase a breast prosthesis, she faced her new reality with courage and a deep belief in God’s presence in her life. “I am glad I went through the chemotherapy sessions though it was very tough on my body,” she reflects.
Sister Malini does not consider herself a cancer survivor but a “cancer winner.” Her faith guided her through the darkest moments and into the light of recovery. Today, she stands victorious, not just over her illness, but as an example of the strength that comes from trusting in God and finding hope.
May her story remind us all of the power of faith and perseverance when we place our trust in God, no matter how difficult the journey may be.