The HEA Cafe

Then it’s both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and time for the KIA Writing Marathon at RWA Online.

Once upon a time, there was a member of RWA Online named Kia Cochrane who developed breast cancer. In her memory, the chapter coordinates a writing marathon each year for the month of October. During this month, those of us who sign up for the marathon cheer each other on, share recipes for quick meals (so our families don’t starve) and get a whole lot of writing done. This year, the volunteer organizers have added links for us to donate to breast cancer research programs and to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer (in which one of our members is participating). It’s also a reminder to all of us to book a check-up.

I joined the chapter after the loss of Kia and never had the good luck to meet her, but each year, this marathon takes on an extra layer of meaning for me. One in four women contract breast cancer, and each year, I can add a few more names to the list. Many of those friends and associates are fellow writers, even other members of RWAOL, and they are foremost in my thoughts in this month of months.

We don’t have to lose our friends, family, sisters, selves. Cancer can be beaten, with spirit and with medical research, and October is our month to make a difference.

The KIA Marathon is a celebration of life, because creating in any media is a celebration of what it is to be alive. It commemorates the past by honouring Kia and all the other woman each of us have known who have fought this far-too-familiar battle. It gives strength to the present, but allowing each of us to build bonds with each other, to cheer for those among us who have been triumphant, to offer a helping hand to those facing their battle. And it gives hope to the future, by encouraging us to involve with research groups and charities, by reminding each and every one of us to book a boob-smash mammogram, by helping us to reach out to our sisters facing this challenge.

So, whether you’re a member of RWA Online or not, put on your pink ribbon bracelet for the month of October, get your butt into your chair, book your boobies to be smashed, and write your heart out this month. Honour the past, fortify the present and build a better future for women everywhere.

We can dream it, so we can do it. It’ll be easier if we work together.

Claire

Château Delacroix
Claire Cross online
Deborah Cooke’s site
Alive & Knitting blog

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