Did you know that on average, a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer every 2 minutes? These women are not alone, as 2,620 men are also projected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in the US this year.
For Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, Catalyst and Ce3 not only made a commitment to raising awareness but also to funding life-saving research with the help of our staff. To raise awareness and funds for the cause, Catalyst and Ce3 hosted a social media campaign for the month of October where employees would submit photos showing how they support those who are or have been impacted by breast cancer. Together, Catalyst and Ce3 are donating the total number of likes in dollars (up to $5,000) received on the photos to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). Keep reading to learn just how much money we raised for BCRF!
Catalyst and Ce3 are passionate about supporting breast cancer research because every second counts for the patients and their families living with cancer. With 1 in 8 women developing breast cancer in her lifetime, most people have been personally impacted by this illness in some way, shape, or form. One of our very own, Diane Kosarko, shares her story with us this month in hopes that it will inspire women to go for their yearly mammograms and check-ups.
How did you first discover you might have breast cancer?
“It was a normal Tuesday morning back in early March 2018, and I was looking forward to my yearly mammogram and ultrasound. The mammogram went as expected. The ultrasound started with the left breast screening and all looks good, then onto the right where we noticed a dark spot. The doctor showed some concern and said a report would immediately go to my Gynecologist who would call me. She could not voice an opinion just from the ultrasound of what the spot was.”
How did you learn of your diagnosis?
“I will never forget the day the radiologist called me at work to give me the results, “Diane, I’m sorry to say that you have cancer.” Of course, tears ran down my face. What does this mean? Was it the same kind of breast cancer my mom had? It was not the same kind of cancer, it was HER2+ – a protein type cancer rather than hormonal, but showed to be stage 1. Chemotherapy would be a must as well radiation.”
How did you feel after you began your cancer journey?
“I went to work after my consultation, and of course, my wonderful co-workers were concerned. The support I had at work was a true blessing, and the more I shared with them, the more I felt at ease and relieved that I was not alone in all of this. I was surrounded by a bunch of angels, and I knew I was where I was supposed to be at Ce3. I don’t know how people can go through something like this and try to keep it a secret!”
How are you currently feeling?
“Now, I am on the uphill mend. I can’t imagine working through all the treatments and not having the support I’ve had during my cancer journey. The team even gave me a Chemo Graduation Party which I will never forget!”
What advice do you have to share as a result of your experience?
“The only thing I can say is ladies, YOU MUST GO FOR YOUR YEARLY mammograms and check-ups. There is no excuse not to!”
Thank you, Diane, for bravely sharing your story to help raise awareness for breast cancer and early detection.
Diane along with several other team members participated in our social media campaign during the month of October to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Together, our staff submitted 10 pictures and gained over 1800 total likes. Catalyst and Ce3 are proud to donate the grand total of $1843.00 to the BCRF and are grateful to all our staff for their support with this effort.
Be sure to view all the photos in our Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign 2020 album on Facebook!
