Stories of Survival, Hope & Remembrance
“I had no idea about the PinkGloveDance. I was forwarded the link of one of the videos and I LOVED IT! The videos are great, they made me laugh, sigh, and even cry. My mother just received great news that her recent biopsy was benign, my aunt just had a tumor removed and my grandmother battled two bouts of breast cancer - but is a strong survivor. I would be surprised to meet an individual today who does not know at least one person who has battled breast cancer.
These videos bring me joy that so many health facilities and non-health groups have particpated in this incredible contest to further the fight to find a cure. I work for a small community clinic in South Los Angeles, we provide mammography services to our patients and the community, I am putting this contest on my 2012 calendar, we will submit a video next year!”
Jackie
Los Angeles, CA
“ I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May of this year on a routine mammogram. Within three weeks, I was diagnosed, biopsied and scheduled for a mastectomy at the Breast Center at Palmetto Health Baptist here in Columbia, SC. I can't say enough about the nurses, physicians, techs and support staff at both Baptist and the Breast Center. I received excellent and compassionate care -- and, as a nurse myself -- I can be a little critical about patient care. Fortunately, my lymph nodes, bone scan and CT were negative. I know that I am very, very lucky! I have encouraged every woman I know to have their mammograms and become involved in funding and finding a cure for breast cancer.”
Joanne C.
Columbia, SC
“ That was inspiring to watch the Cambridge Nebraska Tri Valley! On Febuary Fae Hamilton passed away after finding out she had cancer six days previous. I have many people in my family as well who have passed away or who are struggling with cancer. Watching the video was so inspiring! Thank you and god bless!!!!!!”
Molly W.
Randolph, NE
“ WOW! I think I have laughed, cried, smiled. Thank you all so much. My Cousin was diagnosed last month and has had both breasts removed, and starts her chemo soon. We are having a shaving of her head party on the 16th. She has been so strong through this and watching the videos has given a lot of encouragment to everyone! God Bless you all and may peace be with us all!”
Linda
Holland, MI
“My wonderful mother was diagnosed with breast cancer 20 years ago and since her lumpectomy, she has been cancer-free since then. I am so grateful for her ongoing health, and with her, advocate for breast cancer research and prevention at home and in the workplace. I was so glad to participate in the Pink Glove Dance Video at my organization, MorseLife, and even more important, am pleased that MorseLife is so proactive about ensuring the health and well-being of its employees. My best to all!”
Greg G.
Coral Springs, FL
“Well done you dancers!!… for portraying our story. Thanks to all who have helped in breast cancer care, research and treatment. 20 years ago I was discharged post op from my hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia and am truly grateful on this special Thanksgiving.
I had a modified radical mastectomy in 1990 followed by six months of chemo; a silicon implant the following year which posed no problems but had the implant replaced with a saline one in 2009 (18 years later). Again I am so grateful for the care I received and the life I have enjoyed as a survivor.”
Ruth D.
Sackville, NS
“Thank you so much for making these videos. I just watched the sequel and I am laughing through my tears. As a 4 1/2 year survivor, knowing that so many healthcare workers and others care enough about raising awareness to participate in this video is so moving. I want to be in your next video!!!”
Margaret F.
Phoenix, AZ
“I loved seeing the Pink Glove Dance! I had two different kinds of breast cancer, at the same time; one in each breast. As a result, I had a bilateral mastectomy 6 years ago. I do not have to see my oncologist for almost a year! I am so finished with B/C! Thanks for the wonderful spirit and support!”
Sally C.
Hilton Head Island, SC
“I am lucky thanks to early detection — without it, I would still have breast cancer. Breast cancer runs in my family. I have two sisters who were diagnosed and treated within two years of each other. Their doctors suggested that they be tested for the BRCA gene to see if that was going to be an issue in the family. They were both tested and both were positive for the BRCA-II gene. At that point, the doctors suggested the family be tested. Let me tell you, I am one of 12 children in my family. I tested positive for the BRCA-II gene as well as five of five sisters tested. It was recommended that I have a hysterectomy (full) to reduce my chances of getting breast cancer from 80% to 40%. I got the hysterectomy and two years later (almost to the day), I was back on the table for a lumpectomy. It was biopsied and was positive for cancer.
Participating in the Pink Glove Dance was AWESOME! It was a great day and it felt wonderful to be with so many others who had similar stories and the people who helped us (the patients) through it all. When the healthcare workers were dancing with us, we were high-fiving them and thanking them for everything they do. I am so lucky to have known about the breast cancer early and to be working at Medline.
Helen F.
Mundelein, IL
“I want to thank you for sharing these wonderful videos that you have created. I was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour on my brain when I was only 13 years old. Two years later, I lost my grandmother to breast cancer when she was only 50 years old. When I watch the videos, it makes me want to cry because I miss her. I think that if there were some of the resources then that there are today, she would still be with us. In recent years, my mother also had a pre-cancerous lump removed from her breast. It scares me to think that I, myself, may become a victim of this disease that has touched so many lives. I just want to have the opportunity to thank all of the wonderful organizations and companies that have worked and fought so hard for something so well known. One day, there will be a cure and no one will have to worry about it again.”
Melissa
Kalamazoo, MI
“I was diagnosed in November 2009 at a work mammogram unit. I would like to thank all the people that helped me through my treatment. Each one is an angel! Life is precious. Don’t waste one minute!”
Susan S.
Client Services Specialist IV
Liberty Mutual Ancillary Services Department
Progressive Medical, Inc.
Margaret Smith lost her battle with breast cancer on July 5, 2010. She participated in the original Pink Glove Dance while being treated at Providence St. Vincent’s Medical Center. Following is a note from her family:
“That video was such a special thing for Mom — something so unique and different than anything she would have ever done! After spreading her ashes at the coast, we played the Pink Glove Dance song and danced to it in the parking lot. I think she would have enjoyed it.
John S. and Family
Newberg, OR
“Watching this video is the first time I’ve cried over my breast cancer. I hadn’t realized how alone I felt, even though surrounded by caring family and friends. The fact that so many health care workers were donning pink gloves and dancing to show that I am not alone touched me deeply. Are there any plans for a Pink Glove Dance in Denver? Thank you from my heart for this video.”
Jenny W.
Ft. Collins, CO
“What an experience! I danced in Chicago… an absolutely perfect day. There I was, a breast cancer survivor (10 years!) surrounded by the love and support of other survivors and the health professionals who share our experiences in the most personal way. As NBC Chicago’s Health and Nutrition Contributor, I suggested to our viewers to come out and dance with me. Meeting the many women who did was marvelous — sharing stories, laughing and crying together as we danced and danced and danced…”
Sandy G.
Chicago, IL
“Thank you for everything you did last Saturday for my sister, niece and family. To see my sister and niece smiling meant everything to me and my family. I cannot express my gratitude enough through words. But again, thank you. They truly had a blast and my niece loves her Deb dolls. What you guys and Medline are doing is so awesome and is touching the lives of so many. It makes me proud to say I work for Medline.
Hank I.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
“Thank you. I am a 21-year survivor. This is beautiful. It takes so many people working with us to reach the goal of a long life. We have come a long way. There are so many more to reach — men and women throughout the world suffer and die because of breast cancer. I live in a high risk area in the Bay Area of California. Keep dancing, it is working and helping many people. May God Bless all of you in the Medical Field.”
Madonna N.
Concord, CA
“This evening, as I was watching ABC World News Tonight with Charles Gibson, I heard him mention two of the worst words I have ever heard: Breast Cancer. These words leave a huge lump in my stomach and can almost instantaneously bring a tear to my eye. It is because these two horrific words took my mama, Eleanor Margaret Strelecky away from me August 30, 2004 at 7:45 a.m. She was a mere 56 years of age. I was lucky enough to say goodbye, but not willingly.
My mother was amazing. By amazing, I mean she was both warm and loving. Don’t get me wrong, she was by no means perfect, and, at times, she drove me up a wall! She always encouraged me to try at everything though. I loved to perform and she got me on every stage she possibly could. I made up silly dances and songs and she would sit in her recliner any time I needed an audience. She laughed so hard and would applaud every time.
My mother was so sarcastic. When I would cry and get whiney, she would come at me as if to comfort me, and then start applauding announcing I had won the award for best dramatic performance!
She had a lust for life, and I know that she was so cheated by breast cancer. She had battled it on and off for four years. She knew way before I did that this little terrorist was going to win, but she stood strong in silence.
A week before her passing, I found out through my stepfather, that she did not have much time left. I scurried to buy a plane ticket from Iowa down to Georgia where she lived. In transit, I wrote down as many memories as I could think of between her and me. Some of them were the stupidest jokes, but I did not want to forget a thing.
The day before she passed, I walked into her bedroom where she lay in a semi-conscious state. She was heavily sedated and the cancer had metastasized to her liver, lungs, and brain. I sat in a chair by her bed and read her all of the memories I had written down, trying hard to enunciate through the ever-growing tears in my eyes that caused my voice to quiver. When I was done reading them, I kissed my mother’s hand and told her over and over again how much I loved her. This wasn’t enough though; I had to hug her. I carefully sat down on her bed and as I leaned in to embrace her frail body, I saw a tear from her eye. I knew seeing her tear I was going to lose it completely and become hysterical. At the brink of this happening, my mother became completely coherent, opened her eyes wide and said, “And the award for best dramatic performance goes to: Bwinny (her nickname for me)!”
She then laughed, gave me a look of “Oh please,” and said, “Now get off the bed. There isn’t much room as it is!”
I took a step back and was stunned, but then began to laugh uncontrollably at my mother’s comic relief in such a sad moment as saying a final goodbye! There was my mama, in all her glory, being a smart-ass just as if it was any other day.
When I saw the brief [Pink Glove Dance] clip on ABC World News, I smiled and shivers ran down my spine. It was the same feeling that came over me that day in my mother’s bedroom. I quickly jumped on YouTube and watched the video in its entirety. I cried the entire way through, but tears of joy. And I laughed. As I laughed, I looked up at the sky and said to my mama: I know you are thinking this is hilarious!
The point of this letter was not to ramble on and on, but to thank you for making such a funny video and for everyone’s commitment to participating in something that is sure to increase breast cancer awareness. The choreography was like nothing I’ve ever seen, and I think you have some future Broadway dancers on your hands! You made me laugh in a time when Christmas is around the corner and I begin missing my mother more than ever. Most importantly, you provided me with a laugh that I shared with my mother up in heaven and for that, I am forever grateful because I just received the best Christmas present ever!
Happy holidays to each and every one of you at that hospital and keep donning those pink gloves because they suit you all very well. I send the biggest hug to every star in that video!
Melinda Sara C.
Wellman, Iowa
