no pink ribbon for me

I have never preferred the color pink. I was always a tomboy who preferred blues, purples, greys (mostly charcoal), some green, and black. I even spent all of eighth grade wearing at least one item of purple each day. I cannot remember owning anything pink especially light baby girl pink. It's not that I'm not feminine. I am, but that color does not define nor does it describe me (and it looks bad with my coloring).

After I learned my diagnosis of breast cancer, I was horrified that everywhere I turned I was supported by the light pink that symbolizes the many who have lived and died through diagnosis and treatment. I actually did not receive many tokens of love and support in that wretched color because those close to me knew my feelings.

As time passed and I interacted with other survivors, I grew to love the color (especially shades of hot pink!). I progressed through my treatments at times filled with such anger and sadness. It was the most difficult time in my life. At some point, I purchased these pink shoes to represent my struggle against breast cancer that continues through this day. I added some star laces to remind me of the many chemo and radiation treatments I pushed through to be able to share this story.