"Imagine a chorus created for those of us who are touched by breast cancer."
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"Imagine a chorus created for those of us who are touched by breast cancer."
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By Melinda Pollack-Harris
As my journey as a breast cancer patient began, I sought out others that had experienced or were experiencing what I was going through. I had unlimited support from family, friends and at work, but there’s nothing like talking to someone who’s been there so I sought out support groups. I found that these support groups offer wonderful programs that provide cancer patients and survivors a welcomed distraction. What I found glaringly missing, for me, was an interactive musical outlet. I was very surprised to see this type of activity missing since music is such a healing activity. I did some further research on a variety of support groups and found there were, in fact, no interactive musical offerings available. So, to fill this void, I decided to start one myself. I spoke with family and friends about “this idea I have” and received a lot of encouragement. The Sing to Live Community Chorus was born. |
August
10, 2004 was the day my life was redirected. It was the day I was told abnormal
cells were found in a recent biopsy. I was told I needed surgery and radiation
treatments. It wasn’t until radiation was mentioned that I asked the
radiologist, "Is this cancer?" She said, “I’m afraid so. She quickly proceeded
to tell me that the cancer was found very early, the tumor very small and if
anyone were to get breast cancer, the type I have is the ‘best’ kind to have.
She also said that while this is difficult news, it should prove to be a ‘blip’
in my life.