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Patricia Washburn's avatar

My last three weeks on the road have been so enlightening after talking with several of our men…and several of our widows. We need to keep honest lines of communication open so everyone feels comfortable talking about this topic. My ribbon will always be pink AND blue. 🩷💙🩷

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Kristina Adams Waldorf, MD's avatar

Thank you, Pat, for everything that you do!!!

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Rich's avatar

My parents ordered a box of hats with the pink and blue ribbon on the front and “Male Breast Cancer Awareness Saves Lives” printed on the side. The hats were given to family and friends at Thanksgiving (2017) after I completed chemo treatments. I’m grateful to have a loving and supportive family.

I’m so sorry you lost your husband to this disease. Thank you for your commitment to increasing awareness.

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Patricia Washburn's avatar

Thank you, Rich. Meeting our men and their loved ones on their home turf has been so good for my heart and soul. I know Marlyn is encouraging me every step of the way even though he has been gone for seven years now. I truly feel the love from every person I am meeting.

This last trip included 13 of our men and their families, as well as 8 who have lost their loved ones to male breast cancer. Unless a person has actually experienced this disease, it’s hard to understand the feelings and emotions we have all felt. If I don’t already have you on my list, feel free to reach out so I can stop and meet you sometime as I’m traveling.

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Rich's avatar

I would be honored to be added to your list. Should I email info or post here?

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Patricia Washburn's avatar

Email would be great. pwashburn8@icloud.com

I look forward to connecting with you.

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Victoria's avatar

Kristina this is an important reframe of the Pink Ribbon - and a key part of driving awareness of male breast cancer. The logo of your publication is a broader representation, and I would even suggest a rainbow coloured ribbon so that there is no specific gender 'limitation' on breast cancer.

Thank you for sharing and writing this. I keep learning through everyone who is sharing about their caring. xoxo

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Kristina Adams Waldorf, MD's avatar

Thank you! Great idea!

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Rich's avatar

Thank you for writing and posting this. Your words stirred my emotions and brought back some memories. As a male breast cancer survivor, I can relate to the unique challenges of the journey.

I’m sorry this dreadful disease has impacted you and your family.

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Kristina Adams Waldorf, MD's avatar

Hi Rich! Thank you for commenting. I am also sorry that MBC has impacted you and your family. There are definitely some unique challenges. Thank you for reading!

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Curt Ghormley's avatar

Bravo, Kristina! We ALL need community. God made us social creatures.

(I, however, am the quintessential Tough Guy, so don't tell anybody I said so.)

Very much appreciate your honesty in these articles!

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Kristina Adams Waldorf, MD's avatar

Thank you, Curt!

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