Community subgroups

Going through what I did with Angel in a way prepared me for my current life crisis. I immediately reached out to support groups online and was able to connect and get that lifeline from the start.  Being part of now the breast cancer community, I've noticed similar sub groups and divisions, just like in the babyloss community. 

I've seen some pretty bold commentary about breast cancer awareness and research, especially now that Breast cancer awareness month is almost upon us. The women with metastasized cancer and even more specifically young women in this group are asking for research and a cure specific to them. They don't like the "survivor" rhetoric and the pink ribbons. I think they feel their voice and their needs are marginalized in the community. Similar to how I felt at times in the babyloss community, as I am a mother to a stillborn child but did not go on to have a "rainbow" baby.

Again I feel my eyes have been opened to this whole new world, and another community with varying needs and concerns. 

I just hope there can be room for all of us.  I want to be a survivor of breast cancer. But that doesn't mean that I don't care about women with metastasized cancer and of course there should be research done to find a cure. Even if I do survive now, it could return later in a metastasized state, or someone I love could go through that, and I want treatment options to continue to improve. 

I just don't think we need to trample on the spirit of breast cancer awareness and survival. There are so many messages of hope and courage and resilience that would be lost.