As many of you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. These 31 days out of the year might be the hardest, most spirited, or mentally challenging days ever. You might experience grief or pure joy! Everyone has a different mindset when they see pink ribbons flying through the air. No matter what, we should all stick together and unite. No difference in humans should stop us from feeling whole.

Statistics show that 91% of Breast cancer patients survive this deadly disease. That is amazing and all, but what about the 9%? Those people should never be forgotten, and if that means wearing a pink ribbon in October or organizing a fundraiser, then that’s what should be done. All over the country, there are really awesome opportunities to help out. Even just having a conversation with someone who is going through something can really make their day.

To be completely honest, I am writing this article to relay my great aunt’s story. Her name was Inna. She sadly lost her battle to this awful disease on October 7 this year. As if October 7th wasn’t already a hard enough day, this tragedy got added to it. Inna was a kind, simple, and knowledgeable woman. She always knew how to help and what advice to give. She used to teach back in Ukraine, and her personality really showed she was a dedicated teacher. Inna was a mom, daughter, sister, great aunt, wife, and just an overall remarkable person. I have and always will look up to her. In more ways than one, she was the glue to our family in certain situations, and her presence will always be known.

Writing this Shofar really reminds me of her in so many ways. Inna would always ask when my next article would be out and remind me to send it over to her. She always had my back when it came to writing and academics.  Her persistence in helping was always evident, and I really do/did appreciate it. Do I wish I had seen her one more time? Or that she could read just one more article by me? Of course I do. But now I must write these in her memories and for the thought that she will be proud of me no matter what. I know she is in a better place and in no more pain, and that’s all I can really view her passing as.

In conclusion, Breast cancer is really important, and awareness should always be spread. So please, if a loved one of yours is fighting, just go hug them. Next October, let's do better. Let's all wear pink and make sure we do what is right for all the 4 million people fighting this awful disease.

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