It was a little over a year ago when we all got the news that two of our associates had been diagnosed with breast cancer. While it was certainly a battle for the two women who had to finish the fight personally, they were not alone.
As their co-workers, we’d see them do the unthinkable …
They’d arrive to work early, leave for radiation treatment during their lunch break and then be back to work the next day, no problem. They’d come in on weekends to make up for the hours missed during the week due to doctor’s appointments. They’d show up to work wearing a wig and absolutely no make-up, somehow managing to still look flawless …
Only in our dreams could we do, in our daily lives, what these women did while they were going through months of cancer treatment. The strength they showed us during their fight was enough to inspire anyone for a lifetime. Not only did they do their job without missing a beat, but they did so with smiles on their faces.
“Good morning …” one would say. “How’s your mama?”
“How was your weekend?” the other would say with excitement. “Check out my new wig!” …
There was never a time where we’d see these ladies feel sorry for themselves. They were more beautiful than ever and the energy they brought to the dealership was contagious … so contagious that it made the employees and customers want to get involved in a bigger way … and that’s what we did.
When our two associates were going through chemotherapy treatments, another associate suggested we all get involved with the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K, a walk held in Boca Raton to help raise money and awareness to help finish the fight against breast cancer.
So, to show our support for those battling breast cancer, particularly our two associates, a group of us built a team to participate in the walk. It was such an awesome and emotional experience for all parties involved, and so empowering and inspirational to see strong women from across the region gather with their friends and families to support a cause. The experience was extremely memorable to say the least, but our support didn’t stop there.
What we did:
This year, we came back as a sponsor of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of South Palm Beach 5k because after being a part of the walk last year, we were able to find our purpose in the mission of fighting against cancer. We, too, want to spread the contagious, positive energy of finding a cure.
Everyone is affected by this disease in one way or another, and for us, it really hit home. The women we work with day to day were going through depleting, life-changing treatments … their physical appearances were changing, their energy levels were decreasing, yet their spirits remained the same. When you are given an opportunity to empower others, take it. These women did, whether they knew it or not, and in their honor, we wanted to empower too! We contributed financially with a $2,500 sponsorship, but also, with hands-on participation.
Lincoln of Delray hosted a Lincoln Driven to Give test-drive Event on Saturday, September 12th from 10am to 2pm at 2102 S. Federal Highway in Delray Beach, Florida and helped raise $1,760.00 for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K. For every valid test-drive of a new Lincoln MKZ or Lincoln MKC, $20 or $30, depending on the vehicles driven, were donated to the American Cancer Society to aid in breast cancer research in honor of our two superwomen who continue to thrive in their daily lives today.
The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K walk on October 24th at Mizner Park in Boca Raton, Florida attracted more than 20,000 people who all came together for a cause so near and dear to the hearts of many, but particularly, to ours.
Awareness:
Just to help you better understand … one in eight women will have invasive breast cancer some time during their life and according to the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer statistics page, more than 3.1 million women in the United States are breast cancer survivors. Let’s continue to increase the number of survivors by becoming aware of the signs, but more importantly, by coming together to support the cause that so many of us are affected by.
I made a stride ... I took a ride ... I support breast cancer research.
For more breast cancer awareness events in South Palm Beach, please visit www.makingstrides.acsevents.org
