Breast Cancer Now's wear it pink day is one of the biggest fundraising events in the UK. Taking place in October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, thousands of amazing people will wear it pink in their communities, schools or workplaces, to help make life-changing breast cancer research and support happen.

At Afrotherapy Salon, we are doing our bit to raise awareness of Breast Cancer and to help raise money to support this worthy charity that supports many in our community.

Rosemarie's Story

After her own diagnosis in 2017, Rosemarie is wearing it pink for anyone who has been affected by breast cancer.

With all that has happened, I am humbled, grateful to be here and cancer-free. The last 2 and a half years have changed me

After initially ignoring a lump I noticed in July, I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in September 2017. Later, in November, it was discovered I was a carrier of the mutated gene BRCA2. I was told my type of cancer was aggressive, so I stepped in the ring and began my fight. I had many things working for me - God, my family, friends, my medical team and the power of positivity.

Before my second round of chemo, I had asked my eldest daughter to cut my hair short. A few days later, in the morning, I caught a glimpse of myself as I walked past the mirror. To my despair, I saw that my hair had begun to fall out leaving bald patches. I looked shockingly ill. I just cried for myself. That was another first.

I soon learnt that this process would rely on me repeatedly pulling myself back up and pushing through.

A breakthrough moment was when a friend gave me a book called The Power. I took from it the need for recognising reasons for gratitude, and the power of positivity. Each morning I would remind myself of something to be grateful for which in turn manifested a positive attitude within me.

During my 6 months of chemo, I would send out a weekly update as a broadcast to a group of close family and friends. Responses I received lifted me, pushed me forward, made me realise this was not my end - it was just something I had to go through. My motto was always, "I've got this!"

My active treatment included chemotherapy, a double mastectomy with reconstruction, radiotherapy, and the removal of my ovaries. Due to complications with one breast in December 2018, I underwent another unplanned surgery in January 2019 with the possibility of further surgery looming.

With all that has happened, I am humbled, grateful to be here and cancer-free. With a smile on my face, I can now say, "I had that!"

It was fantastic to take part in the wear it pink campaign and photoshoot

In 2019, along with a colleague of mine, I obtained a pack from the wear it pink campaign. On the day, staff at the school I work in all wore something pink to work. We decorated the staff room, played games and generally used the resources which came in the pack.

The conversation had begun; we got everyone talking including children and parents.

I think it’s so important that people wear pink in October to continue to raise awareness. Cancer is not going away, but we must equip scientists and ourselves with the knowledge to stay in control and survive.

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