Michelle Watson
It was 10 years ago today, July 23, 2000, that Michelle passed on. We will never forget her and the void she has left will always be there for her family and friends. She made a mark on our hearts with her smile and loving personality that we will cherish forever. We are grateful for the short 26 years she had on this earth and we know she is smiling down on us today.
We never imagined that her dying wish to start a breast cancer resource center could have turned into what Michelle's Place has become. Michelle wanted a place for women with breast cancer to come for support and information. When her family and friends gathered seven months after her death to figure out how to make her wish come true, the pain was still so raw and tears flowed freely...but the mission was clear.
While Michelle was still battling this cruel disease, she had the chance to speak to different groups and her consistent message was to "be your own health advocate." It's baffling that 10 years after her death, we still have women walk through our doors that have been diagnosed in the later stages of breast cancer because originally they had gone to their doctor with a symptom and were told not to worry about it. This was Michelle’s story as well – young, no family history, college athlete, vegetarian. So on this, the 10-year anniversary of Michelle’s passing, we want to reiterate… no, we want to shout it from the mountain tops:
Be your own health advocate!
"The statement most said to me is 'You can't have cancer.' True I do not fit one statistic or risk factor. I am young, a vegetarian, worked out 5x a week, and have no family history. Cancer doesn't discriminate over age, sex, race, or social position. Like myself, who went misdiagnosed for over 2 years and had seen 4 doctors, most patients I encountered were misdiagnosed for at least 6 months. Unfortunately people do not fit into neat boxes that science would like them to. Doctors are merely people who are experts in Western Medicine and do their best with what they are taught. I hope not to scare you about cancer, or any other illness, but for you to be aware. If you feel certain something needs to checked-be persistent; insist on a biopsy. Better yet go to a well known expert in the field. I can't tell you why I had cancer. Life can throw unplanned detours that can not be avoided. All I know is the choice I did have was how I was going to handle the situation."
Michelle Watson
If you have a symptom and a doctor tells you not to worry about it without showing you a test result – and that means actual scientific data – to back up that advice, find another doctor who will help you get the screening you need. Breast cancer is over 95% curable if found early! This takes courage and diligence, Ladies. It is so easy to trust the words of someone with multiple diplomas and initials after their names…they are professionals after all. But this is your life. Do not take anything for granted and never assume you should fit into the statistics.
Michelle's message also applies to anyone going through treatment. You know your body and you should always question your doctors. Do not follow blindly. Ask questions. Get educated. Ask for support from those around you (this is not something that comes easily for us as women but it is critical).
Michelle's spirit lives on in Michelle’s Place. Her family will forever feel the void she has left but will also never be able to completely thank every Michelle’s Place supporter who has enabled this organization to help so many.
"If there is any message I could pass on it would be to take today's opportunities and live your dreams. I know sometimes it's hard not to be stressed out by life and bogged with minor problems. Try to remember what matters most to your heart and be thankful for what you do have."
Michelle Watson
♥ We miss you, Michelle. ♥
