posted on June 07, 2010 18:12
By Dace Koenigsknecht
Economic Restructuring Specialist
Michigan Main Street Center
Michigan State Housing Development Authority
It’s the beginning of February in 2005. We are expecting our second child any day. My wife discovers a suspicious lump in her left breast. Initially the doctors show little concern, as her body is preparing for the child. The specialist performs a biopsy. We’ll hear something the following week.
Meanwhile, our not-so-little bundle of joy enters the world with some resistance on that Saturday. A team of doctors work hard to get her here. It would not be for another five days that we are given the reason for their effort. The specialist explains that the lump is cancerous. (Happy Birthday to me.)
The delivery room had been made aware of this, because a C-Section would have postponed the necessary lumpectomy for 6-8 weeks. On Valentine’s Day 2005, the lump is removed and my wife begins her journey cancer-free. I’m sure cupid found it difficult to see through the dark cloud in the room that day.
The months that follow are a blur of road trips. Chemotherapy. Radiation. Well-child visits. Pharmacy pick-ups. Midnight runs for chocolate muffins with chocolate chips inside. Whatever it took. I was in a zone…of exhaustion…of fear and hope…of thankfulness and wonder.
Fast forward to May 2010. My wife lies on the examination table as the doctor feels the suspicious lump. This time, however, the news is good. A mammogram confirms a calcium deposit. Nothing to worry about. And the news continues, as the doctor would like to talk in June about reducing the medications she is on. Yippee!
Pink Party
This morning I thought I was writing a blog about something far removed from this personal story. However, the announcement regarding this year’s Pink Party in Howell came in (http://www.howellspinkparty.com), and I had a few flashbacks. The emotion has settled a little, but it’s not a subject I care to dwell on for any length of time.
Here is the story, a personal story, of someone affected by breast cancer. Someone inspired by a survivor of the disease. Someone that decided to act on that inspiration – to host a party no less! The Pink Party began last year at the will of one woman…Kim Wilson. The community embraced it, and the award-winning event is back again this year.
Main Street teaches communities to be authentic. Howell’s Pink Party is authentic. It’s not corporate or commercial. It is personal.
The goal is not just to boost sales…but that happens for the participating merchants and restaurateurs anyway.
The goal is not just to bring people downtown…but the sidewalks are packed anyway.
The goal is not just about raising money…but all the fun activities generate donations anyway.
The goal is to simply raise awareness and support for a worthy cause – one that affects most of us through someone we know. The event is personal…it’s personable…it’s authentic. As a result, people will come from far beyond Howell to participate in turning Main Street pink.
This is a road trip we can look forward to. No needles or medications – just tons of fun and festivities. I hope to see you in downtown Howell on June 17th.
And, as always, I welcome your comments below.