My mother ran outside and called my name. She had a sad look and she started shaking her head.

I knew what was going on, but I had a very bad case of denial.

“She didn’t make it,” she said.

“Who didn’t make it?,” I responded.

“Your grandma, she didn’t make it.”

And with that, my life was forever changed.

That was almost five years ago but I still feel it in my heart as if it just happened.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and every year around this time that scene flashes through my mind.

I get sad. I get angry. I scream about how much I hate cancer and would love to strangle it to death.

But this year I am going to try something different.

The Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation and the Avon Foundation have a goal, and I am going to help them reach it.

They need to recruit one million women of every age, race, and health status for research that will help eliminate breast cancer.

All you have to do is sign up and you’ll be emailed about research studies. If you fit the criteria and you are interested in signing up then the email will tell you how to proceed. If you aren’t interested but you know someone who would be, you can forward the email to them.

I don’t like the idea of being poked and prodded but there are many types of studies from a simple questionnaire, to a blood sample, or a clinical trial. YOU get to decide which studies you’d be most comfortable with.

Besides, I’m going to put my fears and selfishness aside because if one action I take prevents one person from being impacted by this vicious disease then it’s worth it.

If you have any questions or you want to sign up please visit ArmyofWomen.org don’t forget to pass it on to your family and friends. It’s time to kick breast cancer in the butt!