Alyson Spindell's Fundraiser

In 1978, the year I was born, the writer Susan Sontag famously wrote, “Everyone who is born holds dual citizenship, in the kingdom of the well and in the kingdom of the sick. Although we all prefer to use only the good passport, sooner or later each of us is obliged, at least for a spell, to identify ourselves as citizens of that other place.”

Four years ago this week, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I joined that kingdom--despite not feeling remotely sick. At least not at first. Cancer can be weird like that–for some–with feeling sick often coming from the cure rather than the disease. For me, cancer felt like it came from nowhere, yet I've since learned how devastatingly common these diagnoses are--especially for Ashkenazi Jewish women like me, as well as African American women. 

Sharsheret, however, knew all this long before I even felt a lump. As the Jewish Breast and Ovarian Cancer Community, Sharsheret meets cancer patients and their families where they are by providing healthcare resources, communal support, and educational programs to thousands throughout the United States. 

Despite the rising numbers of women–especially younger women–affected by breast cancer, when it happens to you, the world shrinks and without warning, you go from Sontag's kingdom of the well to the kingdom of the sick. But nothing prepares you for how to withstand a scary diagnosis, how to navigate the murky world of doctors and treatment options. For me, overnight I went from being an active 39 year old working mother, juggling political events and school performances to being a medical researcher and explainer, and added “professional patient” to my portfolio.

But while this was all new for me, Sharsheret–and the women who walked this walk before me–were there to provide guidance and support, talking through the complicated decisions I had to make and providing a crash course in the language of cancer in which I would soon become fluent. They even sent boxes to my kids with books and activities and resources for me on how to talk to them about my diagnosis. They knew what I needed before I did at each stage of the ride. Even now, when I am considered NED (no evidence of disease), they understand and support the unique needs of survivors of cancer as “no evidence of disease” often comes with evidence of surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and preventative treatments. 

In short, since cancer sucks, a wonderful way to support folks going through it is to help organizations like Sharsheret in their quest to provide evidence-based support to patients, survivors, those at risk, and their families. 

This Sunday, almost four years since my diagnosis, I am planning to ride in the Five Boro Bike Tour–a 40 mile tour through New York City on behalf of Team Sharsheret. I hope that you will join me in supporting Sharsheret and the critical work they do for women and their families as they ride through their own cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. 

To read more about their work, receive support, or empower yourself to know your own risk, visit: 

Sharsheret - A Jewish Breast Cancer Organization

Thank you for reading and thank you for your love and support!

Love,

Alyson 

PS To avoid any confusion, I want to note that this ride is separate from my recent post about Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Cycle for Survival on May 22nd–another effort near and dear to my heart. I am helping to raise funds for both of these meaningful causes, and would be grateful if you joined me in support of either, both, or neither :).