I recently participated in the Lace’n it Up for Links for Life walk through downtown Bakersfield on my lunch hour.

Several other ladies from our company also were out there sporting pink shirts and ribbons.

Even though I don’t personally know anyone who has had to face this disease, I know chances of that happening are great considering that hundreds of thousands of men and women are diagnosed every year. It is also an important women’s issue because women are 100 times more likely to face the disease than men.

All of the research suggests that if you catch it early chances of survival are greater. I must admit that I am one to put off my own health from time to time, such as suffering through an infection or cold when I know I should get into the doctor and get checked out. This is something that we as women should not put off.

Eating better, being vigilant with monthly and yearly exams and staying fit are all ways we can make sure we are around to share many years of laughter and love with our friends and families.

Over the past two weeks I have met several courageous women that have faced this disease under both normal and not-so-normal circumstances. You can read about two of them in this edition. You will also find tips and facts about breast cancer and other local events that support the cause.

So my fellow Southwest women, put on your pink and never stop fighting!

Lisa Wuertz
Voice Editor
716-8639