By David Richart

Losing her mother to breast cancer at age 17, CJ Taylor Day founded Komen Puget Sound to ensure her two daughters would not lose their mother the way she lost hers. CJ was passionately committed to the dream that her daughters would live in a future free of breast cancer.

This is the dream I would like to see come true for my three daughters, and their daughters, and sons, as well.

Until this dream becomes a reality, we need to fight breast cancer on every front.

First, we need to take charge of our own health and, if you are a woman over are 40, that means getting your annual mammogram. I know you can think of many reasons to put it off. Perhaps you think “I have plenty of time,” or “it won’t happen to me.” But the simple fact is a mammogram can save your life.

Another fact: when breast cancer hits, it affects your entire family. You are not just getting that mammogram for yourself, but also for your spouse, your children and everyone you love.

You also can strike a blow against breast cancer by supporting those who have been touched by this disease. If you are close to someone battling breast cancer, this support can take many forms: a hug, a hot meal, a phone call, a prayer, a laugh.

Even if you do not know someone personally who is affected by breast cancer, you can show your support by coming to one of our local events this October. We will be hosting our annual luncheons in Tacoma on Oct. 9 and in Seattle on Oct. 23. Funds raised by these luncheons go to providing low-income women in our community with free mammograms and breast cancer patient support. For more information, please go to komenpugetsound.org.

While I am on the subject of support, I would like to recognize the generous support we receive from QFC and Sound Publishing every October, and every May prior to our Race for the Cure. Over the years, this partnership has delivered to our community tens of thousands of dollars in breast cancer and breast health awareness.

Our promise as an affiliate continues to be a future free of breast cancer, not just for us today, but also for our children, and our children’s children. With your support, one day we will make this promise a reality.

David Richart is executive director of the Komen Puget Sound.