Comecei por ver imensas fotos no facebook a preto e branco...não percebi o intuito, mas também não questionei. Vê-se por lá tanta coisa estranha, que uma foto a preto e branco em nada me tocou. Nenhuma me tocou, mesmo quando me apercebi que era uma espécie de alerta contra o cancro...fiquei insensível talvez. Muita quimio e radio neste corpinho para ligar a essas pseudo-campanhas de alerta.
Apenas uma foto me fez parar e admirar a coragem. A Rachel, uma mulher com cancro inflamatório da mama que faz parte dos mesmos grupos de apoio que eu "frequento", e que simplesmente se colocou a preto e branco, tal como ela é, tal como o cancro a deixou.
Tão simples quanto isto...chega para alertar os mais distraídos?
Se não chega, leiam as palavras dela.
"Challenge accepted! You want a "cancer awareness campaign"? Here, have this. Everyone is aware of cancer. Telling people where you keep your handbag, what colour your pants are, or writing some cryptic status like "used my boobs to get out of a parking ticket" isn't going to raise anyone's awareness (..) And the latest craze is a black and white photo. How the hell does that raise awareness or raise funds for research? By all means, let's try and have some fun whilst we raise awareness (anyone who knows me knows I have always tried to see the positive or humorous side of things) but it's not just "awareness" - everyone needs to be aware of the signs of cancer and to check themselves regularly. I know the people doing these statuses and pictures have good intentions, so I'm not attacking anyone who has done them. By all means join the "don't forget to check" Facebook group so you get monthly reminders to check your breasts. Set yourself an alarm on your phone. Check every time you're in the shower. Familiarise yourselves with all the symptoms... not just a lump but also a rash, a swelling, a redness, a pain. By all means share this "black and white no make up selfie" of me showing what happens if you have to have a mastectomy. Maybe that will make people check. Maybe that will encourage people to donate. Having cancer isn't fun. Having cancer isn't brave. Having cancer isn't a picture you can post and then hide behind. It's horrible, it's a killer, and it's something we do all need to be aware of in the right way."
Beijinho,
Vera