October—to many people it’s just a month of pumpkin flavored everything and Halloween but to me it’s so much more. October 1st marks the first day of breast cancer awareness month. Thirty-one days of not only highlighting the sick reality of breast cancer, but also rejoicing with those who have survived and celebrating the lives of those who were taken too soon.

It is expected that 40,890 people will fall to the hands of breast cancer this year. That is 40,890 people too many. With early detection, this disease can be almost completely treatable, but for many of those who will lose their battle the diagnosis came too late. These unfair, untimely deaths could have been prevented. In my personal opinion breast cancer awareness should be prominent each and every day, but I can settle for just one month.

Nearly two years ago breast cancer plagued my family, but this October we are heading in classified under remission. Two years ago my mom fought a hard battle, and kicked cancer's ass. That's why this month is so important to me. I cannot wait for the day that a breast cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence but rather seen as a battle that will without a doubt end in remission. I want every cancer story to end like my mom's did--a long life filled with good health, love, and happiness.

As a child of a cancer survivor, I can't tell you how much it means to see the NFL players decked out in pink to support breast cancer awareness or even fraternities holding fundraisers for the cause. I appreciate all the little pin ribbons handed out and the informative commercials shown on TV. I enjoy watching the survivor walks at Relay for Life but feel guilty as I see countless luminaires in memory of those who lost their battle.

October is my favorite month, not for the pumpkin spice lattes or Halloween costumes, but for the constant reminder of how lucky I am my mom is a survivor.

To mom: thank you for being my number one cheerleader, an amazing role model, and most importantly kicking cancer's ass for us.