I was greatly inspired when I first heard the news of Angelina Jolie’s decision to have a double mastectomy. The actress wrote an open letter to the NY times entitled: My Medical Choice confirming that she underwent a “preventive double mastectomy” after learning that she was high risk for obtaining “breast“and “ovarian” cancer .
“My doctors estimated that I had an 87 percent risk of breast cancer and a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer, although the risk is different in the case of each woman,” Jolie wrote. “Once I knew that this was my reality, I decided to be proactive and to minimize the risk as much I could. I made a decision to have a preventive double mastectomy.”
Jolie’s mother, Marcheline Bertrand [who too was an actress, and producer had succumb to “ovarian cancer” at the age of 57. As Jolie learned that she too carried the BCRA 1 gene she wanted to take preventive measures so she could be around for her children and grandchildren. Jolie says:
” We often speak of “Mommy’s mommy,” and I find myself trying to explain the illness that took her away from us. They have asked if the same could happen to me. I have always told them not to worry, but the truth is I carry a “faulty” gene, BRCA1, which sharply increases my risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer.”
While some may look at Jolie’s [who is only 37 years of age] decision to remove her signature “plum cupcakes” as a downward spiral for her high profile acting career – Jolie’s bravery sends a powerful message to women [young and old] all over the world.
When it comes to one’s health, beauty plays no relevance because as we’ve seen [time and time again] when death strikes – it conquers the flesh. Angelina Jolie makes a powerful statement that “Bravery“, “Courage“, and “Beauty” is truly from within. So much of us focus on our physical attributes and pay little to no attention to our “inner skeletal” – [until where faced with a medical illness ] Let this be a lesson for all – especially women.
As a woman and mother I can truly say: Angelina Jolie – You Rock!
Brad Pitt and Jolie is said to marry this upcoming summer. Here’s what he had to say:
“Having witnessed this decision firsthand, I find Angie’s choice, as well as so many others like her, absolutely heroic. I thank our medical team for their care and focus. All I want for is for her to have a long and healthy life, with myself and our children. This is a happy day for our family.”
Love Conquers All. A Tweet, A Tweet, That’s All Folks!