October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM). During this time, people all over the world unite to raise awareness and encourage others to act by getting screened, choosing a healthier lifestyle, or donating to breast cancer foundations.
Early detection of breast cancer plays a critical role in surviving the disease. For this reason, raising awareness can have a significant impact and even save a life. With one in eight women diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, DB SCHENKER recognizes the importance of joining these efforts, not only in October but year-round.
Lida Sharp, Senior National Account Manager at DB SCHENKER and 18-year Breast Cancer Survivor, shares her story. Lida was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) on Christmas Eve in 2005. Her diagnosis came early, making her a candidate for a lumpectomy and leading her to recovery. Early detection gave Lida her life, but not everyone lives the same fate. Lida lost her cousin, a dear friend and co-worker’s daughter to breast cancer. Her experiences have led her to become an active advocate educating others on the disease and supporting those going through it.
Advocacy is a task Lida takes on proudly as there are many misconceptions surrounding breast cancer. For example, finding a lump in your breast doesn’t necessarily mean you have breast cancer. Although, it is important to do self-checks and go to your doctor if you do feel something is off. Another important fact is that men can be affected by breast cancer too, especially if there is a family history of the disease.
It’s a team effort, and support can come in many forms. Resources like Mary’s Place by the SEA and the Susan G. Komen Foundation are great starting points. Mary’s Place, previously called A Time for Me, is known for the free retreats offered to those faced with cancer. Lida herself was a recipient of a week-long cruise to Bermuda thanks to someone’s donation to this organization. “It was an amazing experience since the cruise was filled with survivors, we got to share stories and help each other through difficult times.”
Lida also loves to participate in Susan G. Komen’s 3-day 60-mile walks. In the past 18 years, she has traveled to many cities including Philadelphia, Boston, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Dallas, Tampa, and New York to either participate in the walk or work as part of the crew. Over the years Lida has made new friendships and has raised over $50,000 to support Susan G. Komen. Her team was called Jersey Girls for Shore Walking for a Cure.
There are many ways to show support for the cause though. Lida tells the story of her co-worker who lost her 31-year-old daughter, Shannon, to breast cancer. At the time, insurance companies were only required to pay for mammograms for people over the age of 40. Jean Marie Romanchuk and Gene Romanchuk, Shannon’s parents, decided to take action. They founded Shannon’s Foundation and worked hard to pass Shannon’s Law, which now requires insurance to cover the cost of annual mammograms for people as young as 35 years old.
“Some fought hard and won the battle, others did not. I am blessed as I got to experience cancer, go through treatment, and heal. Now I just want to help others who face this ugly disease.” Lida encourages other survivors to be open with their experience, get involved with the many year-round events to increase awareness, and wear breast cancer shirts to indicate they are a survivor.
You never know who is going through a challenge. That’s a lesson Lida continues to learn every day. When working on telling us her story, Lida started to talk about her experience to other DB SCHENKER team members. As a result, she was introduced to Carolyn Hakim, who has been fighting breast cancer for the past year and a half. Surprisingly, Carolyn and Lida work in the same office and even share clients, but neither one knew the other’s story.
Carolyn Hakim, Sr. Ocean Import Coordinator, worked at DB SCHENKER from 2015 to 2019 and had just come back to the company in January 2022 when three short weeks later, her life changed. On February 1, 2022, Carolyn felt something was off. Trusting her instincts, she visited her doctor, setting off a whirlwind of medical appointments. In a single afternoon, Carolyn received the devastating news. She was diagnosed with stage 3, HER2-positive breast cancer and stage 4 metastasized to her spine.
The months that followed were filled with chemotherapy, daily appointments, and debilitating side effects. Throughout this challenging period, Carolyn found solace and unwavering support from those around her, including her DB SCHENKER team whom she credits for “becoming a second family.” With resilience and determination, she successfully completed her chemotherapy and even though she will need maintenance infusion for the rest of her life, Carolyn is now cancer-free.
Her story serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the importance of early detection and the support of a caring community. “Breast cancer can progress quickly and without proper screening, it can go undetected. Having a yearly mammogram is of vital importance. Due to Covid, I did not have mammograms for 3 years, and by the time I felt something, I was already at stage 3.”
Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer worldwide, and just like Lida and Carolyn found each other within the same office, you never know who is going through something similar. Breast cancer can happen to anyone, it doesn’t discriminate based on age, gender, or background. “Supporting a loved one through breast cancer treatment requires empathy and action,” Carolyn says. “The best way to support someone who is going through treatment is by listening to their concerns and offering physical assistance, such as driving them to medical appointments. A simple act of kindness can make a significant difference during this challenging journey.”
To those newly diagnosed, Carolyn offers a simple yet powerful piece of advice: breathe. She reminds individuals that numerous resources are available, and accepting offers of assistance is a sign of strength, not weakness. “You are not alone on this journey.”
Carolyn and Lida’s stories serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of early detection, community, and hope in the face of adversity. Their journeys remind us that breast cancer awareness goes beyond a month or a ribbon; it’s a year-round commitment to education, support, and compassion. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer and work towards a future where no one has to face this diagnosis alone.
