Important Information

The Pink ribbon is used to recognize countless stories, courageous individuals, and passed loved ones who fought breast cancer. October is an important month to take a moment and recognize the strength of others who may have suffered because of this illness, and to educate the public about early detection and raise funds for more effective research. Although October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we should spread awareness and offer support as we do in October. 

According to brownhealth.org, breast cancer is known to be the most common cancer affecting women to this day. Depending on the stage, there are differing percentages of beating breast cancer; localized (stages 0-1) is close to a 100% survival rate, regional (stages 2-3) varies from 72% to 87%, lastly, distant (stage 4) is about a 32% chance of survival.  

No matter the stage, breast cancer is a dangerous disease where malformed cells in the breast reproduce and spread rapidly, causing more harm to the good cells. How do we help? To raise awareness, you and your community can make a donation, start a fundraiser, partner with NBCF, or visit the learning center on nationalbreastcancer.org. Using these tactics can help spread knowledge of Breast Cancer and save lives. 

The Fight of a Loved One 

During this month, my family, friends, and I grieve the loss of our Heavenly friend, Jackie Savoie, who fought strong but lost her life on October 23, 2023 due to breast cancer. Leesa Price, a friend of Jackie’s, reflects, “Jackie loved big. If you were in her life you were fortunate enough to feel the love, kindness and compassion that she had for people she knew, and even those she didn’t know. She will forever be missed.”  

Jackie was a loving wife to Joe Savoie, and a mother of two kids, Emerson and Parker Savoie. Under these circumstances, Jackie did the best she could, with the help of her husband, to raise their two kids, 3 and 4 years old. No matter where or what she was doing, Jackie always put her kids first. Jackie’s story not only shows her strength, but it encourages others to stay strong and keep fighting. 

Jackie was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer on June 10, 2021. She fought for 2 years and 4 months; 865 days. She had good and bad days, but in the end, she never gave up. As she fought, she never once let down any of her loved ones. Some would say she lost her life to breast cancer, but knowing how strong she was, I would say, “She didn’t lose to breast cancer, she was consumed by it.” 

Interview

In an interview with Joe Savoie, he was asked, “how did Jackie’s strength and personality show during her battle with breast cancer?” Joe replied, “Jackie’s resilience and positivity were unmatched. Although no one wants to receive the news that Jackie did, in many ways it gave her a new perspective of life–to never take a day for granted. She fulfilled that promise in so many ways: Whether it was cherishing every moment with our two young children, making memories on family vacations, or slowing down to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee in the early morning before our children woke up, Jackie enjoyed life to the fullest.” 

During a hard time like this, you could never prepare a family of four to have a set plan on how they will go about this, especially alone. Joe says, “We received an outpouring of support from our family, friends, neighbors, and our community. So many people stepped up in ways we could never imagine. From watching our children so we could attend appointments, providing home-cooked meals, to raising funds and awareness, there are so many people that we will never be able to repay.” 

Lastly, Joe was asked, “What advice would you give to families going through the same thing?” and “Share a message you want people to hear.” Joe replied, “I would tell any family going through something similar that they aren’t alone. I know that they may feel isolated and lonely, but they are not alone. There are so many wonderful people who care about them and want to help. Don’t be afraid to let them. Last, I would encourage them to live like Jackie and cherish every moment you have together.” 

Losing someone you love due to breast cancer is not always easy, but there are support systems set in place to help you. Like Joe said, don’t be afraid to let people give you support. Asking for help is not a weakness, it’s a strength. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your loved ones.