Sharing your stories could make a difference in someone else’s life.

Somehow, the knowing that others have experienced the same emotions, walked a similar path and have lived to tell about it can offer solace to the feelings of fear, trepidation and anger.

Several years ago, I went in for my annual mammogram. I was not worried. I had had many before and had typically received a letter from my doctor a few days later that everything looked fine.

But, not this particular year, instead of a letter my phone rang and it was my gynecologist.

She said the radiologist had found something suspicious in my right breast and I needed to come in for further testing.

I was sent to an oncologist by the name of Dr. Philip Ley and after a biopsy was performed, no cancer was found.

Needless to say, I was relieved beyond words, but the scare was so debilitating it opened my eyes even more to the disease that effects one in eight women, some of which have been my friends and one who was like a second mother to me.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and on Oct. 21, the Vicksburg Post will be printing its pink edition to help raise awareness of the malignancy that not only affects the victim, but also the loved ones in their lives.

We are urging community members to share their breast cancer stories  — or the story of someone they know with the readers of the Vicksburg Post.

These stories could make a difference for someone going through the horror of breast cancer.

Stories should be no longer than 400 words and should be emailed to The Post by the end of day on Thursday, Oct. 19, at brandon.oconnor@vicksburgpost.com. The author should include a photo of himself or herself or the person whose story they are sharing.

Please call The Post at 601-636-4545 if you have questions.

Also, we are asking Vicksburg to get behind Breast Cancer Awareness month and paint the town pink.

Some ideas could be:

• Decorating your home or store windows with a pink display.

• Hold a “street” contest for Best Pink Window Display

• Decorate your front entrance, your fence or your door with pink balloons.

• Insert pink light bulbs in porch lights.

• Hang strands of pink lights.

• Use special scripts to remind customers to get their annual mammograms

• Use pink chalk to write messages of hope or honor co-workers battling breast cancer.

• Tie pink ribbons around trees in and around your neighborhoods and businesses

• Salons could offer specials on pink colors/products.

• Restaurants could feature rose wines/pink drinks or food.

The sky is the limit in turning the town pink.

Will you be a part of bringing awareness to Breast Cancer?

Let’s wipe this mother out!

Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer for The Vicksburg Post. You may reach her at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com