Published: Oct. 1, 2012
When Sparrow Nurse Karrie Bosanic was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, her coworkers rallied around her to provide the care and support she needed.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed in October, and several events aim to raise awareness about breast cancer while raising funds for breast cancer research.
Bosanic, 45, said she hopes the month will remind more women (and men) to get regular screenings, because she never thought it could happen to her. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2010 and had a recurrence in January 2012. She has recently finished chemo for the second time, though she still has a few more surgeries to go.
"I am the first person in my family to have breast cancer, and there isn't a strong history of cancer in my family," she said. "People need to know that early screening and treatment can save lives."
Caregivers supported Bosanic who is a nurse in Sparrow's Cardiac ICU, with hugs, phone calls, and by providing a listening ear or meals for her family. Decked out in pink tie-dye, Bosanic's coworkers ran in the 2012 Komen Mid-Michigan Race for the Cure calling themselves "Team Karrie."
"Words can never express how much I love and appreciate the wonderful group of people I work with," said Bosanic.
She has also received financial support, including from the Care for the Caregivers Fund, which helps Sparrow Caregivers who have experienced a major loss, catastrophe, illness, or medical condition affecting their well-being.
Visit sparrow.org/cancer for more information on the Sparrow Cancer Center.