A Mother’s Day Letter from Suzanne Corson, Executive Director of Komen CSNJ

Suzanne with her mother, grandmother, sister, sons and nephew.

Each May, as Mother’s Day draws near, I am reminded of how lucky I am to have so many amazing moms in my life. There is my own mother, my grandmother who is about to turn 92 and my mother-in-law, all who have each been amazing role models for me as I raise two young boys, manage a household and serve as Executive Director of Komen CSNJ.

There are so many other mothers in my life who I look up to, like my sister, aunts and cousins, my dearest friends and professional mentors. While I have learned valuable lessons from each of them, the one commitment they all possess is their dedication to their families. Mother’s Day is an opportunity to share with all the moms in your life what they mean to you, how they have helped you grow and empowered you to be your best self.

Suzanne (center) with her best friends.

This Mother’s Day, I encourage you to share a bit more. Your family health history can help your health care practitioner provide better care for you. It can help identify whether you have a higher risk for some diseases, allow them to make recommendations for reducing your personal risk and look for early warning signs of disease.

Susan G. Komen has just launched a new internet-based tool, adapted by the Surgeon General’s “Family Health Portrait” that assembles information, keeping it private and secure, so you can share with family members and your health care provider.

While you’re enjoying brunch, taking a stroll, shopping, having family dinner, however you celebrate this special day — take the time to ask your family about their health history. It is an opportunity to share how important this information can be with all the moms in your life, so they can have these conversations within their own family. Empower the women in your life to be an advocate for their own breast health and well-being.

To all of the moms, grandmothers, aunts, daughters and friends out there who have been an integral part of furthering our vision of a world without breast cancer: we stand with you, we celebrate you, we honor you.

Happy Mother’s Day!