Wednesday Wisdom: Act Now

Wednesday Wisdom, Inspiration, Motivation for Women Entrepreneurs

As soon as the message came through my phone, I said, “Yes.” 

Without a moment of hesitation, I accepted an invitation to go to Congressman Brandon William’s office in Syracuse to join some women from Rochester’s Breast Cancer Coalition to thank him for his support of the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program and for his support of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act.

Although it is not October – aka Breast Cancer Awareness Month – yet, I know the truth of losing women entrepreneurs – some of them members and good friends – to breast cancer. Annually I learn of at least 5 women who are recently diagnosed, in treatment, or survivors. It hits my demographic the most and has always made me angry as well as proactive as I can be in helping the cause.

As a bald alopecia woman, I get countless references to having cancer or being a survivor myself. Typically, the person asking me has someone with the disease or someone who passed from it. I always allow them to share their story with me. Many times, they ask what type of cancer I have, other times, they don’t ask and just assume. I have come to know it is really about them sharing their story, not so much about my story.

So, when I got the opportunity to share the stories of the women, I know who have passed from metastatic breast cancer, one of them a very close friend last August, I am glad I can use my voice and take time out of my day to advocate. This Act if passed will get rid of the 24-day-month waiting period for Medicare and the 5-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance to begin.

You know as a woman entrepreneur when you are sick or are caring for a terminally ill person, you can’t work your job and conduct business so getting some monetary and insurance benefits is essential. This will be my angle – the woman’s entrepreneurial angle, story, and plight.

Today’s Wednesday Wisdom is to remind you to be an advocate for a cause you care about. Advocating for elected officials is just one way to proactively get involved in helping a cause. Also, look for local or national organizations that lobby for your particular cause and get involved. Don’t wait until you are diagnosed with something to use your valuable voice. Act now.