With Our Jeans On, Naturally

When Mike invited me to join him in the Lee National Denim Day campaign for breast cancer awareness, I didn’t hesitate. I had two reasons. The first was purely selfish. It would give me an opportunity to hang out for a couple of days with a son who lives almost 3,000 miles away. What mother would turn that down? (Whether her kid’s wearing pants or not.) Second, it was a way to express my gratitude. Fourteen years ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was the beneficiary of cancer research, and of programs like those offered by the Cancer Support Community. I know first-hand just how important they are.

Over the years, John and I have participated in a variety of activities with Mike. October 7th, 2011 will be remembered as one of the most poignant and touching experiences of my life.

Everything I know about Kansas I learned from the ‘Wizard of Oz’ — so naturally my first visit was an eye-opener. The vast Midwestern farmland visible from the plane might be reminiscent of Dorothy’s world, but the amazing architecture of Kansas City’s skyline is more like that of Baltimore. A remote cow-town, it is not! On the ride into town, I learned that Kansas City is actually in two states — Kansas and Missouri.

My day began with a visit to the Lee headquarters in Merriam, Kansas, and breakfast with more than 100 employees wearing blue jeans. Their enthusiasm for Denim Day, and their devotion to Lee was evident. Some are recent hires, and some have been with the company for two and even three decades, and have been joined by their children or spouses. All are dedicated to raising awareness for breast cancer.

In the afternoon, Mike spoke to hundreds of Lee employees and guests, as well as breast cancer survivors — a sea of pink and denim. He told them what it was like to learn that his mother had breast cancer — an experience that many in the audience knew personally. When he introduced me, I spoke of the comforting community of my own cancer support group fourteen years earlier — friends with similar stories and a common goal.

The best part of Denim Day had arrived. Wearing our best jeans, It was time to shake hands and speak with the hundreds in the audience. As Mike and I autographed pictures, they shared their stories. Again, I realized how far-reaching and devastating breast cancer has become — how many lives have been touched in a very personal way — and how important this campaign really is. I am blessed to be a part of it.

Of course, the perfect ending to a perfect day was a quiet supper in my hotel room with a son I see far too seldom. My family wishes Lee the greatest success with Denim Day 2011.