“I don’t like the way that feels”, the words that changed one of our local teachers’ lives forever. October is Breast cancer awareness month and as this month wraps up I would like to discuss why it’s such an important month to honor and recognize. About 310,720 women are diagnosed with Breast cancer every year and out of those women about 42,250 will pass away. Out of these thousands of brave women,I had the privilege of sitting down with a survivor who teaches here at MPHS– Mrs. Wendy Epple…. Her incredible story is one that can inspire and give home to others.
Epple had always passed her yearly physical with flying colors but in March of 2023 her yearly physical appointment went a little differently than usual. After her normal Physician felt uneasy about a discovery of a mass they sent her on a series of tests and appointments with different doctors. Some advice she gives is to “keep all your new patient intake forms” Epple said, “you will be going to new doctors constantly and you just have to remember they are there to help not make the journey worse.”
The diagnosis of any type of cancer is filled with what ifs, uncertainty, tests of patience, and many fears within yourself and others around you but throughout this process it is extremely important to stay connected to family and friends because they are your army and team. Epple shares a message to anyone who knows someone with a recent diagnoses which is to “never forget that your allowed to grieve as well, everyone is a flawed human and you have to cope with your second hand trauma as well as rally around others that are hurting, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help, teachers and friends are only a conversation, text, or even email away.” Teachers are not at school to just simply teach, they are there to make a connection to every one of their students.
After the course of a year Epple is in remission for her breast cancer and she is on fire to spend every second of her life to the fullest. She is inspired to help others around her feel happiness and positivity, and she’s not the only one who aims to spread this message and bring additional awareness to this disease.In 1985 October was named the official Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It was brought to light in hope to raise funds for a cure which soon changed into sporting pink ribbons and showing support. Some wonder if wearing pink and saying sorry is enough support and others say it’s an awful reminder of those they lost or the pain they went through. While some people have strong opinions of this topic Epple says the month gives a platform for Breast Cancer Warriors/Survivors to share their story and give resources for those who need them. Not only is there support nationally but there is support just next door.
Now how does this connect to our school? Besides the fact that Epple is a teacher to many students at MPHS, cancer is something that can impact so many. may think her story doesn’t connect with you, but in reality her story has such a deeper meaning to our school. As a district, we support organizations such as Miles For Miracles which sets up runs and walks around America to raise money for cancer, the fundraiser is highly talked about in the elementary schools and the middle school but once it hits high school it dies off. People forget about the cause and the connection to Mount Pleasant. Miles For Miracles is a fundraiser because of a student we had here at MPHS who fought hard and had her classmates as her army, her support.
It’s important to not only wear pink just because it’s the theme but to wear pink because you care, you have to fight with motivation and effort. This year at the football game we all sported pink with the knowledge that it was for breast cancer awareness but we didn’t talk about it before, during, or after the game. So let’s make a change next year. Pink should be big but not because it’s your favorite color but because you’re fighting for something big, someone’s life.

https://www.breastcancer.org/https://www.capandconquer.org/https://www.fightcancer.org/expenseshttps://www.komen.org/support-resources/financial-assistance/