When most people hear the word “cancer,” they fear the worst. That’s how I felt when my wife Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and our lives were changed forever. During that difficult time, I became very involved in our local Tulsa Susan G. Komen chapter and was glad to know that this organization and cause are also supported by my union (Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 514 Tulsa) and by my company, American Airlines.
There are several organizations that help raise money for breast cancer, but I chose Komen because 75 percent of money raised for Komen in every community stays in that community, and the other 25 percent goes to research.
Throughout the year and especially in October, breast cancer awareness month, my TWU Local 514 brothers and sisters, AA coworkers and I are extremely involved. We raise donations for and participate in Komen Race for the Cure, host t-shirts sales created by TWU brother Herman Kohlmeyer and sale of other pink merchandise through which proceeds are donated to Komen, all this in addition to yearly cash donation from TWU Local 514 Tulsa. I am honored to work with the most caring and generous people here in Tulsa – each year we set a goal to surpass last year’s fundraising amount.
You may also have seen our eight pink-ribbon planes, which are near and dear to my heart. I was part of the team to arrange volunteers and apply the decal alongside my brothers and sisters and other American advocates. They represent the one in eight women who is diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
My wife has been cancer-free for eight years now, and every day we are reminded of the importance of raising awareness for the fight against breast cancer. I don’t want anyone to go through what my wife did, and by wearing pink and supporting fundraising opportunities, my goal is to help people remember that early detection is key. It’s the reason why we have more survivors than ever. Our pink items are reminders that women need to get checked regularly.
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Sattar Hussein, Technical Crew Chief at American’s Tulsa Maintenance Base. 32-year veteran of American Airlines, proud member of TWU Local 514, recipient of the Komen Promise of One Award and devoted Papa. |
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