Ep 120 Isabel Rosario - The One Percent: A Human Race Breast Cancer Awareness Girl Scout Gold Award

Full transcription available at http://heartsofgoldpodcast.com/

Isabel shares her Girl Scout Gold Award project focused on raising awareness about breast cancer in men. Isabel's journey began when her grandfather was diagnosed with breast cancer, which shocked her family as they were unaware that men could also be affected. Isabel delves into the statistics, highlighting that 1% of cancer diagnoses are in men, which equates to thousands of lives. She emphasizes the importance of including men in breast cancer awareness campaigns, as they are often diagnosed at a later stage and may feel ashamed or overlooked. Isabel's goal is to tackle the lack of education and support for male breast cancer patients and their families, ensuring that everyone is included in this important cause.

More from Isabel:

I am part of the Caribe Girl Scouts Council. I started as a Daisy and continued till I graduated as an Ambassador. I loved going on nature adventures with my troop. As a Senior and Ambassador, I was a Staff at GS Camp, and it was the most fun experience. I was the girl who would scream the loudest of all GS songs.

During 2020 and 2021, I interned with Girl Scouts USA as part of the G-TEAM. We were 25 girls from the US, Italy, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Initially, we were supposed to plan the National Girl Scout Convention, but the pandemic hit, and plans changed. We became an advisory team for GSUSA strategy and operations. One of my most significant projects was being a producer and host of the first GS talk show, G-TEAM TV, where we discussed many topics around health and sustainability and brought guest speakers. G-TEAM TV has 10 episodes that are all on YouTube.

Then, in 2021 I was 1 of 6 girls chosen to interview Michelle Obama for the launch of the badge "Becoming Me." It was a breathtaking and remarkable experience. As a GS, I got to grow professionally and truly feel GS's impact on an ambitious girl.

It all started in 2019 when my grandfather was diagnosed with breast cancer. He was shocked, ashamed, and confused about how a man could get breast cancer. At this moment, my Girl Scouts mindset wanted to take action and save lives by creating awareness.

Statistics say 1% of breast cancer diagnoses are in men. It may sound small... but that 1% equals thousands of lives! I noticed most breast cancer campaigns are directed to only women. Men often detect breast cancer at later stages. So, my project, "The One Percent: A Human Race Breast Cancer Awareness," began. I managed social media pages, interviewed breast cancer survivors, gave educational talks, and collaborated with well-known breast cancer organizations.

As part of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, on January 2021, I proposed the idea to declare the second Friday of October of every year as Male Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Puerto Rico. After lobbying at the Senate, House of Representatives, and Governor of Puerto Rico, it got signed as Law 50-2021. This raises the voice for male breast cancer awareness to reach the early detection and support needed.

On my social media pages, I introduced an international perspective with an interview of male breast cancer survivor Marius Soler from Spain and a national view with the interview with male survivor José Cockran. It helped me understand and share the pattern of lack of education and support. Mr. Soler told me about his journey from having trouble finding information about breast cancer in men when diagnosed and how he feels excluded from support communities. Mr. Cockran hit my heart hard when he told me his dad stopped talking to him for seven years because he thought his son wasn't "manly" enough after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

I continue raising awareness that men get breast cancer because we never know whose life we can change with this information. You never know it can be a relative, dad, brother, uncle, or neighbor. A cancer diagnosis is hard; detecting it late because you didn't think you could get breast cancer, not finding a community you can relate with, or being isolated because others give in to stereotypes will make it even harder.

Getting the message out there is the goal of my project. More educational efforts and more awareness being created will bring early detection, save lives, and support for patients and families, which is so much needed. The organizations I collaborated with, Susan G. Komen, American Cancer Association, and Puerto Rican League Against Cancer, have committed to continue spreading my message.

I want to add that my grandfather beat stage 2 breast cancer. Now, in 2023, he's in remission. I am grateful.

Now, I am so grateful and honored to have been selected for the 2023 GSUSA Gold Award Scholarship!

My Gold Award has had a tremendous impact on me. I've learned so many new skills and discovered qualities in myself that will help me in my future goals.

I now study at The Ohio State University, double majoring in communications and environmental policy. I aspire to be an advocate for environmental and social issues.

Instagram: @theonepercent_breastcancer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOnePercentHumanRaceBreastCancerAwareness/

Here are some key takeaways from Isabel's project:

1️⃣ Male Breast Cancer Awareness: Isabel's project highlights the often overlooked fact that men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer. By sharing her grandfather's story and interviewing other male breast cancer survivors, Isabel aims to break the stigma and raise awareness about this important issue.

2️⃣ Lack of Education and Support: Isabel discovered that there is a lack of education and support for men diagnosed with breast cancer. Many campaigns and resources are directed solely towards women, leaving men feeling isolated and ashamed. Isabel's project aims to change this by providing a platform for men to share their experiences and promoting the importance of regular check-ups for everyone, regardless of gender.

3️⃣ Advocacy and Legislation: Isabel's dedication to her cause led her to successfully advocate for the declaration of the second Friday of October as Male Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Puerto Rico. This achievement, known as Law 15 2021, aims to raise awareness and provide support for male breast cancer patients.

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