Breast cancer stories that compel us to think pink

So much happens during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October: Buildings turn pink, ribbons are worn, races are run and stories are told.

While we’re made aware of estimated new cases (207,090) and estimated deaths (39,840) in 2010, the personal stories are what move us -- and maybe even move us to schedule an overdue mammogram.

Sue Marangi’s story was told in a Baltimore Sun series a few years ago when she and other women raised their hands to be part of a clinical trial they hoped would lead to a cure. When the Maryland woman who had fought breast cancer recently died from the disease at 62, the reporter wrote her story anew, with a different ending, in “Remembering Sue.”

Lori DeTurck’s story in the Allentown Morning Call story “Single mom has single focus” underscores the Pennsylvania woman’s quest to beat breast cancer so she’ll be able to care for her special needs son.

Read more stories and information about breast cancer at HealthKey.com.

--Mary Forgione / For the Los Angeles Times