Regina takes pride in its reputation as a safe haven for most students.  True, it’s easy to assume that nothing bad can happen going to school in the center of the north Chicago suburbs.  But it only takes one missed checkup or glance off the road to completely change life as we know it.

Besides Gnimocemoh, Notre Dame football games, and Pumpkin Spice Lattes, the month of October is also a time of raising awareness, whether it be Breast Cancer Awareness or the annual Regina Walkathon.  More importantly, it is a time to challenge students to step out of the “Regina Bubble” while learning how to make wise decisions and avoid the potential consequences.

 Think Pink!

October is recognized as the National Breast Cancer Awareness month.  This shouldn’t come as a surprise for most Regina girls.  Every year, we see our favorite football teams wear pink uniforms in support for the cause.  Many students participate in local walks with friends and family such as the Susan G. Komen Walk or the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. 

When we see those public service announcements with older women talking about their breast cancer experience, it’s easy to assume that the disease only affects our mothers, grandmothers, aunts and teachers. But this is not always the case. 

According to breastcancercare.org, women under 29 have a 1 in 2000 chance of getting breast cancer.   The odds may seem pretty slim, but if you put it in context, you are more likely to get breast cancer at a young age than get a hole-in-one playing golf or dating a male supermodel.  

Furthermore, 1 in every 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer sometime in their life, according to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.  This would translate to approximately 9 Regina students per grade.

“It can happen to anyone”, said Parvin Karwatowicz, mother of student, Isabella Karawatowicz.  “This one nurse at my church knew an 18 year old who was diagnosed with breast cancer and now even this nurse has breast cancer!  It’s a horrible, horrible disease.”

Many women, young and old do not think this disease will affect them. “In my experience, women who both do or do not have a breast cancer history in their family are often very complacent.  They avoid it by tricking themselves into thinking, ‘it exists, but I could never have breast cancer'”, said Martha Barthel, school nurse.

Luckily, breast cancer is increasingly becoming more preventable.  Over the last 60 years, research centers have dedicated their time to perfecting mammary, ultrasound, and interventional equipment. Certified radiologists and registered technologists who specialize in mammography are being hired in hospitals as well.

While a cure for breast cancer has not yet been discovered, “The best way to combat the effects of breast cancer is to take action so that you can catch it early.”, said Barthel.

The Lynn Sage Comprehensive Breast Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital suggests women  between the ages of 20 and 39 should perform a monthly Self Breast Exam and a Clinical Breast Exam every 3 years.

“For Regina girls, it’s highly important that they perform a self breast exam regularly”, said Barthel.  “You don’t need to go to the doctor to get it done.  It’s so easy you can even do it in the shower or while getting dressed.”

By taking simple precautions, Regina Girls are one step closer to putting their “Breast Foot Forward.”

Safety Doesn’t Happen by Accident

When looking for the number one cause of teenage deaths in the U.S, one may not need look further than the Regina parking lot.

If you think the breast cancer statistics are scary, get a load of this.  According to t-driver.org, over 3,000 U.S. teens die each year in car crashes, and for every American teen killed in a car crash, about 100 more are injured.

Mary Stenson, math teacher, experienced this firsthand with her nephew, Michael DeStefano. She recalls the incident sorrowfully.

“Michael, an incoming high school sophomore at the time, was in a car accident coming home with a friend from a summer job.  His buddy hit a car head-on.  There was no alcohol or texting involved, but it was rainy and they were not driving carefully enough,” said Stenson. “The car flipped, the other driver was killed, and Michael was pronounced dead at the scene.”

After he was revived, Michael was airlifted to Loyola University Medical Center. There he was diagnosed with a severe brain injury.

“We found that there was not a lot of help or somewhere to go, especially with someone who was 19 at the time, that in-between age where you’re not an adult or a child”, said Stenson.

In the midst of tragedy, however, Michael’s family and friends came to the rescue.

“The people in his life wanted to do something positive, so we created The Michael A. DeStefano Foundation to help not only Michael but other families who are going through traumatic brain injuries,” said Stenson.  “We’ve donated equipment and worked with alternative therapies that would be available to patients of all ages.  The ultimate goal is to build a whole facility.”

Five years later, Stenson says that Micheal is continuing to progress through recovery, but every day is an uphill battle. “He goes to regular speech therapy and he’s in a wheelchair.  He can now walk with assistance, but there are a lot of challenges that still lie ahead,” she said.

On Wednesday, October 29, Regina students showed their support for the cause by participating in a walkathon where all proceeds went to the organization.  Stenson says that she is extremely proud of the girls and their support, but stresses that they must take more action to prevent it from happening to them.

 “It can happen to anybody at anytime. You have to be vigilant while driving, making sure that you are aware of the conditions around you. Follow the speed limit, and don’t text while driving”, she said.

“You all are young drivers, not new, but young.  When you think something can’t happen, it can happen in a heartbeat and it will affect not only your life but the lives of your family and friends.  So whatever the situation, just be careful,” said Stenson.