Petra is new to us. She kicks off with a blog about cervical cancer. Perhaps a bit of a heavy subject, but her forties dilemma put her on the line when a teammate introduced her to cervical cancer, its devastating effects and the Ruby and Rose Foundation. Read and learn… to put things into perspective
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It is May holidays and we are staying in the Algarve with our family. Our youngest sprout lies comfortably on one ear and the other kids splash happily in the pool under the watchful eye of 'daddy-the-lifeguard'. For me this means 'me time'!
Since moments like this are quite rare in our busy family, I'll make the most of it. On a sunbed at the edge of the water, drink there, surf the web a bit. Suddenly I see it through the reflection of my phone case; my body is in decay! Rolls, pits and spots, whoaaaa!!! That's shocking, because until that moment I imagined myself a kind of 'Cleopatra at the swimming pool'; nicely tanned, fairly slim and still quite okay for a 'mom of three' who is already approaching 40.
I don't think for a second, this can't go on like this! I had already heard from a number of mothers in the schoolyard about some super coach who promised golden mountains and I decide to check his Facebook page. Coincidence or not, he will start a cool new training program immediately after my vacation. Three times a week popping like crazy. Includes healthy diet plan. I'm going to transform from 'mother with bacon' to a real MILF, it sounds like music to my ears! Less than 6 weeks later, the promise has been amply fulfilled:in no time I manage to feel tighter in my skin than I ever dared to dream. With the bonus of a real sports addiction instead of regular snitch attacks.
I have been a regular customer of the gym for a while now; running, strength and conditioning training and kickboxing. I don't turn my back on it anymore. I have also learned a lot in the field of healthy nutrition in combination with intensive exercise. For example, I limit eating carbohydrates and added sugars and I also try to avoid products with E numbers. All very good and healthy of course, and it gives a huge kick to discover what your body is capable of. But I also realize that it is not given to everyone to achieve what you have in mind. Because sometimes your body lets you down and nothing is taken for granted anymore.
My sports buddy Joyce recently told me about her ambassadorship for Ruby and Rose, a foundation that raises money for the fight against gynecological cancer. Not long ago, Joyce lost her best friend to cervical cancer at the age of 42. Shortly afterwards, she suddenly had to say goodbye to her sister, who died of pancreatic cancer. Two young women in the prime of their lives were beset by a terrible disease. How unfair can life be?! Before their death, both women put their heart and soul into the foundation and Joyce now continues their good work with all love.
When I heard this, a huge sense of shame came over me. Since the four-nil came into view, calling my age out loud became a 'no go area'. It sounded really old to my ears! And now my dear teammate told me about two special young women who would have given anything to live a few more years in good health. They just didn't get the chance. I decided to immediately stop complaining about something as insignificant as my age, because 'age is just a number'.
I delved into the work of Ruby and Rose and discovered that approximately 4,500 women are diagnosed with gynecological cancer every year. A large part of them ultimately do not survive this. A lot of money is needed for research and this is what the Ruby and Rose Foundation is committed to. The money that this charity collects increases the survival chances of women affected by, for example, cervical or ovarian cancer.
I am now 41, something that I proudly shout from the rooftops. Thanks to my super coach I am fitter than ever and I embrace life to the fullest! Working out with a bunch of fantastic women still gives a great boost, and we have now contributed a small part together by supporting Ruby and Rose.
Do you want to do something with your team in the fight against women's cancer? Then there is now a very nice offer! Order a bright pink Ruby and Rose water bottle here for all your sports buddies. When you buy at least 5 water bottles you will receive a big discount and you also have a chance to win a nice surprise!
Do you not want a water bottle, but do you have a warm heart for the foundation after reading this blog? No problem! On the website you can also make a donation or order nice items, such as an original Biba bracelet with rose in silver, rosé or gold.
Support the Ruby and Rose Foundation and help in the fight against gynecological cancer. And above all, take part in the population screening. Because it can happen to any woman; your mother, sister, girlfriend, daughter, aunt grandma…. or yourself!
