Beyond the narratives of heroism, bravery, and resilience, we don’t often hear much complexity or nuance in discussions of breast cancer. But we absolutely should. The thing is, breast cancer reflects the very vision of Amour Caché in that everyone’s journey holds overlapping similarities as well as distinct differences. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month (and beyond), we want to recognize and celebrate those nuances and universalities.  

Everyone’s journey consists of parallels that bring us together, while maintaining an idiosyncrasy that makes us all so beautifully unique. Breast cancer is no different. Stories may be tragic. They may be spiritual. They may be hopeful. But they are all beautiful in their individuality.  

"The Survivor Stories series is Amour Caché’s homage to survivors and the idiosyncrasy of their journeys. The beauty, the pain, the lessons, and the consequences."

Such is Rose Salomon’s story, Yvonne Parker’s story, and Kim Murch's story. In fact, speaking to Kim for an installment of our Survivor Stories series was an immediate awakening to the nuance of breast cancer narratives. She described her experience as “positive, overall”; words I would never think to associate with breast cancer or breast cancer survival. And that is exactly the point.  

We attribute the redeeming qualities of popularized narratives—in the case of breast cancer, pink bows and communal walks and celebratory fundraisers—to an entire breadth of experiences. The first of many conversations was already enough to open my eyes to the complexity of every survivor’s story. 

While Amour Caché hopes to grow into a community that encompasses all women with all of their stories and experiences in tow, we’d be remiss to neglect this vital moment of awareness and remembrance. Breast cancer survivors were whom our co-founders had in mind when conceptualizing our pocketed bras. The purpose of our “hidden love” was to make this community, whose beauty and self-perception are often left out of the narratives we consume, feel seen.  

The Survivor Stories series is Amour Caché’s homage to survivors and the idiosyncrasy of their journeys. The beauty, the pain, the lessons, and the consequences. The indications and implications of every woman’s identity and social location, and how it impacted their journey, are all a part of the narrative we should be exposed to and reflecting on this month, and every month after. While this month was the perfect place to begin highlighting these narratives, we hope to continue celebrating all survivors in all their walks of life, regardless of what month of the year it is. Because these stories are always worth telling. Survivors, thank you for allowing L’AMOURZINE to be the place you bare your souls. Beyond the pink ribbons and cancer walks, we see you. We hear you. And we thank you for your bravery and openness.  

Avec Amour, 

Ina

P.S. Sign up for Amour Caché's weekly newsletters below to be notified when Rose, Yvonne, and Kim's stories are published.