In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, American Airlines and its team members are “going pink” this month to raise awareness and critical funds to find a cure.
Throughout October, American is sharing the stories of team members who have been touched by the disease. Laura Crossley, Customer Service Coordinator at Indianapolis, Indiana (IND), has heard the phrase “you’ve got cancer” three times — once with her husband and twice for herself. Below, read her story of how she and her family persevered, which appeared in the October issue of American Way.
When you hear those words — you have cancer — life changes. Your outlook becomes simpler, your will becomes more determined and your relationships become stronger. My husband Steve, a Ground Service Equipment Mechanic at American Airlines, heard those words in 2012. We were newlyweds, and we were staring down a scary diagnosis: colon cancer. We knew it would be a battle, but we also knew that we could fight it together.
After surgery, Steve experienced complications and had to remain in the hospital. It was while I was there caring for him that I learned I had breast cancer. It seemed unreal. I was focused on getting my husband healthy. How could cancer be affecting my body, too? But I knew I would beat cancer just as he did. In March 2012, I had a mastectomy. With the help of my family, I got stronger and returned to the job I love — helping you, our customers, get to important meetings, weddings, family vacations, celebrations and more.
But in 2017, just short of the magical five-year, all-clear mark, I was once again diagnosed with breast cancer. I thought to myself, “I beat it once, and I will do it again,” and had a second mastectomy, returning to work in just eight weeks.
When cancer affects your family three times, it is imperative to find your support system. Steve and I have each other, but we also have family and friends … and our extended American family. Our colleagues have been there from the start, fighting, supporting and encouraging us to keep going.
It makes me incredibly proud that American supports the fight against cancer of all types, but I especially love seeing everyone wear pink during October. It reminds me that breast cancer awareness is important to my fellow team members. During this month, we all come together to raise funds, share stories and more importantly, celebrate our victories.
For more than 30 years, American has helped Susan G. Komen® researchers make advances against breast cancer by raising more than $36 million for research. And today, I ask you to join the nonstop fight by visiting aa.com/bepink. There, you can donate to support breast cancer research through our Miles for the Cure program and even earn some AAdvantage miles in the process. Your support means the world to survivors like me.
Laura Crossley
Customer Service Coordinator
Indianapolis, Indiana (IND)
