Oct. 5, 2016
Do you know what I got for having Garrett’s Chicago Mix popcorn and a glass of wine for dinner last night? In addition to side-eye judgment from those who’ve never done it, I got a shell of a kernel stuck to my tongue way back in my throat. No matter how much I drink or brush my teeth, it’s still there, like a tiny knife punishing me for my poor nutritional choices. (For what it’s worth, I had a very healthy lunch yesterday.)
Even now, after two more meals and countless glasses of water, it sits there driving me crazy. One small speck is all it takes to cause discomfort (and a little bit of shame over my culinary options). Eventually, it will dissolve or get swallowed and I’ll be free to do it all over again. If only all things that hurt our bodies were so easily taken care of.
While I’m fighting an uncomfortable kernel, so many people are in the fight of their lives against cancer, infections and other diseases. While I perused Facebook this morning, I was thrilled to see that a lovely young woman friend of mine received a negative screening for breast cancer after fighting it for some time. There really is no better news I’ll see today. Unfortunately, breast cancer is no stranger to my family, so anytime I hear about a successful fight, I’m especially grateful.
Mary Smania is a nurse practitioner dedicated to making a difference in the fight against breast cancer, which often begins as one small speck. She works to reduce barriers to care for men and women who cannot afford life-saving services. In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, check out her very personal FACULTY VOICE: From the eyes of a child, to learn about the “why” that keeps her motivated.
I’m sure that many Spartan nurses have similar personal reasons for choosing their profession. Somewhere, some small speck of an experience led them to MSU. No matter their reason for choosing the field, Spartan nurses are fiercely dedicated, have a determined work ethic and are extraordinarily compassionate in their care. Like all Spartans, they’re changing lives and shaping better tomorrows. Spartans Will.
Lisa Mulcrone
Editor, MSUToday
@LMulcrone
Photo by Jordan Noble