Yesterday, on the 9th of the month, we lost a Buddy

I first profiled Dyan Adams two years ago. Dyan, a respected DC area make-up artist, had undergone a mastectomy the year before. Only seven weeks after major surgery, she literarily dragged herself across the finish line at her first Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure. She called the experience -in a driving rain- fun and meaningful to her. But it was to be so meaningful to other women.

Dyan became a passionate breast cancer advocate. She frequently spoke to groups about the importance of early detection. She wasn’t embarrassed to show her mastectomy scar or talk about her reconstructive surgery with women who were about to embark on the path she had taken. She later became a Patient Navigator for Project Wish. The program offers free or low cost breast and cervical exams to underinsured women in DC.

In our last profile of Dyan in 2005, she described a possible recurrence as a “challenge.” When I saw her yesterday, she was frail, but positive, faith-filled and strong to the end. Dyan Adams died last night at Providence Hospital surrounded by her loving family and friends.

I will be honored next Tuesday by “Washingtonian Magazine” as one of 16 “Washingtonians of the Year” for my efforts to raise breast cancer awareness. The radio ads for the January issue of the magazine tell listeners to read about the “local heroes.” I am not the hero; I am only the messenger. The accolades I’ve received over the years are thanks to the heroic women and men who‘ve allowed me to share their stories.

Dyan was to be my guest at the luncheon to represent the scores of survivors I’ve profiled. I will miss her physical presence, but she will be there in spirit. All who knew her are better for it. Women’s lives will be saved because of Dyan Adams’ honesty and courage. I’m grateful I had one last chance to say in person - thank you for being a Buddy, for being the real hero.

Happy New Year!!!

The country said good bye to President Gerald Ford last week. However, many media outlets remarked that former First Lady Betty Ford may have eclipsed her husband’s influence because of the way she publicly and courageously handled life’s challenges & demons.

Betty Ford was forthright about her bout with alcoholism. She also became the new face of early detection after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She was the “First Buddy” for all women in this country.

As we start our 13th year of Buddy Check 9, don’t forget to call and remind your Buddy of the life saving steps she can follow for early detection.

Current breast cancer screening methods are about finding something. But some researchers believe by the time you feel a lump, the disease is no longer at its earliest, most treatable stage. However, this New Year could offer an exciting advance in Early Detection. In our first Buddy Check 9 of the year, I will be reporting on the HALO System. Some are calling it a pap test for the breast.

In the metro area, Dr. April Rubin is the first OB/GYN to include this test as part of her regular clinical exams. As with a pap smear, doctors collect cells from the fluid in the milk ducts. If the cells are atypical, the patient could be 8 to 10-times at higher risk for developing the disease.

Learn more about why Dr. Rubin is excited about this new approach to detecting breast cancer even before it begins. Our report on the HALO BREAST PAP airs Tuesday, the 9th of January on 9NEWS NOW @ 5am.