Ihave lost count of exactly how many breast cancer stories I have written since 2018, but I have never forgotten the details of the stories people share during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This year was the first time I wrote a story about the same woman, Erma Mast, and her story is featured in this issue.

Since Kyle and I bought the Cassville Democrat, we put a local focus on the Power of Pink organization and Janice McCracken, who started it all.

The Power of Pink has helped 58 women in total, and raised $464,843.40 in the last 15 years.

Nearly half a million dollars have gone into the hands of women in the four-state area who have been affected by breast cancer diagnoses.

I have never been directly affected by breast cancer. It is not in my family history. I have never watched a grandmother, mother, aunt, cousin or sister go through treatment, discuss options or lose their hair.

But, there are some amazing women who have shared their stories over the years, helping me see that process so I can share their journeys with you. That is what awareness is about after all.

These women have probably saved more than one life over the years, and for that I am grateful, and I hope you are too.

Last year, as I was writing my fist breast cancer story for the month, on October 1st, Kyle leaned over my desk and handed me a wooden plaque: “2024 Missouri Press Foundation Better Newspaper Contest – 1st Place – Community Service, Cassville Democrat, Jordan Troutman.”

That award was given to me, to us, because of these women.

That award is one of many over the years in the Community Service, Best Health Story and Best News Feature Story categories.

They aren’t my stories or my words, but I am honored to be the vehicle that brings them to you, our readers.

I am also deeply honored that these women have trusted me over the years to do it.

I have said before, you have to think about how strong they must be not only to go through this diagnosis, treatment, recovery and endless medication, but to then turn around and allow me to expose some of the most intimate moments of their lives — their emotions, hair loss, marriages and walks with God.

These stories bring me into the true meaning of awareness. I have spoken to women in their 30s. I have spoken to family friends of mine, I have had a woman hang up in the middle of the interview to throw up, and I have sat in silence many times as women take a break from telling me their stories to compose themselves from tears.

“I don’t know how many of them can tell that I am almost certainly wiping tears from my eyes and trying my best to keep my voice from shaking as I listen to their stories,” I wrote in 2023 — and that remains true today.

Being recognized for my work is amazing, but it isn’t why it is so important to me.

The Power of Pink and the 58 ladies over the years are what drives me, as well as the number of women who will come in the future.

These women deserve the recognition. Because of them, I perform a self-breast exam in the shower monthly. I am only 33, so I have a few years before my doctor recommends my annual mammogram, but I won’t hesitate.

Because of these women, I will teach my daughters how to care for themselves and remind them to do their self-breast exams as they get older.

Like I said, these women have probably saved more than one life, and we should all be grateful for that.

If one woman gets a mammogram, stands up for herself at the doctor’s office when she knows something is wrong, or helps another woman through this process, then all of this is worth it.

Thank you; thank you for your stories.

Jordan Troutman is the Owner and General Manager of the Cassville Democrat, former president of the Ozark Press Association, a wife, a mother of two daughters and a graduate of Capella University with a Bachelor’s in General Psychology. She is pursuing a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. She may be reached at jtroutman@cass-