Baljot Mangat is one of the most inspiring teens we know. At 18 years old, not only is she one of the youngest Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure Run Directors, she also organized her own annual event that raised $7,000 for the breast cancer cause.
Baljot and Sarveet Mangat
When I was told to write a story about my mother, it never occurred to me how difficult it would be to express her pain. Three years ago, my mother felt a lump (in her breast) and ignored it. As months passed she continued to feel the lump growing…and we all ignored it. I’m South Asian and in my community there is a lot of fear, lack of knowledge and embarrassment surrounding breast cancer.
My mother visited the doctor in 2007 and was told to have a mammogram done. She felt embarrassed and scared so she ignored the doctor’s test papers. She continued to ice her lump and finally went back to the doctor’s office in the summer of 2008. Again, embarrassment and lack of education caused her to avoid going to the hospital. It was several months later, when the mammograms were done, that we received a phone call. My Mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.
It felt like the whole world came crashing down upon us – we felt helpless. My family lacked so much education, even after being introduced to the disease and the treatment options. At first we paid more attention to the negatives and decided not to go through with the treatment. However, after learning more, my Mother commenced her treatment.
Baljot's mom, Sarveet.
I was a high school student, in my graduating year, and every time I came home from school I found my Mother crying. At first I didn’t know why, but then I realized my Mother was getting calls from one of my aunts who would compare my Mother’s illness with someone else, “Oh don’t worry you won’t throw up, or may never need to go to the hospital, although my friend’s sister did”. She did not know that everyone is affected differently. I was frustrated to realize that I had family members who lacked knowledge about breast cancer.
My Mother’s disease inspired me to host an event to educate the South Asian community about breast cancer. Even then I encountered people who were unwilling or too embarrassed to learn about breast cancer.
Last year, I organized my own walk-a-thon to spread awareness around the Brampton area. . I spent days walking around my neighborhood handing out flyers.
The event, iRock Pink, was held to unite the South Asian community and together we raised over $7,000. Over 500 participants were involved and 100 volunteers helped me set-up the event within a month. My goal is to encourage more participation from the Punjabi community in Brampton and to do what I can to help overcome the stigma that exists about discussing breast cancer. It’s not something to be embarrassed about. It’s a disease that people can die from if it is not diagnosed early.
- Baljot Mangat
Catch Baljot Mangat on CBC’s Connect with Mark Kelley tonight Monday May 17th at 8PM EST Check here for local listings.
Baljot's parents (Parminder and Sarveet), Baljot and Brampton Mayor Susan Fennell at iRock Pink 2010
Performers at iRock Pink 2010
To join Baljot and participate in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure 2010 click here.
A very inspiring story. Baljot you have done a wonderful job in bringing awareness to the Soth Asian community. I lost my mother in 1997 and have been running every year. I’m also assisting in the first ever Mississauga Run.