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This is where I "blog it out."

There's an Association for Everything!

10/16/2020

15 Comments

 


​Early in my sales career I was fascinated to learn that there is literally an association for every collection of people you can think of. From hobbyists to industry specific groups to labor unions and sports authorities. These groups and their meeting activities were the life blood of the hospitality industry (pre-COVID times) and I truly enjoyed getting to know the people who belong to and run these organizations.

As I progressed in my career I had the privilege to join a few of these groups and have made lifelong friends along the way. I could provide a page full of logos to represent each one, but those that stand out the most are the ones where I have been the most active. I have served as President, and in many other leadership roles, for Meeting Professionals International’s Virginia Chapter; chaired committees for the Virginia Society of Association Executives; lead my daughter’s troop for the Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth; and am an ambassador for Rebelle. Most who know me in Richmond, or have worked with me, met me through these affiliations. I joined these organizations because I wanted to be a part of something positive, career-shaping and leadership driven.

What is most unexpected are the private clubs you discover along life’s path. These are the clubs that you don’t join on your own, you earn membership through shared pain, trauma or diagnosis. Sometimes you may find that you’ve gained access to more than one of these groups, having never joined of your own free will.

Today I involuntarily count myself a member of three private clubs. Mothers who have spontaneously miscarried a child (twice), the melanoma club, and I’m a soon-to-be breast cancer survivor. That’s right. Breast cancer. Thanks, 2020. If you’ve asked yourself, “What else could possibly go wrong this year?” Don’t. The universe will answer that question in ways that you may not be ready for.

Fortunately, having been a marketer in a healthcare setting long enough to celebrate October as the ultimate awareness month, I know the value of breast self-exams and caught my mass early. It’s not small, but it’s stage 1 and we’re going in after it in a few weeks. Then attacking the area with radiation, then endocrine therapy, and then I can hopefully step down from this active membership of having cancer in my body to survivor status. We've made the decision to not tell our kids, as they are going through enough with virtual/hybrid learning and not seeing their friends, and the list goes on...so, please do not tell your children if our children are friends. (Update: We did tell the kids and they took the news well.)

I’m borrowing a page from my friend Jeff’s book and will be “blogging it out” to give updates on my journey. I’ll write at integral stages in an effort to answer questions and hopefully provide comfort to anyone else who might be going through something similar. As was the case in joining the miscarriage and melanoma clubs, I look forward to hearing from all of the warriors who have already walked this path. You see, when you lay bare your pain, or trauma, you quickly find that there are private club members all around you. Once you’re a member, you can then choose to be an advocate for the cause.

​A few weeks after my first miscarriage, I was called by a sweet friend who was suffering through the same situation while her husband was out of town. I didn’t sign up to be the poster child for grieving mothers, but I was who she needed in that moment. Someone who understood the depths of her pain and loss. Someone who agreed that it wasn’t fair, it made no sense, and that there should be more answers. Co-workers and acquaintances secretly confided in me, and I realized that I wasn’t alone. It lifted the weight I was carrying just enough so I could breathe, and then I put one foot in front of the other.

I will walk that same walk in a few weeks. Please reach out if you’re a member of a club you never intended to join.

It’s National Mammography Day, so if you’re 40+, or are younger with a family history or other risk factors, you owe it to yourself, and your loved ones, to get checked. Stay tuned for more info to be shared in a few weeks, and I welcome your prayers. Thank you!
©Linné M. Diiorio, CMP. All Rights Reserved.
15 Comments
Anne Soter
10/16/2020 05:54:27 pm

I really hate to have to welcome you to club of Breast Cancer but I want you to know that I’m hear if you want to chat! I had a lumpectomy 6 years ago and did chemo and radiation ! I was NEVER sick one day and I’m blessed to be a 6 year survivor !! Call me 843-319-6691 if you need info!! Love you and wish you the best!
Hugs,
Anne

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Cheryl White
10/16/2020 06:00:35 pm

Sending our love and prayers Linne’. You are a very strong young lady and I know you will fight this battle and come out stronger.

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Kim Bivins
10/16/2020 06:02:01 pm

I am so sorry you have become a member of this club. Sending you hugs, prayers, good energy, everything good and happy and healing I can send. I have not walked this path but I’m here, with broad shoulders, willing ears, hopeful heart to support you. Wrapping you all in love.

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Krista Robinson
10/16/2020 06:09:05 pm

Keeping you in our prayers for a speedy recovery.
Love Krista

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Dawn Catteau
10/16/2020 06:21:19 pm

I'm so sorry, Linné, and will be praying for the best medical care available to heal you quickly and completely. If there's anything we can do to help from afar, never hesitate to say so.

(And miscarriage is miserable. Sad club members unite.)

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Kristin
10/16/2020 07:32:30 pm

8 years clear on 9/12. Diagnosis July 24, Ductal Carcinoma. Double Mastectomy with reconstruction 9/12/2012. Sending prayers for you and your family. My kids were in 3rd and 4th grade. I was lucky, found early and after surgery and clean lymph node testing- didn’t need any more treatment. Sending strength and prayers your way.

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Jamie E
10/16/2020 08:00:40 pm

This is so tough, but so are you! Thanks for letting us know so we can support you and your family, I will reach out to you in text. It is so true that by sharing your diagnosis, you will connect with others that are/have gone through this journey. So many positive vibes and prayers are being sent your way. You got this!

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Becky Tuzzolo
10/16/2020 09:20:54 pm

Linne,
If anyone can’t beat this it is you! You are so right, there is an Association for everything. As you know, I am a fellow member of the miscarriage club. It is amazing how when we hit speed bumps in life, others that have had hit the same bump in the road come out of the woodwork and offer the support we so need. We are never alone.

We are here for you if you need anything and will be saying extra prayers. We know that you are in good hands and everything is going to be alright.

Love,
Aunt Becky

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Bob Hudson
10/17/2020 09:12:06 am

I am so sorry to hear this. You are strong and will get through it. You are in my and Jack’s thoughts. ❤️

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Robert & Diane Piesco link
10/17/2020 10:48:46 am

Dear Linne,
So sorry you have to go through this. You are smart, strong and beautiful and will succeed in winning just as you have in all of your endeavors in life and business. Know that you are always in our thoughts and prayers and we will be with you spiritually every step of the way.
Love,
Aunt Diane & Uncle Robby

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Laura Wood
10/17/2020 11:38:54 am

Oh no! I am so sorry that you are on this path. Your words were honest and still full of hope. I will always admire you. Much love to you and healing prayers are being said. ❤

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Laura Hurtt
10/17/2020 12:01:54 pm

Sorry to hear this. You are a very strong person and always tackle things head on. God has a plan in all we do so stay strong and fight the fight. Holding you and your family up in prayer.

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Veronica Thompson
10/17/2020 01:43:22 pm

I’m sorry to hear you are going through this Linne. You are one of the strongest women I know and you will be a survivor! This does not define you but will make you even stronger. Hugs and prayers to you and your family as you go through this.

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Rebecca Smith
10/17/2020 09:52:48 pm

Linne, I’m sad to hear your news. My mom is a survivor, it’s scary & worse to not share it with your tribe, so kudos to you for letting us know.
I’ve had two bouts of skin (basil cell) cancer on my face, thankfully not melanoma but just as terrifying!!
If there’s anything I can do, please let me know even if it’s just to chat!
Sending all my love and prayers to you and your family. Rebecca

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Erin Germany
10/19/2020 08:41:15 pm

Sending prayers and hugs. You are strong and I know you will beat this.

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