Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The Power of Planning
October is a month that means so much to so many. It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a time to reflect, support, and take action. For me, it’s also a time to pause and think about the people I love and how I can protect them and myself, not just through planning for the future but also by taking care of our health today.
I remember a few years ago when a dear friend of mine shared her story of how a routine mammogram saved her life. She went in, not expecting anything unusual, just another checkup. But that screening caught something early—something she never would have known about until it was much more serious. Because of that early detection, she was able to get the treatment she needed and is now thriving, spending time with her family and living life fully.
It was a reminder that we can’t control everything, but we can take steps to prepare for the unexpected, whether it’s through estate planning or by making sure we’re taking care of our health. That’s why this October, I want to remind everyone of the importance of scheduling your mammogram and thinking about how we can prepare for the future in all aspects of life.
Estate Planning and Health: Preparing for the “What If’s”
Breast Cancer Awareness Month also reminds me of how important it is to plan for the unexpected in other areas of life as well. Life often throws us unexpected challenges, especially when it comes to our health. Estate planning is a practical way to prepare for the unknowns, or the “what if’s,” and ensures that, no matter what happens, your wishes will be honored and your family will be cared for.
Here’s how estate planning helps manage those uncertainties:
Medical and Financial Decision-Making: A serious health diagnosis can impact your ability to manage your own affairs. A healthcare power of attorney allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf, while a financial power of attorney ensures someone you trust can handle financial matters if you're unable to.
End-of-Life Preferences: Facing “what if” scenarios can be daunting, but advance directives and living wills give you control over your end-of-life care. These documents ensure that your family is not left to guess your wishes, giving you peace of mind that your preferences will be respected.
Providing for Your Loved Ones: We all wonder, “What if I’m no longer here?” Estate planning allows you to answer that question by securing your family’s financial future. Through wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations, you decide how your assets will be distributed, making sure your loved ones are provided for.
Minimizing Stress for Your Family: A health crisis can be stressful enough without worrying about legal and financial matters. Estate planning allows you to address the “what if’s” now, so that if anything happens, your loved ones can focus on supporting your care, rather than dealing with complicated decisions.
Having an estate plan in place is one way we can ensure that our loved ones are taken care of if something happens to us. While I hope none of us ever has to face a serious health crisis, the truth is, it’s better to have a plan and not need it than to need one and not have it. And estate planning isn’t just about what happens after we’re gone; it’s about making sure the people who matter most are protected and supported no matter what life brings.
Mammograms: A Simple Step to Protect Your Health
If you’re like me, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life—kids, work, errands, and everything in between. But when it comes to your health, it’s worth taking the time to prioritize it, especially when something as simple as a mammogram can make such a significant difference. A mammogram is the best tool we have for detecting breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. The sooner it's found, the more options you have for care and recovery.
If you haven’t scheduled your mammogram yet this year, consider this your reminder. It’s one of the best ways to take care of yourself and the people who love you.
Taking Care of Your Future—and Your Present
At Cedar Counsel, LLC, we understand that estate planning is a deeply personal process, and it can feel overwhelming—just like going in for a mammogram might feel. But we’re here to help guide you through it with care, compassion, and a plan that reflects your values and wishes.
So, this October, as we raise awareness about breast cancer, let’s also take the opportunity to care for ourselves. Schedule your mammogram, talk to your loved ones about their health, and think about how an estate plan can give you and your family the peace of mind you deserve. After all, life is precious, and protecting it, in every way, is one of the most loving things we can do.
Schedule a free consultation today!
This article is a service of Cedar Counsel. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love.