HOA versus Cancer Survivor

I saw a shocking Facebook post this week, that motivated this post.  A breast cancer survivor posted that she was being forced to take down a breast cancer ribbon posted on her door.  She reported the HOA stance is that her ribbon is a violation of their no decoration ordinance which ensures a pleasant visual astetic for the neighborhood.  I assumed that the multiple comments she received on

her post would have all been supportive.  But we all know what happens when you assume, right?  Imagine my surprise when I saw people who supported the HOA or made back door digs ( everyone wants to live in a neighborhood that looks like a unicorn puked on it).   As a fellow cancer champion I was shocked by the insensitivity, but grateful that I have had the most supportive people in my life along my journey.  When I was diagnosed and encourage to move to a smaller, single story or first floor residence,  my landlord helped me look for a handicap unit in our subdivision and graciously let me terminate my lease early when a unit meeting my needs was not available.   While I miss my 2nd floor condo  and neighbors, I know the move was best for my health.  There have been so many days where I have struggled to manage in a smaller, first floor residence.  On those days when I have been stuck inside I have relied on small things like my pink rubber duck which reminds me of my coworkers or coloring mandalas and baking to help me cope.  I thought about what I would do in her shoes.  Would I take down the ribbon or fight the HOA and cancer at the same time?  I think I would fight the cancer and the HOA.  Survivors are faced with an epic battle which requires all of our strength and any tools we can get to help us cope.  So if a ribbon helped me endure chemotherapy, radiation , or surgery as I fought for my life then I would display it proudly and accept the consequences.  Fight on champion fight on!