Angelina’s decision to share such intimate details with the world is both gracious and humble.  I’m a firm believer in sharing information – both tragedy and joy – with others.  It’s the only way we can grow as a human race.  What good is it if we all have to live and learn each heartache or enlightenment on our own?

I’m not saying you have to share every detail of your life with the whole world, but if you share insight and knowledge – just within your circle of friends and family – now those words can help others and also spread the globe.  To me, we should always be moving towards better understanding, knowledge and a “we’re in this together” attitude.

I’ve mentioned this theory of mine before – back in 2011 when I was grateful to the women who had shared their information with me on how to get pregnant:

I’m happy there are women out there who share their personal journeys with others so we can all benefit. Women who are embarassed, or trying to appear perfect, or just hoarding good news to themselves can go to hell!  Or at least go to some some deserted island.  Where they can sit around giving each other the stink eye all day.  I say get over yourself! We’re all in this (life) together.  We may as well help each other out instead of holding each other back.

As you already know, I was Angelina’s double so you may think that I’m just bias.  But, I’m not.  If I didn’t believe in her – I wouldn’t blog about it.

Now, as to what everyone can do with the information she has shared?  That’s determined by the individual.  It may help someone feel better about their own double mastectomy.  It may prompt someone to get tested.  It may inspire someone to be more accepting of their loved one who is going through the same thing.  Whatever the article did for you, I’m sure you can find a way to pay it forward.

Since the test that Angie mentions is $3,000 – I won’t be getting it done anytime soon.  But I am curious if I too have that gene.  My maternal grandmother (still alive and well at 98!) did have breast cancer, but survived.  And an Aunt as well.  So… I don’t know.  Maybe I too may have this gene?  Hopefully someday testing will be available to everyone. Maybe someday health insurance will cover the testing as part of a ‘well, routine visit.’  But that’s getting into a whole other blog post.