BRINGING HOPE ONE FLAG AT A TIME

*IMAGE AND/OR FLAG CANNOT BE USED OR REPRINTED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM FOUNDER & PRESIDENT OR CEO OF UMOP.* Photo Credit: Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe

Many people have asked me how I designed the world's first lung cancer flag. I have to admit, a lot of thought was put into the flag. The actual design was not hard to make. The meaning of the flag and how every aspect of the flag could impact someone was what really took time. After doing a lot of research and tossing ideas around in my head, I came across a meaning that is as unique as it is inspiring. I quickly realized the positive impact what I made left in me. That was when I realized the same way I was impacted others would also feel a similar way.

This post is not to share how I came to completely design the flag or the meaning. This post is to share with you how each and every one of us can gain something from the world's first lung cancer flag.

If you look at the flag you will see a ribbon surrounded by some vibrant colors. You may find the flag pleasing to the eye. You may not completely understand how the flag represents lung cancer or lung cancer awareness. The words the flag speaks cannot be heard by looking at it but by understanding it.

Aquamarine is known as the “Sailors Color” because it is the color of the ocean. It represents peace, tranquility, happiness, and the endless life. As the waves of the ocean rise high and dip low they represent the similar highs and lows of life.

Message: For those being affected, never lose hope. Everyone experiences highs and lows but life just keeps on rolling along. For everyone else, understand the situation a peer is experiencing and lend them a hand for you never know when you might be at a dip and they can help.

Red is the color of fire and blood. It’s associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination, as well as passion, desire, and love. All of these things are necessary as we battle our day to day monsters.

Message: For those being affected, use that inner passion, desire, and determination to gain back your strength, power, and energy. For everyone else, use your words and actions to show others your love and support, it’ll help them fight through.

Ribbon is used as an awareness symbol. It all started with the yellow ribbon in 1955 as it was used to bring awareness about the situation with the troops. A nice woman in Maryland heard how people would throw dog food at the Iranians and said “hey, why do that? Let’s tie yellow ribbons around their oak trees!” After that, Americans picked up the “Ribbon Trend” and the story leads us here.

Message: For those being affected, make peace with those around you. Surround yourselves with as much positive energy as possible. Don’t use dog food as ammunition. Everyone else can do the same! Remember, “Make peace not war!”

As you may see the messages of the flag are not just for people affected by lung cancer. I hope everyone can learn from the flag and spread its messages throughout their daily lives.

May you be filled with joy, peace and love today and always.

Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe

A NOTE FROM OUR FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT

Hello everyone!

I hope you have all been experiencing a lovely 2017 so far. While I know a blog post has been long overdue, I thank you all for hanging in.

May 2017 be joyous and may peace continue to be with you all!

Signed,

Stephanie Márquez-Villafañe

#lungcancerawareness #lungcancer #awareness #flag #meaning #message