June 4, 2008
Taking care of ta-tas!
When my aunt was first diagnosed with breast cancer back in the sixties there weren’t many options for treatment. She had double radical mastectomies which, in those days, frequently meant removal of massive amounts of non-breast tissue - muscles extending up into the shoulders, back and arms, for instance. She also had chemo and raditation treatments. She’s in her late sixties now and doing pretty well - she’s on a road trip this week to visit with one of my uncles and his family. When my mother got her diagnosis in the seventies, she didn’t want to lose her breasts. She did a lot of looking around and found a risky but promising research project that involved some new chemo drugs and two kinds of radiation treatment. She experienced a long remission following treatment, but lost her battle to breast cancer in 1988. We’ve come a long way since then. The “new” drug my mother recieved may very well be one that is contributing to the survival of many breast cancer patients today. Early detection is now a reality and most women in the US follow the now-standard recommendations for monthly self-exam, routine examinations by their doctors and mammograms every three years for younger women, every year for women over forty or in a higher risk category. Survival rates are up and increasing all the time. We still don’t have a cure, but we’re getting closer every day. It’s taken a lot of effort by a lot of people to get this far, but more is needed. Research, diagnostic procedures and treatment all carrry a hefty cost, and today I’m saluting some women bloggers who are helping to raise funds and awareness.
Colleen and Deb are both participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer this October in New York City. They’ve held fundraisers and collected donations amounting to about $1100 so far, and their walks are still a few months away. Each is committed to raising $1800, so they still need some help. You can support Collen’s efforts by going to her Avon Walk for Breast Cancer site and clicking on the donation button. When you’re done there, you can contribute to Deb’s walk with a single click, too. See how easy that is!
Laurie will be particiapating in the Dallas/Fort Worth area Susan G.Koman Breast Cancer 3-Day in November. A donation from you can be a part of helping Laurie’s walk. She’s already raised almost half of the $3000 she’s determined to generate in contributions.
Don’t have any money in your pocket right now? These women are holding bake sales and garage sales, selling merchandise and staging other events in addition to the walks they’ll be taking. These are things everyone can do in order to help raise funds. Summer’s coming and you’ll be needing things for the kids to do. Why not a joint family project dedicated to raising money to fight this terrible disease? You can make your donations in memory of someone you’ve lost, in honor of a survivor or even in gratitude for your own healthy breasts. Many people believe that we can find a cure for breast cancer in our lifetimes. I believe it. I don’t have a lot of money, but I’ll be having a garage sale soon. I’ve already sent Colleen, Laurie and Deb each a contribution from the money I expect to earn from clearing away the clutter. I’m not just talking to the women here, either. Men, you all love breasts, and you’ve all got a pair of your own (yes, you can get breast cancer, too.) I hope some of you will consider making your own contribution in whatever way works best for you. The ta-tas you save may be your own!
A big mahalo to Corrin, who won a linky-love review playing Tuesday Teasers. She asked me to use it this way instead of doing another review of her blog. Oh, hey, Corrin - you da bes!
Technorati Tags: Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, breast cancer, charities, fundraisers, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day
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June 5th, 2008 at 1:50 pm, Colleen Says:
What a great write up Skeet. Props to Corrin for suggesting it!
June 5th, 2008 at 2:21 pm, Corrin Says:
Great post, Skeet! And good luck to all the ladies that are working hard and raising money for their walks!
June 5th, 2008 at 6:14 pm, Laurie Says:
awww… you and Corrin are awesome. Thank you
June 6th, 2008 at 9:42 am, skeet Says:
Corrin is a great gal to have in your corner, Colleen. Mahalo for the kind words!
June 6th, 2008 at 9:43 am, skeet Says:
Mahalo for suggesting it, Corrin. Good material makes good posts and this is good stuff!
June 6th, 2008 at 9:43 am, skeet Says:
You’re welcome, Laurie. Hope it stimulates a few folks to pitch in!