Resource: The Must Have Breast Cancer Apps- Appitalism

With Breast Cancer Awareness Month coming to a close, I wanted to point out some apps  surrounding this great cause.

With a little help from technology and folks over at Appitalism.com, the mobile app superstore, here are the most helpful apps that are free to download on your iPhone.

Below are Appitalism’s top 5 Breast Cancer Awareness apps that every woman should have to help stay update on everything associated with Breast Cancer.

 Keep a Breast (Free on iPhone)
This app is designed to help you prevent breast cancer. It teaches you how to give yourself a breast exam at home and set up an automatic exam reminder. It also helps you educate yourself on facts of breast cancer.

Breast Health GPS (Free on iPhone)
This app uses your GPS signal and locates the nearest certified mammogram screening center. It also includes access to their website with more information, advice, and phone wallpapers.

Your Man Reminder (Free on iPhone)
This app is similar to “Keep a Breast,” except that it’s designed to have an attractive man tell you to check your breasts. This is more of a fun way to remind you about breast cancer prevention, as well as including instructions and information.

 Breast Cancer: Beyond the Shock (Free on iPhone)
This is a resource, first and foremost, designed to provide more information for those who were diagnosed with breast cancer or have a loved one who was. This is a resource for information, as well as inspirational thoughts and stories if you need a boost.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis Guide (Free on iPhone)
This app is designed with those who have breast cancer in mind. It has medical illustrations, personalized articles, and other helpful information. It walks you through the reports and the tests, so you’ll know what’s going on.

I hope these apps are very useful to your readership! For any additional information or if you would like to speak with Simon Buckingham, CEO of Appitalism, please feel free to contact me at 646-278-0759 or nweatherhead@5wpr.com. I’d be more than happy to arrange and coordinate an interview.

10 Retailers That Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month

by

Andrea Woroch

If every month of the year was assigned a color, then pink would surely belong to October. Breast Cancer Awareness Month turns even the manliest organizations (think National Football League) into pink-laden landscapes, all in support of breast cancer research.

One way consumers can show their support is by shopping for the cause. Many popular retailers and brands are currently offering products with some or all of the proceeds going to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. For a more comprehensive list of participants, consult the organization's Corporate Partners page.

1. Yoplait
As the National Series Presenting Sponsor of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Yoplait's signature pink lids are one of the most visible reminders of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With their Save Lids to Save Lives campaign, the yogurt manufacturer will donate 10 cents for each pink lid received.

2. Belk
Belk is one of Susan G. Komen for the Cure's nine highest-level sponsors and have committed to donating $3 million in three years. One of their featured brands, Ralph Lauren, also contributes 10 percent of the proceeds from their Pink Pony line to breast cancer awareness.

3. Dallas Cowboys
Speaking of the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys show their support by sporting pink accessories such as gloves and shoes during October games. Their "I Promise" campaign encourages players, fans and others to raise awareness and donate funds to the fight against breast cancer. The cause is especially dear to linebacker Bradie James, who lost his mother to the disease in 2001.

4. Ford
The all-American car manufacturer shows its softer side with the Warriors in Pink campaign. Launched in 2006 as a 365-day commitment to the cause, the campaign contributes to Ford's national sponsorship of Race for the Cure. Apparel and accessories are available to women, men and kids, with 100 percent of net proceeds going to the cause.

5. Kitchenaid
This year, Kitchenaid celebrates 10 years of fundraising for Susan G. Komen, having already raised over $8 million with itsCook for the Cure campaign. In addition to their Pink Product Collection, Kitchenaid has a special 10th Anniversary stand mixer for the compassionate cook.

6. Mobile Edge
Through their Caring Case Collection, Mobile Edge offers stylish laptop totes with pink accents, including the symbolic breast cancer ribbon. Ten percent of the Collection's sales go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. This month, Mobile Edge is offering a free shipping code and complimentary water bottle with each Caring Case Collection purchase.

7. Nordstrom
As part of the Nordstrom Fits America campaign, the high-end retailer provides complimentary bra fittings from certified experts for women nationwide. Nordstrom will also donate $1 of every bra purchased at fittings, with participating bra manufacturers also pitching-in $1.

8. American Airlines
American Airlines' commitment to the fight against breast cancer is exemplified by its 23-year partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Their AA Komen Gift Cards, Miles for the Cure, Fly for the Cure and AA Celebrity Golf and Tennis Weekend are just some of the programs offered by the airline.

9. Sephora
Sephora's Beauty That Gives Back campaign offers pink-ribbon products from several brands, each committed to donating a portion of proceeds to raising awareness for breast cancer. Some of the top brands participating include Clinique, Shiseido and Ole Henriksen. Pay nothing for delivery when you spend over $50 and use Sephora free shipping codes from sites like FreeShipping.org.

10. Caribou Coffee
Roastmaster Amy Erickson, who died at the age of 33 from breast cancer, is the inspiration behind Caribou Coffee's Amy's Blend Collection. Ten percent of retail sales from the Collection's gourmet coffee and tea, as well as mugs and other accessories, go directly to the cause.

Day 30: “Click for Your Mama” to Give Free Mammograms in Just a Minute

Just found about this.  Better late than never.
On the Leesh Productions is excited to announce the release of “Click for Your Mama”, a new What You Can Do video created in partnership with The Breast Cancer Site. With dancing, music and powerful facts about breast cancer, the video encourages viewers to click to donate free mammograms at The Breast Cancer Site. The site aims to donate 500 mammograms to women in need by October 31 in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
The video features song “Take Your Mama” by the Scissor Sisters, which was generously donated courtesy of Universal Music, Spirit Music Group and the Scissor Sisters. View “Click for Your Mama” on The Breast Cancer Site's You Tube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/BreastCancerSite.
The video is part of What You Can Do, a series spotlighting easy and powerful ways to help solve important issues such as breast cancer, global warming, world hunger and poverty. In 2010, What You Can Do episodes screen online each weekday on the What You Can Do web site and You Tube. To view the series and for more information, visit: http://www.whatyoucando365.com.
On the Leesh Productions is a New York City based company that creates film, web series and corporate video. For more information about On the Leesh, visit: http://www.ontheleesh.com/.
The Breast Cancer Site was founded to help fund free mammograms for women in need — women for whom early detection would not otherwise be possible. Since its launch in October 2000, the site has established itself as a leader in online activism and in the fight to prevent breast cancer deaths. Visit The Breast Cancer Site at: http://www.thebreastcancersite.com.

Day 29: Study Shows That Peaches and Plums May Help Fight Breast Cancer

A recent study performed at Texas A&M University revealed that peaches and plums may present an even sweeter, juicier treat in their ability to fight breast cancer. According to research scientists Dr. Luis Cisneros-Zevallos and Dr. David Byrne from AgriLife Research at Texas A&M, extracts found in commercial varieties of peaches and plums have been shown to kill breast cancer cells while not harming normal cells.

The AgriLife research scientists identified two phenolic compounds within the Rich Lady peach and Black Splendor plum that are responsible for killing the cancer cells. Phenols are organic compounds that occur in fruits and may affect traits such as aroma, taste or color. Stone fruits such as peaches and plums have especially high levels of phenols.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the cancer suppression activity of extracts from a commercial variety of a yellow-fleshed peach and a red-fleshed plum and identify the phenolic fractions that may possess potential as chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic natural compounds. Based on analysis of phenolic compounds, both peach and plum extracts effectively inhibited the proliferation of the estrogen independent MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cells while not affecting normal cells.

The researchers concluded that the phenolic compounds examined in breast cancer and normal cells (in-vitro studies) and confirmed in mice models (in-vivo studies) have potential as chemopreventive dietary compounds, however, more research is required before understanding this application to humans.

Day 27: Global Pink Hijab Day Grows Stronger Each Year

Global Pink Hijab Day started three years ago. This time, founder Hend El-Buri is raising the bar and hoping to spread the idea of Pink Hijab Day to more places.

Today, Muslim women, as well as women of other faiths across America and abroad will be observing "Global Pink Hijab Day" by donning pink headscarves. This is a day intended to initiate dialog, promote education about the Islamic headscarf (Hijab), and raise breast cancer awareness.

The Pink Hijab day has also spread to areas all over the world, including South Africa, Egypt, and Qatar.

Although Pink Hijab Day began with a small group of high school girls in the small town of Columbia, Missouri, the event now has thousands of participates all over the world.

Participants in Pink Hijab Day will encourage the curious to ask questions about hijab, as well as promoting breast cancer education, and donating to various Breast Cancer Foundations.

What is the purpose of Pink Hijab Day?

1) To encourage people to ask questions about Hijab, and extinguish stereotypes people may have about hijab 2) To raise awareness and funds for breast cancer foundations across the globe 3) To encourage Muslim women to participate in helping their own communities

Pink Hijab Day is an independent project.

Donations for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation are being collected.  Wear pink Hijabs or scarves today or support this cause.

Day 26: Boobalas: Thinking Outside the Bra

Darryle Pollack, an artist, who interviewed on Connecting Women Radio, is now selling Boobalas, "the ultimate extensiopn of my mosaic art, and as a breast cancer survivor, bring my cancer journey full circle, " Darryle says. 

"Maybe it takes someone  who doesn’t wear one anymore –to think “outside the bra”– to use my experiences to create a unique spin on what we call Breast Awareness. I call Boobalas  “putting the zest in the breast”—combining a little imagination… irreverence…. and inspiration," Darryle continues. 

But after years of selling locally and by commission Darryle is putting her art online.  She also is giving away $100 worth of Amazon gift certificates as a bonus. "I think you will appreciate Boobalas, which range from imaginative to inspirational and to very irreverent," she says.

How awesome is this:  50% of all profits will go to cancer causes.  Visit Darryle's Boobalas. 

Day 25: Aqua Sphere Urges Women to Swim for the Cause

Like a game of tug-o-war, the leaders of the Swim Challenge keep going back and forth. 
 
With over 2,000 participants logging their hours in the pool, ocean or lake each day and exchanging light-hearted barbs via Twitter and Facebook, the Swim Challenge is proving to be the ultimate grudge match between men and women.

"It’s been a phenomenal success with participants joining from all over the world," says Olivier Laguette, Director of Marketing for Aqua Sphere, the sponsor of the Swim Challenge – an event designed to support both breast cancer and prostate cancer research.

Since its launch on April 1, the Swim Challenge has attracted international participation with the majority of swimmers coming from the U.S., but also with participants from 49 other countries such as Spain, France, Switzerland, Italy and Canada. 

The website’s "leader meter," which tracks the total time swam (men vs. women), has shown the lead alternating between each gender. While the ladies started strong with more women swimming fewer hours, the men rallied back to take the lead (for now) with fewer swimmers swimming longer hours.
But what really matters is the "Donation Dashboard."

Rather than simply write a check, Aqua Sphere, the company that promotes comfort and long-lasting performance in the water, has pledged $35,000to be split between the Prostate Cancer Foundation (men) and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (women)– how that money is divided is determined by the cumulative hours swam by each gender. The "Donation Dashboard" displays the current breakdown of those funds.

"The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is thrilled to be associated with the Swim Challenge because it not only helps fund research for breast cancer, but also aims to empower women and promote a healthy lifestyle," said Robbie Finke Franklin, BCRF Director of Marketing.  "We encourage women everywhere to sign up and start swimming – every minute counts!"

The Swim Challenge will run through November 30; swimmers of all abilities can sign-up and sign on to www.swimchallenge.orgeach day to log their hours (not their laps) in the water.

Aqua Sphere, the originator of the "swim mask," is widely known for their line of comfortable aquatic eyewear including the popular Seal and Vista masks and the Kaiman and Kayenne goggles. Designed for form and function, swimmers can simply fit the frames to their face and forget about them while they enjoy swimming for time, distance, exercise or just fun. 

For more information on the Swim Challenge, visit us on the web at www.swimchallenge.org or join the Swim Challenge Facebook fan site. Twitter users can also follow swim_challenge for the latest updates.

About Aqua Sphere
Aqua Sphere is the worldwide brand of choice for swimming gear, based on the highest industry standards of design and innovation.  Launched in the mid-90s as a division of the diving industry leader Aqua Lung, Aqua Sphere is committed to supplying eye protection for dedicated or casual swimmers, enabling them to feel safe, comfortable and at home in the water.  The company’s numerous innovations include the Seal, the first swim mask featuring 180° vision and Kaiman, the first panoramic goggle.  For more information, call (800) 775-3483, or log on to www.aquasphereswim.com.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF)
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® was founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder as an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding innovative clinical and translational research.  In October 2009, BCRF awarded nearly $28.5 million to 173 scientists across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia.  Last year, more than 88 cents of each dollar donated to the Foundation went directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs.  And the American Institute of Philanthropyhas awarded the Foundation its highest possible rating of A+.  BCRF is the only breast cancer organization to receive this accolade; and is the only cancer organization to currently hold this ranking.  For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) was founded in 1993 to find better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer. Through its unique model for soliciting and selecting promising research programs and rapid deployment of resources, the PCF has funded more than 1,500 programs at nearly 200 research centers in 20 countries around the world. The PCF is a force of HOPE for more than 16 million men and their families around the world who are currently facing the disease. For more information, visit www.prostatecancerfoundation.org

Day 24: Pink Glove Dance

Day 22: Edgy New Card Honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an edgy new stationery company, Foxy Blunt, developed a card that gives friends, families and caregivers of young women battling breast cancer a new tool-- an opportunity to share a moment of strength and humor with their affected loved ones.

If you've ever experienced a loved one suffering from any form of cancer, it's often hard to find the right words to tell them how you feel. For some people, "Thinking of You.... as you bitch-slap cancer" might convey just the right sentiment. The artwork created for the card reflects the talented and highly stylish design approach by Foxy Blunt's founders, Jennifer Morrison and Danielle Caro.

It's a little known fact that every year, approximately 11,000 women in the US are diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40 or under. In fact, breast cancer accounts for 26 percent of all cancer in females 15-39 years of age and 39 percent of all cancer in 35-39 year olds.¹   However, most research is focused on post- menopausal women, with pre-menopausal women --particularly those in their 20s and 30s -- dramatically under-represented.

Foxy Blunt and the Young Survival Coalition recently formed a partnership where the central goal is to raise awareness of young women battling breast cancer through the use of a bold greeting card. The new cancer card is blank inside, and retails for $4.95, with 50% of the proceeds going directly to Young Survival Coalition. It is available for purchase online at www.foxyblunt.com.

Day 21: Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Initiative

Support Breast Cancer Awareness with Ralph Lauren

This month Ralph Lauren's Pink Pony initiative, which raises awareness and funds in support of the fight against cancer, celebrates its 10^th anniversary. With a focus on breast cancer, Pink Pony supports programs for early diagnosis, education, treatment and research,  and is dedicated to bringing patient navigation and quality cancer care to medically underserved communities. Ten percent of proceeds from Pink Pony products benefits the Pink Pony Fund.

To mark the 10^th Anniversary and support this important cause, Ralph Lauren has partnered with chairtybuzz to auction over 200 unique items and experiences through Thursday, October 21st. Visit the site to bid on items including a portrait by a Ralph Lauren Photographer or for the chance to host your child's birthday at the Ralph Lauren Store in London.
Or, if you're looking for a smaller way to give back, you can send a $10 donation to the Pink Pony Fund by texting PINKPONY to 501501.

Day 20: Research Breast Cancer Charities Before Donating Money or Buying ‘Pink’ Products

When the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure throws the spotlight on breast cancer research, other national and local businesses take advantage of the publicityto market pink ribbon products and services and ask for donations.  Some are legitimate; others are not. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises consumers to research a charity’s claims before making a purchase or donating money.
The BBB encourages consumers to look for companies that disclose a charity name, the amount of a sale going to the charity, the duration of marketing campaigns and, if applicable, the maximum or minimum contribution amount.
“The ultimate goal is for a portion of the purchase to end up in the intended charity’s hands,” said Michelle Corey, president of the BBB.  “Consumers can ensure this will happen by asking the right questions.”
The annual Komen Race for the Cure event in downtown St. Louis is Saturday. The charity is accredited by the BBB.
While most pink ribbon marketing campaigns are trustworthy, consumers can eliminate the possibility of supporting companies that market false donation claims by doing the following:

• Identify the charity receiving the donation. If the product or service is linked to a donation percentage, contact the business or manufacturer to determine exactly where the money is going and what percentage is donated.
• Research the charity through the BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance.  If the product or service is in support of an unfamiliar charity, learn more about the organization by reviewing the BBB’s charity report online at bbb.org/charity.
• Confirm the charity’s corporate partners.  Many national breast cancer charities list the names of corporate partners and sponsors on their websites.

In addition to purchasing products and services, consumers may receive solicitations for general donations over the phone or by mail.  The BBB advises potential donors to be cautious of individuals claiming to represent national breast cancer charities.
Several breast cancer charities have faced criticism in recent years, largely for questionable fundraising activities.
One of the largest, Baltimore-based The American Breast Cancer Foundation, received nearly $9 million in donations in 2008, according to the organization’s most recent report to the Internal Revenue Service.   The charity’s records show that most of that money was raised by telemarketers. Of the $5.4 million raised by telemarketers that year, the charity received $765,000, or about 14 cents of each dollar.  Phyllis Wolf is the charity’s president. Her son owns Non Profit Promotions, the charity’s direct mail fundraiser.  Non Profit Promotions made $919,000 from The American Breast Cancer Foundation in 2008.
A smaller national charity, Coalition Against Breast Cancer, Inc., of Long Island, N. Y., raised nearly $1.5 million in donations in 2008,according to IRS records.  Of that total, almost $1.2 million, or about 80 percent, was paid to the charity’s professional fundraisers. 
The BBB advises donors to:

• Be wary of appeals that are long on emotion, but short on describing what the charity will do.
• If you contribute, do not give cash.  Make a check or money order out to the name of the charitable organization, not to the individual collecting the donation.
• Watch out for excessive pressure for on-the-spot donations.  Be wary of any requests to send a “runner” to pick up your donation.
• Be wary of charities that are reluctant to answer reasonable questions about their operations, finances and programs.  Ask how much of your gift will be used for the activity mentioned in the appeal and how much will go toward other programs and administrative and fundraising costs.

For more information on how to ensure that your donation gets into the right hands, visit BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance at www.bbb.org/charity.

Day 19: Breast Cancer Relief Foundation Provides Financial Assistance

Image via WikipediaOften times, when does not realize how expensive treatments and preventions may be due to breast cancer.  Some may not have strong health care coverage, or any at all, or some may not have emergency savings.  As part of the posting a day right here on Connecting Women, I am looking for resources, information, donations, anything to do with making readers aware of this disease.

I came on to Breast Cancer Relief Foundation.  Although, I don't much about this Foundation, I found it interesting to me because the Foundation provides financial assistance to low income people diagnosed with breast cancer.  "These funds are granted to cancer treatment institutions /hospitals that treat breast cancer patients. This program is administered by the institution’s social services to assist patients with costs associated with treatment while away from home," written on the Breast Cancer Relief Foundation's site.

I highly recommend you passing the name of the Foundation to a loved one who needs financial assistance, and even making a donation to a great cause.  Visit Breast Cancer Relief Foundation for more information on their financial assistance program.

Related articles

• Many Breast Cancer Patients Struggle To Pay For Treatment (medicalnewstoday.com)

Day 18: Free Publications on Breast Cancer

National Cancer Institute offers a wide variety of free publications on all sorts of illnesses, diseases and cancers, including breast cancer.  Click here to see what kind of publications are available. 

Image via Wikipedia

Related articles

• White House Goes 'Pink' For Breast Cancer Awareness Month (harlemworldblog.wordpress.com)
• 10 Tips For Breast Cancer Patients During Treatment (medicalnewstoday.com)
• "Myths, Facts and Science" of Breast Cancer in Marin to Be Explored at Community Forum (eon.businesswire.com)
• Lower Breast Cancer Risk by Making Healthy... | Gather (news.gather.com)

Day 17: Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2009-2010

National Breast Cancer Awareness is not just all about donating money or supporting businesses that donate money to different cancer funds and groups.  It is also about the time to be aware and to be up to date on the latest information on breast cancer and related issues.

The American Cancer Society has a nice  PDF on breast cancer facts and figures for 2009-2010. It is very detailed and may be useful to you or someone you know. 

Day 15: "Hello My Name Is Hope" Program

As most of us know all too well, there are lots of fun things to do on Facebook! From Farmville to catching up with old friends, it's easy to get caught up in a virtual frenzy. However, whenever we learn of a Facebook app that lets us inspire others and contribute to a worthy cause, we can't help but spread the word far and wide!

That's why we're so excited to tell you about the "Hello My Name is Hope" campaign, presented by Quill.com, a leading business-to-business online and direct marketer of office products. To boost breast cancer awareness, Quill.com is inviting all Facebook users to post and personalize virtual "Hello My Name is Hope" stickers on their profiles to honor both survivors and victims of the disease. The familiar "Hello My Name Is" stickers take on new meaning with personalized messages of hope and support shared across the Facebook community.  For every sticker shared, Quill.com will donate $1 - up to $20,000 - to City of Hope, a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center dedicated to research, treatment and education.

Throughout October, every sticker created will be displayed in a community gallery on the Quill.com Facebook page, creating a virtual wall of breast cancer messages and images.

Because breast cancer is a disease that has impacted the lives of so many women all over the world, Quill.com is hoping to give a voice to those affected. And because they believe in the power of Moms, they're turning to our community to spread this powerful message of hope.

Day 14: Get Your Pink Ribbon Soap

Nearly 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year and some 40,000 die from the disease.  October is breast cancer month, 31 days dedicated to honoring, remembering and helping these mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts and friends.

You can do your part, and get an amazing product all at the same time.  Essential Journeys (www.essentialjourneys.com) is a handcrafted, all-natural soap company.  Created by a woman, Essential Journeys gives back to women.  Each Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Soap sold donates 5% of the profits to cancer programs and research.  It is beautiful, is preservative free and has a rich, creamy lather.

Essential Journeys is unlike any other soap company.  It offers creative, whimsical and cruelty free soaps, lotions and lip balms.

Day 11: Shopping to Support Breast Cancer Research

Image via WikipediaThere are a variety of businesses that are offering special savings and discounts to consumers in raising funds for breast cancer research.  Throughout the month of October, I will be mentioning some businesses that are doing such on random days.  Fortunately, there are many businesses doing social good by this, but unfortunately, I can't list every single business that is doing something for national breast cancer awareness.  However, I will try to do my best to mention different types of businesses when I post. Since this is the 11th day, I will post 11 businesses.

In no order, I present to you:

• Clinique: Proceeds will go to research funding
• Avon
• ebags: Pick pink
• Gaiam: Pilates for Pink
• Barry's Tickets:  $1 donation of every Lakers Ticket, Clippers Ticket and Kings Ticket sale until end of October
• Staples: Percentage towards research
• Macy's
• OKA b. Shoes
• Shoe Dazzle
• Odwalla
• Beemster

Related articles

• Beauty Products That Benefit Breast Cancer Awareness (stylelist.com)

Day 10: Ways You Can Help

Image via Wikipedia
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, among other themes.  There are many ways that we can help during this month by educating, donating our time or money.  Whatever methods of help you do, remember that you are making a difference for you and your loved ones.

• Buy products that support research funding towards breast cancer. 
•  Read blogs that discuss breast cancer  topics. 
• Join run-walk events that support health organizations.
• Get the scheduled medical checkups (yes male or female).
• Be supportive of someone who is fighting breast cancer by being there for them, sending them gifts, etc.
• Dialogue openly with your family, friends, coworkers and others about the importance of being educated on breast cancer.
• Write to Congress to demand better health care and more funding in medical research.

I am interested in knowing what others you are helping or how you have helped.  List your thoughts in the comments sections.

Related articles

• Friday Funny - Kick Breast Cancer (swagbucks.com)
• Fundraiser Supports National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (prweb.com)
• Support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and 'Be Bright Pink' (chicagonow.com)

Day 8: Third Annual Think Pink Rocks concert on October 9 to benefit breast cancer research charities Asher Roth, Melanie Fiona, Ray J, Shontelle and Pitbull to perform

WHO: Think Pink Rocks, a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization dedicated to the early detection of breast cancer and awareness of the BRCA gene for breast and ovarian cancer. Think Pink Rocks is based in Boca Raton, Florida.

WHAT: Think Pink Rocks’ third annual charity concert event featuring recording artists from SRC Records/Universal, including Asher Roth, Melanie Fiona, Ray J, and Shontelle, along with special guest Pitbull.

Proceeds will benefit: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, the Boca Raton Community Hospital Women’s Center for Breast Care, and other breast cancer research charities. Think Pink Rocks is presented by SRC Records/Universal, sponsored by Sun Capital Partners, Inc., and supported by Florida Woman Care.

WHEN: Saturday, October 9, 2010, 7 p.m. (Pink Carpet Arrivals begin at 6 p.m.)

WHERE: Count de Hoernle Amphitheater at the Centre for the Arts at Mizner Park, Boca Raton, FL.
TICKETS: Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at www.thinkpinkrocks.com or by calling 888-711-9399.

 In 2004, at age 36, Stephanie Robin, a Boca Raton mother of two small children, was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. She tested positive for the Breast Cancer Gene (BRCA) and underwent a double
mastectomy with reconstruction, a total hysterectomy and months of chemotherapy. The cancer returned to her lungs and is stage IV; she is receiving monthly treatment at Memorial Sloan- Kettering and the tumors have decreased in size by 90 percent.

She and her friends Elizabeth Weprin, Kathy Fleishman and Amy Seidman established Think Pink Rocks. Working with Steve Rifkind, SRC Records/Universal, and producer, Kelley Lee, for the third year they have
organized the Think Pink Rocks concert to advocate for early detection of breast cancer, to raise awareness of the BRCA gene for breast and ovarian cancer, and to raise funds for breast cancer research charities. For more information please visit www.thinkpinkrocks.com.

Related articles

• Gene Study Adds to Research of Breast Cancer Risk (nlm.nih.gov)

Day 7: Transfer for a Cause

Image via Wikipedia

Kmart Pharmacy is making it even more rewarding for its customers to consolidate and maintain all of their prescriptions in one place through the launch of its new prescription transfer incentive program, “Transfer for a Cause.” In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Kmart Pharmacy will make a special charitable donation to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® on behalf of each customer that participates in the program between now and the end of October.

The Kmart “Transfer for a Cause” program will take place through Oct. 31, and with each qualifying prescription transferred:

• Kmart Pharmacy customers will receive up to a $20 Kmart gift card. Customers may be eligible to receive up to $100 in Kmart gift cards by transferring their qualifying prescriptions (up to five transferred prescriptions per household) to Kmart Pharmacy.
• Kmart will donate $5 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation from every eligible prescription transferred to Kmart Pharmacy (up to five transferred prescriptions per household) between now and October 31, 2010 with a minimum donation of $10,000.
• • The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide. For more information about The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, visit http://www.bcrfcure.org.

“In addition to helping raise funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, consolidating prescriptions is a simple step customers can take that will help give them even more control of their health,” said Robb Ayshford, divisional vice president, pharmacy administration for Kmart. “Recognizing that the number of customers who have multiple prescriptions is increasing, it’s even more important for them to maintain all of them at one pharmacy. At Kmart, our knowledgeable pharmacists will review all prescriptions to help reduce the chance of a drug interaction.”

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, more than 31 percent of Americans use two or more prescription drugs, which is a five percent increase over the last 10 years[1]. By consolidating prescriptions, Kmart pharmacists can answer questions customers may have and help them better understand the medications they are taking.

For customers who decide to take advantage of this offer, Kmart pharmacists are available to help assist with transferring prescriptions. Kmart Pharmacy has more than 900 convenient locations nationwide.

To learn more about the prescription transfer process, customers should call their local Kmart Pharmacy or visit Kmart.com/pharmacy for more details and to find their nearest location.
 _________________________________________________________________

[1] According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics Data Brief No. 42 – http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db42.htm