This month they rally behind the Kahlen Family

Love Drop is a micro-giving network of people who unite as a community to make a difference in the lives of one person or family a month. By giving just $1.00, they make it easy for their members to change lives in a fun and super easy way.

At the end of every month, Nate and J$ show up in the town the families live in and present them with everything the team raised -- all the money, the gifts, whatever the community helped get. It's all on film, and it all ends with us making a difference! (And then it starts all over again the next month)

Last month Love Drop gave over $5,000 worth of cash and goods to their recipient, Katie, who had been battling a couple of brain tumors over the years, and it culminated with a surprise gift of 15+ friends showing up at her house to celebrate with her. It was awesome. You can watch how it all went down here.

This month they rally behind the Kahlen's - a family who has been hit hard by the economy, and by their daughter's serious medical condition, tuberous sclerosis. In addition to financial assistance, they're planning to unite the artistic community to help support Kent's glassmaking work.

Want to help?  Here are two ways you can participate:

1. Give $1.00 - This is the best way to help out and join their team at the same time.
2. Donate a piece of art - Love Drop started their first art shop this month, and would love to feature your artwork in it. Proceeds go to help the Kahlen's this month, and is a great way to promote your work.

Thanks everyone! We'll let you know how it goes!

World Cancer Day - Stand Up with a Status on Facebook

This Friday, February 4 is World Cancer Day. To support this awareness-raising initiative, Stand Up to Cancer is calling on all Facebook users to take a virtual stand with their status message.

One in two men and one in three women will get cancer in their lifetimes. Isn't it time to take a stand against cancer and change the odds? On Friday, please take a moment to spread the word and help send a global message to end cancer.

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Guest Post: Keep Legs Healthy and Beautiful Holiday Traveling Tips

 by Dr. Luis Navarro, 
the director of the Vein Treatment Center
(www.Veintreatmentcenter.com)

With the holidays here, many of us are traveling to see family and friends, which may mean sitting at airports and traveling for hours on end. What many of us do not seem to know is that sitting for long periods of time causes poor circulation, which can lead to unsightly veins.

Here are  effective tips that can help avoid poor blood flow from sitting too long on an airplane, in a car or on a train while traveling for the holidays.

• AVOID PROLONGED PERIODS OF SITTING AND STANDING: Walk up and down the plane/train every 1-2 hours, when possible, for 5-10 minutes.
• GET  EXERCISE: ankle and lower leg exercises, such as ankle rotations.
• WEAR GRADUATED COMPRESSION STOCKING: Wear stockings, preferably knee highs with open toe, 15-25mm/hg or 20-30mm/hg.
• STAY HYDRATED: Double your water intake when traveling.
• AVOID ALCOHOL: Alcohol dehydrates so avoiding alcohol a few days before taking a long trip would be a good idea.
• WEAR LOOSE-FITTING CLOTHING:  Tight garments can restrict the flow of blood to and from the legs.
• CONSIDER DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS:  Vitamins C and E act as antioxidants, which are good for circulation.  Flavonoids, butcher's broom, and Horse Chestnut Seed Extract (HCE50) improve venous circulation and decrease symptoms of venous disease.
•  AVOID CROSSING YOUR LEGS: Leg crossing constricts veins and increases venous pressure.

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Day 31: Make Every Day Breast Cancer Awareness

Just because the month of October is about to end, doesn't mean we should stop promoting breast cancer awareness.  I am not asking you (or even myself) to constantly give out information or to only buy pink ribbon items. 

Volunteer not your money, but your time and mind to a great cause.


 Remember those who have suffered, support survivors of this cruel disease. 

Remember those little moments that are precious and often taken for granted.

Take care of yourself, mentally, physically and spiritually.

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 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.

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Day 16: Milano Moment for Susan G. Komen

 October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Chances are we may know someone who has had to fight this disease.  It is important for all to be educated on breast cancer issues because not only does it affect females, but males as well.  

Remember these are not just people, they are someone's relative, friend and neighbor.

Donating to different causes dosn't have to be expensive, thanks to the Internet you can join in postings, tweeting etc.  Often times, companies like Milano and others will donate on your behalf to a cause.  

So if you are on Facebook, listen up.  If you are not, join Facebook, and then listen up:
When someone posts a personal Milano Moment on Milano's Facebook Page in October, Pepperidge Farm will donate $.50 per Moment up to $50,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  

 

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 13: Puma's Project Pink

Last night on Twitter, I saw the hashtag: #ProjectPink, but I was unsure what it was, so I asked one of my tweeps (a person who dialogues with you on Twitter).  They lead me to Ms Pink's blog, where they had a post on using the hashtag #ProjectPink.


In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, PUMA is going to donate $1, up to a maximum of $25,000 to a winning charity that you have voted at  http://puma.promo.eprize.com/pink/.  100% of the charity raising will be given to the winning charity.


You have until Oct. 16th--just a few days.  

Day 12: Dandelion Earth-Friendly Goods Supports Breast Cancer Research

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dandelion Earth-Friendly Goods, makers of eco-conscious and organic tote bags and baby items, are taking their do-good mission a step further. They are donating a percentage of the profits from their Pink Collection of tote bags and toys to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. But not just for this month – all year long. And for the month of October only, Dandelion is offering customers 25 percent off on their Pink Tote bags with the coupon code: PINK.

The organic cotton canvas bag comes in six different designs and is perfect for students who don’t enjoy using the ordinary backpack, mother’s who need extra room for essentials, those who enjoy going on trips, and anyone who loves organic products that make a statement.

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month women are looking for ways to support the cause and Dandelion Earth-Friendly Goods gives them with an opportunity to donate to breast cancer research while providing them a product that offers functionality and is eco-conscious.

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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

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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.

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Day 6: Flowers that Give Back for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 

Every 69 seconds a woman dies of breast cancer and this October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to increasing awareness of the importance of early breast cancer detection.

Organic Bouquet brings the perfect opportunity to send a cancer survivor, fighter or just someone you love a bouquet of flowers that support the cause.

The largest online provider of eco-friendly and organic floral gifts, OrganicBouquet.com hosts a Flower’s for Good page, which was established to help non-profit partners continue to make positive changes. Purchase any of the below bouquets and 5% of the purchase will go towards various charities to help fight breast cancer. (http://organicbouquet.com/c_21//Eco-Friendly/Flowers-For-Good/.html)

Day 5: Join Yoplait by Saving Lids to SaveLives

During the past 12 years, Yoplait^®  has passionately supported Susan G. Komen for the Cure^®   and its mission to end breast cancer, donating more than $25 million to the cause.  This fall, join Yoplait’s Save Lids to Save Lives program and the collective effort to find a cure.

Just look for special pink lids on Yoplait cups in October.  For every pink lid saved and sent in by December 31, 2010, Yoplait will donate 10 cents to Susan G. Komen for the cure, up to $1.6 million with a guaranteed minimum donation of $500,000.

Yoplait also is working with celebrity breast cancer surgeon Dr. Kristi Funk, to arm women with important breast health information.  Visit: http://www.facebook.com/yoplaitpledge to learn more from Dr. Funk and to get involved in the cause by sending friends the virtual Save Lids to Save Lives lid gift.  For every lid gift Sent by December 31, 2010, Yoplait will donate $1.00 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure up to $100,000.

Remember every lid really matters.

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Day 4: Resource: Breast Self Exam Cards

Image via Wikipedia    With October being designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we posting at least one post every day during this month in raising awareness to our readers.  This may include articles of information, promotions, and more.  This is the least we can do.Faten Abdallah of Connecting Women Media


To obtain free downloadable breast self-exam cards, go to  Susan G. Komen for the Cure . 

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