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Brides Against Breast Cancer Starting Strong in 2012
Did you know your wedding dress could be a part of a bigger service to help others? Brides Against Breast Cancer is a charity whose soul purpose is to help offer support, education, and hope to families and patients suffering from cancer. Each year they have nearly 40 nationwide wedding gown galas so that brides-to-be may have the chance to find a marvelous wedding dress for their special day at an affordable price. Nearly 70% of the proceeds are used to help encourage education for men and women who have been impacted by the troubles of cancer.
Here at THE Breast Cancer Fundraiser we find it incredible that the gowns are received from designers, manufacturers, and bridal shops. Some gowns are even donated from individuals who are happy to give up their most outstanding dress for an important cause. The dresses are in excellent condition, and many are brand new or gently worn. Gowns will range anywhere from $99 – $799 and any exclusive name brands or couture gowns that are valued up to $20,000 will receive a discount of 25% – 75% off.
The organization has received more than 50,000 wedding gown donations, which has allowed them to hit a resale value of over 4 million dollars! If you are interested in making a donation or would like to buy a gown to help support the cause, visit their website at http://www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/
Lessons from the Bald and Brave
A woman having a great hair day can make her feel beautiful and confident. Her hair does not define her character, but it makes her feel like a woman. So, how would you feel after just being diagnosed with breast cancer and told that you are also going to lose your hair? How would you cope? A woman’s beauty and sexuality remains connected to her hair, so how do we learn how to accept a ”beautiful” bald woman? Here are some brave and bald lessons from four amazing and courageous women.
Joyce Rothman – a grandmother, mother and a survivor of breast cancer. Her story teaches us lessons on acceptance and determination. In the beginning she did not know how to cope with the reality of her diagnosis. At the end of the first year, Joyce slowly learned to find beauty within herself rather from the outside. She sees herself as a warrior who has overcome a battle for her life.
Jen Zahavich - a mother, wife, daughter, sister and a breast cancer survivor. Her story is about gratitude and bravery. The lessons to be taken from her story are to be thankful for what you have every day, and to learn from whatever life throws your way. She has a very optimistic look on life; just saying “I love you and thank you,” are enough to make someone’s day. Jen also takes us on the journey of her story of diagnosis, and different treatment options such as naturopathic. She is a strong believer in this treatment because it has less damaging effects on the immune system, but the only downside is the treatment is very expensive.
Meredith Israel – a new mother who is still fighting for her life. Two years after giving birth to her baby girl and her husband receiving a GM promotion that required them to relocate to New York, Meredith was hit with some devastating news; she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Rather than celebrate her husband’s new promotion Meredith began a fight for her life. Her story is inspiring because the message she sends to her readers is to fight hard and never give up.
Elle Kelly - invites you into her life of ups and down. She calls her blog “The Lump Lessons,” which seems appropriate considering how she really captures the reader’s attention as she talks about her everyday struggles on dealing with the survival of breast cancer. She talks about how her faith and daughter have been the driving force in her fight to live. Among the many lessons to be learned from Elle is to learn how to have faith and not fear the unknown.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Here at THE Breast Cancer Fundraiser, few things are as important to us as breast cancer prevention and early detection. There are plenty of different ways you can work to prevent breast cancer, some of which include eating right, and exercising regularly, but one of the best solutions for early detection is a mammogram. Many women traditionally start having these tests done yearly in their early forties. However, if your family has a history of cancer, it’s always a good idea to start early. In fact, more and more women are starting to get these tests done in their early thirties, and even late twenties. It is never too early to start your early detection regimen.
These tests are not completely fool-proof. There have been some recent studies that predict that many women who start having yearly mammograms earlier than age fifty might receive at least one false-positive result. However, it is a very important part of early detection. The technology for mammograms, and mammogram-like testing, is improving rapidly year after year, and with this new technology comes more accurate results.
We realize there is a lot of stress, and anxiety surrounding mammogram testing, and that is more than understandable. However, we can’t emphasize enough, the importance of early detection, and how it can, and most certainly has, saved lives. We have listed a few articles below with more information. Remember it is never too early to get one; it could just save your life.
Articles:
- Susan G. Komen For the Cure, Boise Affiliate on the importance of mammograms.
- NBC Washington on mammogram age considerations.
- The American Cancer Society on mammogram testing, (what it is, and what to expect),
Give Pink & Give Back!
So its that time of year again when you start making those list and checking them twice! There’s no need to stress over what to bring the hostess or what token of appreciation your hair stylist should receive. We’ve created a gift-giving guide that packs double the PUNCH! Every item on this list makes contributions to a breast cancer charity.
The Hostess- This gift bring the slogan, “hostess with the mostess “ full circle. ONEHOPE Wines offer multiple varieties and 50% of the proceeds support a cause. Each bottle represents a specific organization from breast cancer to AIDS. You can buy a single bottle or a glorious gift pack and feel good with each glass you raise!
The Music Lover- Who says cowboys don’t have a soft side? Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Garth Brooks presents the “Pink Edition” consisting of over 30 of his greatest hits. It also comes with a DVD featuring videos and never-before-seen footage. Snatch up this steel for just $15.00.
The Athlete- How does that saying go…PINK is the new BLACK?! Add a little color to the lives of sport enthusiasts you know with PINK official gear. From pink ribbon adorned tube socks to the official composite Baden Breast Cancer Volleyball. There’s a little something for everyone. Keep in mind that Superbowl is right around the corner and the NFL teamed up with the American Cancer Society to “create a world with less cancer and more birthdays!” Grab the official Rebook jersey of their favorite team at just under $65.00. If that price point is a bit to high, no worries, they also offer cute beanies and slim fit t-shirts starting at $19.99.
The Man-of-the-House- Do you have a man that simply warms your littler heart? Return the favor and try warming his with savory coffee and goodies. After loosing a member of their team to cancer, Caribou Coffee created a specialty line called Amy’s Blend, featuring coffee, teas, mugs and more. Caribou has already donated over $500,000 to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Give a cup of cheer to all!
The Fashionista- Help your friends live a charmed life. Charity by Design , a line from Alex and Ani, is a bracelet line that is intended to showcase the unique characteristics of each charity, as well as the people it supports. Available in both silver and gold finishes and starting at a mere $18.00, they’re so affordable you can buy one for your friend and one for yourself. Now that’s WINNING!!
And while the true gift of the holidays is giving, why not make your gifts give in multiple ways.
Free Radical Fighting Cookie Recipe
Wild Blueberry & Lingonberry Cookies
Ingredients:
Directions:
Photo Credit
When asked what gift he wanted…. the yogi replied “I wish no gifts, only presence.”
Did you know that physical, mental, and emotional stress can worsen the immune system of a cancer patient? It’s important to avoid a weak immune system and keep a good sense of well-being. One way to avoid this is yoga! Yoga is not an alternative treatment or a cure for cancer, however it’s a very effective type of therapy because it decreases the symptoms.
Researchers have been led to believe that the non-aerobic exercise called “yoga” consists of several different postures, stretches, breathing exercises, and calming meditations that can help lower stress levels, increase range of motion, and also fight fatigue.
Popular yogi’s trust that stretching and contracting the muscles in the body will help stimulate the flow of lymph, which will help rid the body of the fluid that accumulates harmful waste. The largest clusters of lymph nodes are in the armpits, which is next to the breasts. A way to improve the general circulation in that area is to practice poses which place the feet over the head… But don’t get yourself twisted in a pretzel! I know it doesn’t sound easy but there are many yoga classes for entry-level beginners to help you get there.
Here are a few popular poses used to alleviate symptoms that are experienced by cancer patients…
Alternate Nostril Breathing
The purpose of this exercise is to extinguish all anxiety or concerns by simply closing each nostril alternately with your finger, and breathing through the other. This should be exercised about 4x in one set. Repeat as much as you feel comfortable with.
Cat /Cow Pose
You start of with your hands on your knees, make sure your hands are directly placed under your shoulders and your knees under hips. Start exhaling deeply, this will curve the spine upward. Continue looking behind legs. This pose coordinates breathing with movement by creating an extension between the legs and spine. Repeat the pose for several minutes, along with full and steady breaths.
Supta Baddah Konasana
Lie on a yoga mat and stretch your arms overhead. Relax your shoulders and keep your arms at your sides with palms facing up. Shut those eyelids and breathe slowly. With each breath let go of all your stress and motivate that inner beautiful you! Practice this pose for about 15 min.
Savasana
This exercise is helps assists the nervous system by calming the mind. Lie down on your back with legs spread slightly apart. Place your arms slightly apart from your body as well. Take long meaningful breaths and relax the body entirely.
Namaste!
It’s Official… We’re a 501c3!
THE Breast Cancer Fundraiser is beyond excited to announce that we are officially a 501c3 organization! You may be asking, what in the world is that and will that change the amazing annual cocktail parties I attend for THE BCF?
Fear not, our fundraisers will continue to be a night of live entertainment, cocktails, art, fashion, and mingling with the finest of the young professionals crowd – but now we are able to take your donations and do so much more!
For the past 8 years, THE Breast Cancer Fundraiser has been hosting 3rd party events and donating the funds to credible organizations like Susan G Komen for the Cure. We’ve had such a great experience and support from the SGK Affiliates and are huge advocates for all they do to help find a cure for breast cancer. Now that we are a 501c3 organization, we can take our funds (AKA your hard earned money) and put it directly towards breast cancer institutions that will use it for value added services not covered through a patient’s insurance.
In October, we donated the funds raised at the 2nd Annual NYC Breast Cancer Fundraiser to the Mount Sinai Dubin Breast Center. The team at this state of the art facility will be using our funds towards value added services for current patients. Specifically in helping fund a masseuse who gives women rubs while in their chemotherapy treatments, as well as providing custom folders for the patient that help organize their diagnosis. We are looking forward to giving these value added services in each city we hold our annual fundraiser in. Some of the services we want to provide are:
MASSAGES As we touched on, this is such a treat for women as they sit for up to 8-hours enduring chemo treatments that cause their whole body to ache.
INFORMATIONAL FOLDER Being diagnosed is an overwhelming experience for any patient and to keep all the new information organized and easily accessible is an important tool. These books contain custom information based off of their specific type of breast cancer – health and wellness tips, medication guides, contact sheets, and other support.
DAY CARE Offered to mother’s who need to have their children watched during appointments and treatments.
TRANSPORTATION Getting to and from doctor’s appointments can be tough, especially for those living in metropolitan cities where getting to the doctor’s requires subways, buses, taxi’s, and on foot transport. Funding a round trip taxi ride is a sure way to alleviate stress.
A HEALTHY MEAL Provided to women after treatments to give them energy and to kick the nauseating side effects.
Next time you join THE Breast Cancer Fundraiser for one of our events, feel assured that your donations are going directly to the women who need it most!
Fall Into Good Eats & Healthy Treats!
Fall is officially here and you know what that means! Leaves are changing, school is in session, Pumpkin Spice lattes are back at Starbucks, and society is reflecting on what is truly important. It is the perfect time to create memories with our loved ones and what better way to do it then by dusting off those old cookbooks. Women have been masters of the kitchen for decades and Thanksgiving has always been the chance to showcase their skills. Let’s embrace our inner Betty Crocker and use this upcoming holiday to help improve the health of you and your loved ones.
Thursday, November 24th, is known by most as Thanksgiving, a day of food and great company. This year, don’t think of it as a day of over indulging or gaining weight, think of it as a day to help prevent breast cancer! We have compiled a list of some guilt free foods to include on your thanksgiving plate, not only satisfy your taste buds, but to also give you some peace of mind:
1. Sweet potatoes- Not only are they a delicious way to get your carb fix in a healthy way, they contain beta-carotene which protect DNA in the cell nucleus from cancer-causing chemicals outside the nuclear membrane.
2. Don’t forget your veggies: Broccoli- Cauliflower- Kale- Cabbage- contain two important antioxidants, Lutein and Zeaxanthin, that help decrease cancers.
3. Artichokes- There is an extract in the artichoke leaf that contains apoptosis (cell death) which reduces cells from multiplying in many types of cancer, especially breast cancer.
4. Garlic- With mints nearby, add in garlic to your recipes which will not only heighten the flavors but contains immune-boosting allium compounds that help increase the activity in your immune system and fight off cancer cells and break down cancer causing substances.
5. Mushrooms – There are many kinds of mushrooms out there and they ALL help immensely because of a protein called “Lectin”, which attacks cancerous cells and prevents them from multiplying. They also contain many proteins that help build the immune system.
6. Red Wine- This is probably the best news yet! Drinking red wine can reduce the risk of breast cancer- in moderation of course! Drinking excessively can increase the risk, so balance is key.
- For women who are fighting breast cancer and receiving radiation: One study found that the resveratrol in red wine makes the cancer cells more receptive to radiation treatment while still protecting your healthy cells from harm- so enjoy a glass of your favorite red wine!
7. Brussels Sprouts- Although they aren’t the most popular of the bunch, they carry a compound called glucosinolates, which is a powerful cancer fighter; Brussels sprouts have the most helpful combination of glucosinolates when it comes to fighting cancer.
- Try this super tasty Roasted Brussels Sprout recipe at your Thanksgiving table!
1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer at some point in their life. It is vital that you do everything you can to prevent becoming a statistic. Eating is an activity that we partake in multiple times a day, so do your part to by developing the right eating habits and help put an end to this disease! This year, let’s practice what we preach and cheers to health & happiness!
Socialize for the Cause
As many of you know October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As we learned last week, there are many unique ways to get involved and join the millions of others across the nation in finding a cure and raising awareness against this life threatening disease. It’s amazing to see how eager hearts with a willingness to give, can impact not only a city but start a movement throughout the nation. Taking a night out of our busy lives to give back and focus on something bigger than ourselves is what charity is all about. It just so happens that we have the perfect opportunity for you to do just that. For all of our OC supporters, we would love to invite you to join us for a night of cocktails and appetizer’s at The Q Lounge… benefiting yours truly, THE Breast Cancer Fundraiser!
Together Kapture Vision and OC’s hot spot AnQi Restaurant are teaming up for a night of raising funds for breast cancer research and awareness. The evening will feature live music, half priced drinks and appetizers, as well as 10% of proceeds between 10pm-2am will go towards THE Breast Cancer Fundraiser. Come dressed in your best Late Night Attire. You don’t want to miss this… an evening of music, mingling, and late night rendezvous!!!
Event: Fashionably Late – OC Breast Cancer EditionDate: Friday October 21st
Time: 10PM-2AM
It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Get Involved!
With the fall weather starting to peak, we welcome October for more than the changing leaves. It’s national Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we encourage all our fine readers to pick a day and contribute to breast cancer research & awareness. THE Breast Cancer Fundraiser is passionate about ending breast cancer as a life threatening disease through education, advocacy, and community involvement! From fashion focused to a physical feat, we’ve hand selected a few fun events for you to choose from!
“Designs for the Cure” Gala
October 28th, 2011 – 6:00p.m. to midnight, at the Bel-Air Bay Club
Fashion Designer David Meister will be honored and hosting the first annual Susan G. Komen Los Angeles Designs For The Cure gala. Enjoy a cocktail hour, a special viewing of David Meister’s Fall 2011 collection worn by breast cancer survivors, a sit-down dinner, and more at this high profile, “Pink Tie” event.
Click HERE to get Involved!
American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K
Sunday, October 9th at 7:00a.m. at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, CA
Tie your laces and join The American Cancer Society for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Come with your friends and family and make steps to help fight this unfortunate disease.
Click HERE to get Involved!
Pink At The Palladium Masquerade
Saturday October 29th, 2011 at the Hollywood Palladium
Music has always been a good way to help soothe the soul, but now it’s a way to help spread awareness and raise funds for breast cancer! AMP Radio is hosting their very first Pink At The Palladium Ft. LMFAO and Far East Movement along with a $10,000 Costume Contest. Who’s up to get down?!
Click HERE to get Involved!
2nd Annual NYC Breast Cancer Fundraiser
Thursday, October 6th, 2011 from 7p.m. – 11p.m. at Norwood in New York City
Your very own Kapture Vision will be hosting its 2nd Annual NYC Breast Cancer Fundraiser in efforts to help raise funds for the Dubin Breast Center. This charity cocktail party includes a live jazz band, tattoo station, fabulous silent auction, hosted specialty bar & appetizers, gift bags, and more! For a minimum donation of only $25, NYC young professionals are given a chance to party for a great cause!
Click HERE to get Involved!
The SCAR Project
Friday, October 28th, 2011 at 7:00 PM – Sunday, November 6th, 2011 at 6:00 PM in New York at the OpenHouse gallery
Fashion photographer and special guest speaker at the 2nd Annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser, David Jay, started the SCAR project to bring awareness to breast cancer. The portraits depict a raw image of how breast cancer physically affects women of all ages, the earliest being just 18 years old. Although The SCAR project is intended to bring support and awareness to breast cancer, it has brought about something more powerful than anticipated; it empowers these women who have been affected by this disease and helps them regain their femininity. This moving collection is on display in New York at the OpenHouse gallery.
Click HERE to get Involved!