Take care of your "sister",

                               and she will take care of "you"....

Breast Cancer Awareness

This issue is one that hits close to home for many women, either personally, or because a loved one is diagnosed. I have been fortunate enough to be spared, but with the statistics of breast cancer on the rise, it is only a matter of time until it effects me. Due to Breast Cancer Awareness week, thankfully we here are not the only ones bringing the issue forth.

Things can be done, and early detection is a life saver. There are measures in place, and pledges you can sign online to insure that your "sister" even if not medically insured, can get a breast exam and mammogram. Many companies are supporting the cause, and I feel we should show them our love, and buying power for their concern.

Below, you will find links to a true story, resource links, and places where you can show your support. Take a few moments to help a sister, one day it may be yours who needing the help.

If you, or someone you know would like to share their experiences, and battle with breast cancer, please have them contact me at submit (at) goddessinthegroove.com.

Thank you, and BLESS all you brave women out there!

Breast cancer does not only affect "older" women, or those with hereditary traits, it can hit any one of us.  While researching recently, I found the brave story of Lauren Brower, a Suite101 Contributing Editor, who is telling here story online, from the intial detection, through the treatments, and on. Reading her story made me remember how what a blessing health is, and that we should cherish it. Hell, I quit smoking again after I read her story...

RESOURCES & ACTIVISM

National Breast Cancer Coalition The National Breast Cancer Coalition is a grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to fighting breast cancer. NBCC was formed in 1991 with one mission: to eradicate breast cancer through action and advocacy.

Breast cancer. It’s a health issue, a family issue, a women’s issue.

And, breast cancer is a political issue. Why? Because every day elected officials across the country make decisions about breast cancer detection, treatment, prevention and cure. Every day politicians make important decisions about breast cancer including how much funding will be devoted to breast cancer research, what resources will be allocated to determine how to prevent this disease, who will be able to afford treatment and what quality of care will be acceptable. These are not theoretical decisions.

Breast cancer policies debated in the White House, both Houses of Congress and state houses can mean life or death to someone in your house.

There are three million women who are struggling with breast cancer in America today- including the million women who have it and haven't been diagnosed yet. More than 40,000 women died last year because we have not yet made breast cancer history.

The National Breast Cancer Coalition has identified specific legislative priorities that are critical in the fight to "Make Breast Cancer History.” These include laws that will:

* Increase federal funding for quality breast cancer research;

* Guarantee access to breast cancer detection and treatment for all women; and

* Enhance the involvement and influence of trained breast cancer consumer advocates in all aspects of breast cancer policy and research.

www.breasthealthcancerprevention.com This website is a virtual journey through Breast Cancer? Breast Health! the Wise Woman Way by Susun S. Weed. This invaluable book is for women who want to maintain breast health and for women diagnosed with breast cancer. This information is shared with understanding that you accept complete responsibility for your own health and well-being. Explore and enjoy!

The Breast Cancer Site   The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman. It takes less than a minute to go to their site & click on "donating a mammogram" for free - their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate a  mammogram in exchange for advertising. Here's the website! Pass it along to all your women (and gentlemen!) friends!! Click here to help donate a Mammogram

Lifetime TV There's a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy.  It's about eliminating the "drive-through mastectomy" where women are forced to go home hours after surgery against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached. 

Lifetime Television has put this bill on their web page with a petition drive to show your support.Last year over half the House signed on. PLEASE!!!!  Sign the petition and help women living with breast cancer get the care they need and deserve!! Click here to go to Lifetime TV and sign the petition.

Look Good...Feel Better® Cancer can rob you of yor energy, your appetite and your strength. But it doesn't have to rob you of your self-confidence. Look Good...Feel Better® is a free program that teaches cancer patients beauty techniques that help combat the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. In looking better, women experience renewed self-confidence and self-esteem. It's like a makeover for the spirit. And that's a beautiful thing.

If you or someone you love has been touched by cancer, please call Look Good...Feel Better® at 1-800-395-LOOK or your local American Cancer Society office, or visit the website at www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org

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