Strength...Courage...HOPE: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Everyone has a cause that lies near and dear to their heart.  Mine is Breast Cancer Awarness Month.  This month is very important to me because I lost someone I love to this terrible disease.  I am not telling this story to be a downer, but I am telling this story because I know other people have been touched by Breast Cancer.

 

 

My Aunt Lori was diagnosed with Breast Cancer when she was 27 years old.  It was a shock to everyone, due to her age, but we all remained strong.  It was a long battle.  Years passed and sadly, the cancer spread.  On January 29, 2006, at the age of 31, she died, surrounded by her family in her home.  It has been a rough road and although it has gotten easier to cope, the wound is opened every year for our family. 

 

Cancer may have beat my aunt,

but we will not let cancer beat the rest of us!

Every year, in honor of my aunt, my family and close friends walk in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in New Jersey.  In 2007, Team Lori Ann was established and over the years, our team alone, has raised thousands of dollars for Breast Cancer Awareness.  Since then, it has been amazing to see so many gather together, all have been touched by Breast Cancer, to walk, to support and to find hope!  The day of the walk is bittersweet as individuals stand in front of thousands, sharing their story yet providing inspriation to all.

 

I would like to share with my female readers, how to reduce your risk of Breast Cancer, the importance of early detection and what you can do to promote awareness.

 

How to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer (from LHJ.com)

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Extra pounds boost estrogen production which feeds cancer growth
• Focus on Good Fats: Limit your intake of polyunsaturated and saturated fats in your diet
• Eat Your Veggies: Carotenoids are great cancer protective pigments found in fruits and vegetables
• Limit Alcohol: Alcohol intake is linked to elevated levels of cancer-feeding estrogen
• Choose to Breastfeed: Not only is this beneficial for your newborn, but also suppresses the body’s production of estrogen
• STOP Smoking: Those who smoke are twice as likely to get an aggressive form of Breast Cancer
• Avoid Unnecessary Use of Antibiotics: Studies show that the more antibiotics you take, the higher you are at risk
• Over 40? Go For Regular Screenings: 80% of Breast Cancer is in women of the age of 40

The Importance of Early Detection

 

The purpose of screenings are to detect cancer before the symptoms begin.  Early detection means using an approach that allows breast cancer to be diagnosed earlier than it may have transpired. Breast Cancer that is found because of noticeable symptoms are more likely to be spread beyond the breast. Doctors suggest that early detection tests for Breast Cancer saves thousands of lives each year and more lives can be saved if women and their doctors took advantage of these tests.

 

What Can You Do to Promote Breast Cancer Awareness?

• Promote Self Examinations: Taking a few minutes from your day, once a month, can potentially make a difference (for more information, visit the National Breast Cancer Official Website)
• Volunteer: There are many organizations you can help! Most organizations rely on their volunteer efforts
• Tell Your Story: If you have been affected by the disease, share your story with others on websites like Women’s Health or The Breast Cancer Site
• Donate: Make a contribution to organizations that fund Breast Cancer Research (Learn more about how donations help at the American Cancer Society Official Website)

I would like to dedicate my blog to Breast Cancer Awareness for the month of October.  A few times I week, I will do what I usually do, and post product reviews, BUT they will be products in which part of the proceeds are donated to Breast Cancer Awareness.

 

Please be sure to practice early detection, contribute and feel them boobies!!!!

 

How has Breast Cancer touched you?  Please feel free to share your story with me!

 

If you would like to DONATE to Team Lori Ann,

please visit our Official Team Page!

 

Team Lori Ann 2007

 

Team Lori Ann 2008

 

Team Lori Ann 2009

(In 2009, we had a Nor'easter!  It was amazing to see people still show up show their support no matter how bad it was!  Let me explain this photo a bit.  My mother {left} broke her leg a few weeks prior to the walk, so we had to wheel her around...up hill...in the mud...it was interesting LOL)

 

Team Lori Ann 2010

 

Team Lori Ann 2011

 

THANK YOU!!!