Breast Cancer | MomStart

Celebrate National Denim Day with Lee Giving to American Cancer Society

October 14, 2012 By Momstart 20 Comments

I have quite a history with Breast Cancer in my family. Did you read my family story about breast cancer? Just to remind you, my mom has had lumps removed, both my grandmothers had breast cancer, they survived and I’ve lost one aunt to the battle. So I want to make sure people are doing everything they can to help find a cure.

Lee Jeans is gearing up for Lee National Denim Day! If you’re not familiar with the campaign, it’s a movement that encourages people to go casual for a cause during the month of October. You can join the Denim Day movement by wearing your jeans and donating $5 to the American Cancer Society any day in October to help those living with breast cancer.

Lee National Denim day is proud to partner with the American Cancer Society for the first time this year! All donations will help the American Cancer Society support life-saving screenings in communities nationwide, bring hope and care to those traveling for cancer treatment and invest in groundbreaking cancer research.

It is estimated that 229,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone. We’re inviting you to help decrease this number by donating a post to this cause, and encouraging your readers to register a non-corporate or corporate team at DenimDay.com (this can consist of family, friends, neighbors, etc.).

Here are some fun ideas for donated posts that can generate some excitement around the cause:

· Share the LNDD video and a personal story of how you or someone you know has been touched by the disease

· Experiment with pink baking (like these!)

· Sport a pink top, shoes or accessory with your favorite pair of Lee Jeans

So what are you going to do to get involved???

Check out the 2012 Holiday Gift Guide

Filed Under: charity Tagged With: Breast Cancer, charity, DenimDay, National Denim Day

Reasons Why I Like Check Your Headlights Program #GoDaddyCares $500 #Giveaway

October 10, 2012 By Momstart

Go Daddy has asked me to share my story, or rather my connection with breast cancer. 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and I know quite a few people that have been affected many of them close to me. So I’m at high risk and have to make sure that I check my breasts regularly. I don’t really have a reminder that reminds me every month, but something in my head goes off when I’m in the shower, so I would say that I check my breasts more than once a month. Just make sure that you have someone that reminds you to check because missing it is terrible.

My grandmother on my mom’s side had breast cancer. She had it removed and had to do chemo. She lost all of her hair and wore wigs. I know the medicine made her feel very sick and she lost a lot of weight. It was a really tough time for her and her family, and the silly thing is that when she found out she had it she was worried about me. She’s sick and she’s worried about me because my other grandmother also had breast cancer.

My grandmother on my dads side had to have both of her breasts removed because of cancer. She never complained, neither of my grandmothers did. She did everything the doctors told her to do and she survived. They both survived.

Not all stories end that happily though. A year ago, my aunt died. She found her cancer too late and was diagnosed with stage four cancer with only months to live and that was if she was lucky. It wasn’t her time to go she had lives to influence as she went in and out of remission. She showed people to survive, live and believe that there will be a cure and that we all have so much strength in us. She had strength. She was the best example of Strength that I have ever seen. She lived two years longer than she was expected to.

Go Daddy asked me to share my story with you, and they have a coupon code to share in honor of my story and my aunt’s STRENGTH. The code is STRENGTHand it is good for 20% off your entire order.

Go Daddy would love to know your tip for reminding yourself to check your headlights and is giving away a $500 shopping spree to one lucky person who also registers for their newsletter!

How to enter:

1) Leave a comment below, sharing how you remind yourself to check your headlights
2) When the contact form appears, complete three short fields to be entered to win the shopping spree
3) That’s it! Don’t forget Go Daddy is giving 20% off domains, websites & more with code STRENGTH

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Go Daddy. The opinions and text are all mine. Official Sweepstakes Rules.

Check out the 2012 Holiday Gift Guide

Filed Under: giveaway, personal Tagged With: Blog Frog, Breast Cancer, go daddy

Season of Giving Day 8 Save Second Base

November 8, 2011 By Momstart 6 Comments

Tis the Season to be Jolly, and isn’t it very satisfying when you give something? Find ways to give this Season and we’re helping you find them. Summer has day 8 all ready. Here is Season of Giving Day 8: Save Second Base!

Help support the Kelly Rooney Foundation by donating directly to the cause or you can get and give by purchasing Save 2^nd Base wear. Or double give – give a t-shirt to a friend and Save 2^nd Base will give its profits to the Kelly Rooney Foundation.

I had many friends affected by breast cancer this year. Two of my friends and my mom had best friends who had to sacrifice their breasts to cancer (all plan to have reconstruction). One friend had a scary during a mammogram and had to have additional testing done. Another had a breast reduction in which they found some cancerous cells. These women range in ages from early 30s to mid-50s.

I love t-shirts; I’m a t-shirt girl! I love t-shirt swag. But I hate when t-shirts are cheap and paper-like; you know, rough and wrinkles easily. The Save 2^nd Base “Kelly” t-shirt is so soft and very comfortable … my secret (shhhh!), sometimes I’ll wear it for 24 hours – during the daytime and then to bed or if I take my shower at night to bed and then the next day.

If you want to learn more about the Kelly Rooney Foundation or Save 2^nd Base read more on Mom Start from our review of their wear earlier this year. You can find the Kelly Rooney Foundation on Facebook and track them on Twitter @KellyRooneyFdn. You can also Like Save 2^nd Base on Facebook and on Twitter @Save2ndBase.

About Summer:

Summer is very active in our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living while cooking up a storm.

Check out the 2012 Holiday Gift Guide

Filed Under: charity, Summer Tagged With: Breast Cancer, charity, giving, Kelly Rooney Foundation, Save 2nd Base, Save Second Base

In Loving Memory Choose To Live!

May 11, 2011 By Momstart 6 Comments

This is dedicated to my Aunt Lynn!

I’ve been sitting here all day thinking about my aunt and the fact that I’m complaining about a common flu and it disgusts me. My aunt died yesterday of cancer. 5.5 years ago, she was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 breast cancer and was told she would be lucky to live for the rest of the month. When she made it to Christmas family members told me it would be her last.

But no, she lived. She chose to live.

She had more life in her than anyone I have ever met. She was a prayer warrior and believed she would beat it. She never complained and through her example she taught me more about faith and living in grace than anyone else ever has. She was always thinking about someone else reminding me of needs all around me. She learned a lot about cancer and found unique ways to treat it, she had determination like no other. She was even in remission. I think she was in remission twice but that evil thing we call Cancer is relentless and kept coming back. I don’t want to get any of the details wrong (I just don’t know what all she went through) but I still want to share just how courageous a woman she was. She DESERVES to be remembered! Surgery after surgery, treatment after treatment. She was AMAZING.

My stepmom (I hate using that word, but I confuse everyone when I don’t, she’s my mom in so many ways) said it better than I can,

In the 5.5 years since she’s had this illness, she has had 2 breast surgeries, surgery to implant her port, liver surgery, brain surgery and countless scans and chemo/radiation treatments. She has fought this illness with more grace, dignity and faith than I could ever hope to have. God is waiting for her. She deserves the rest.

My regret is that I didn’t live closer to her to absorb everything she had to give the last five years, because she gave a lot. When I did have the privilege of spending time with her, she was always happy. She spent much of her time baby sitting her grand daughter and shared her knowledge of cancer, her love of life, and most importantly her STRONG faith in God. I know God gave her those extra years of life to show us all how to live in spite of pain, or anything bad that comes our way.

I agree with my stepmom, I can only HOPE to have the grace and dignity that my aunt Lynn had. She is already missed.

I’m going to remember to Cherish every day that God gives me and enjoy every second I have with my family. I Choose to Live!

Check out the 2012 Holiday Gift Guide

Filed Under: personal Tagged With: Breast Cancer

Ahnu Footwear Mission to Support Breast Cancer Prevention

April 26, 2011 By Momstart 3 Comments

Spring is upon us and causing a flurry of people to head back outdoors for the sun and warm weather. For me this is almost the case; the Pacific Northwest is still chilling. But I have to ignore the elements and begin training for the Warrior Dash my husband signed-up for in July. I have been a runner for a lot of my life; just for fun, nothing ever serious as I’m not that good at it. I’ve always enjoyed fitness and as an adult I now enjoy various types of aerobic movement.

I have always (since my 9^th grade track and field “career” started) relayed on the same brand of shoes. Lately the same old shoe hasn’t been fitting, yeah literally! This led me to begin some shoe investigating which is when I discovered Ahnu footwear. Not only do I like the look of their shoes but I REALLY LOVE THE FEEL. In the new Windsor trainers I got the toe is wide providing a lot of room and the heal offers the Numentum^TM Technology System which keeps the foot neutrally positioned. I can feel the differences and I love them! Their fabric, like most running shoes, is fully breathable mesh to keep feet cool while you work up a sweat. Ahnu are similarly priced to my old brand of high-quality running shoes, but I do feel like I’m getting more bang for my buck with the quality (most specifically the Numentum^TM Technology System).

An additional bonus for me, when purchasing Ahnu women’s performance shoes (10 women’s performance styles featuring Numentum™ Technology for Run, Hike and Traverse (outdoor cross training) categories) between April and May 2011, is the company then makes a $5 donation to the Breast Cancer Fund (up to $100,000 — You can keep track of where Ahnu is for their giving using the Plus3Network). Ahnu began the donating campaign when they discovered that their home base location of Marin County, California has one of the highest rates of breast cancer in California. They teamed up with San Francisco based Breast Cancer Fund which is the only breast cancer organization focused on prevention through working to identify and eliminate the environmental causes harming our bodies. Their goal is a proactive approach looking ahead to a world where breast cancer is stopped before it starts.

In addition to the Breast Cancer Fund, Ahnu supports Conservation Alliance, Soles4Souls, Team Farsight and The LUNA Chix.

You can purchase Ahnu shoes (including women’s performance shoes to help the Breast Cancer Fund) at OnlineShoes.com, or find a Ahnu store near you.

You can keep up with Ahnu on their website, Ahnu Facebook page and by tracking them on Twitter @AhnuFootwear.

You can also keep up with the Breast Cancer Fund on their website, via Breast Cancer Fund Facebook page and Twitter @BreastCancerFnd.

Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation

About Summer:

Summer is the President of our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living.

Check out the 2012 Holiday Gift Guide

Filed Under: review, Summer Tagged With: ahnu, Breast Cancer, footwear, show review

Save Second Base

March 30, 2011 By Momstart 55 Comments

Sometimes it’s just easier to laugh about it, even if it truly is sad or depressing or angering at the core. Is laughter not the best medicine? Well, you can’t write a prescription for that … or can you …

With Save 2nd Base you can definitely write your own prescription by empowering your “pink with a wink” for breast cancer. The goal of the company is to honor Kelly Rooney by giving back to the Kelly Rooney Foundation and other breast cancer non-profits ($30,000 so far), and give people a voice to empower themselves over breast cancer using humor. The Kelly Rooney Foundation helps support the research and eradication of breast cancer concentrating its efforts on young women by pledging funds for research surrounding high-risk women under the age of 40. The Kelly Rooney Foundation was started after on July 11, 2006 Kelly Rooney lost her battle with breast cancer at 43 years young. She left behind a husband, five children, among other family members and many friends. “Breast cancer is no laughing matter, but we can fight it with HUMOR!” Save 2^nd Base continues saying, “cancer can take one’s hair, energy, and mobility, but not your sense of humor.”

Kelly with her family

Kelly Rooney helped name the company Save 2^nd Base, which was her team’s name for a local breast cancer walk and actually designed the original tee herself. The company, Save 2^nd Base, offers healing through humor, awareness, and by donating to help find a cure using fun witty apparel for both men and women. They donate half of their earnings to organizations, such as the Kelly Rooney Foundation, searching for a cure to breast cancer which is stealing 2^nd base.

In case you don’t get the 2^nd base reference it refers to sexual activity in an innocent way using baseball terms. First base is kissing. Second base is breast action. Third lies below the belt. A homerun or home plate is going all the way. So the humor is “Save 2^nd Base” has to do with one of the pleasures and features of being a woman.

Sadly, everyone seems to be touched by breast cancer these days. We have a young survivor in my MOMS Club chapter, my paternal grandmother had it, my husband’s grandmother had it, and my aunt (non-biological) had it too. But breast cancer doesn’t just attack women, men can get breast cancer too though it is less common in men. Remember to have your doctor check you your breast tissue at your annual physical and at the age of 40 you should also have your first mammogram. Though you are your first line of defense; know your body by performing MONTHLY self-breast examinations!

Save 2^nd Base not only offers appear with their signature phrase, they’re finding more funnies for supports to wear, and it’s not just shirts for women. Save 2^nd Base all offers hats, bags, a skort, flipflops and a magnetic decal. Here are some of my favorites:

I was sent a signature t-shirt thanks to Save 2^nd Base to let you all know about their apparel line. So here’s the deal, when I have ordered from non-profits I often feel I’m really just donating, not getting a high quality product. However, when I pulled the t-shirts (yes, that’s an “s” … we have some giveaways!) out of the envelope I noticed how truly soft the alternative apparel’s “vintage soft” 100% cotton tees felt. I actually wore mine that day and night to get a feel for the shirt, and I like it. I’m a t-shirt girl, but I’m often very disappointed at the quality of t-shirts especially after a wash. This t-shirt did shrink a bit; I noticed more around than up. The fit is still dead-on for the female fitted t-shirt size. The fabric is still soft and comfortable. I really do love this t-shirt!

FRONT BACK

If you’re interested in learning more about Save 2^nd Base you can find out more on their site for news links, photos or to get your own favorite Save 2nd Base SWAG. You can also Like Save 2nd Base on Facebook and track them on Twitter @Save2ndBase so you stay in the know.

Get involved and help SAVE 2^ND BASE!

GIVEAWAY:

Mom Start has a t-shirt for 2 readers. They are the pink “Kelly” fitted-T featured above. They are both a size XL which translates into a size 8-10 (chest 36-8”, waist 30-2”, length 36-8”). The value is $25 per shirt, so thank you to Save 2^nd Base for being so generous to our readers!

To Enter:

Tell us a whiting and inspiring quote of your own AND visit Save 2^nd Base telling us which product (by name) you’re put your humor on.

Extra Entries:

Tweet or RT this post and include the link to the post

Check Out This Fun Save 2nd Base #Giveaway @Momstart & @Save2ndBase http://bit.ly/hYuQmY PL RT

Like Save 2nd Base on Facebook

Track them on Twitter @Save2ndBase

Subscribe to MomStart
Comment on any non-giveaway post
List this giveaway on any giveaway site, dig, stumble, like or share on Facebook (or use any of the share options listed below)
Blog About this Giveaway (10 extra entries, linking to the giveaway)
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Follow/Like Mom Start on Facebook
Follow me on Google Friend Connect

This giveaway ends April 18th. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

About Summer:

Check out the 2012 Holiday Gift Guide

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness, fashion, Save 2nd Base

Pink Pony Initiative For Breast Cancer Awareness

October 13, 2010 By Momstart 6 Comments

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and I’m quite impressed at all of the companies that are jumping on the support train. I am in the high risk category for breast cancer. My mother’s mom had breast cancer and had both breasts removed. My dad’s mother had breast cancer and had one breast removed. My mother has been regularly screened since she was 30 and has already had some lumps removed; thankfully so far they were benign. Because of all of the cards stacking against me I must be very vigilant about screening with monthly self breast exams and yearly mammograms. This year will be my first mammogram since I was pregnant with Zoe.

When I was pregnant with Zoe I had quite a scare. One morning I woke up and instead of just finding breast milk all over my shirt, there was also blood. The doctors never found an exact cause, so they determined that it must have just been my glands were not used to swelling so big. But I can tell you that waiting and wondering if I had some form of cancer was pretty scary. I was mostly worried what would happen to Zoe if that had been the case but God was watching out for me that day. Every doctor that I had to see at that time, including a surgeon all said to stay on top of it.

I urge you to stay on top of your health too!

One of the many companies that is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness month is Ralph Lauren. Ralph Lauren is dear to my heart because it is a brand that has been with me since I was a little girl. My mother loves Ralph Lauren and buys it whenever she can find it on sale. I’ve been purchasing a few of their items over the years myself, including my all time favorite pair of sunglasses that I have managed to not loose. So I was pretty excited when I was chosen to be a Ralph Lauren Mombassador. Because I am a Mombassador I was asked to share with you all about their Pink Pony Initiative. The Pink Pony Initiative is celebrating it’s 10th year anniversary with a Pink Pony Auction through their partnership with charitybuzz. Together they are going to auction off over 200 unique items and experiences from now through October 21st. Ralph Lauren is hoping to raise awareness and funds in support of the fight against cancer. 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.

"I am a participant in a Mom Central Consulting campaign for Ralph Lauren and have received various Ralph Lauren products as part of my participation."

Check out the 2012 Holiday Gift Guide

Filed Under: personal Tagged With: Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness, October, Pink Pony Auction, Pink Pony Initiative, Ralph Lauren

Dannon Donates to the Fight Against Breast Cancer

September 5, 2010 By Momstart 1 Comment

Dannon Light & Fit will donate 10 cents to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.® for every Like. They are calling the program, “Give Hope with Every Cup”.

You can also download a coupon for 1.00 off of your next purchase of Dannon Light & Fit yogurt.

¹ Coupon applies to Dannon® Light & Fit® six 6-ounce Single Serve Cups or a Super Saver 4-pack

Check out the 2012 Holiday Gift Guide

Filed Under: savings Tagged With: Breast Cancer, cancer, Dannon, Dannon Light & Fit, yogurt

Bright Starts Facebook Fight Against Breast Cancer

June 25, 2010 By Momstart 2 Comments

You know, I have mentioned my aunt that is surviving breast cancer, but I’m not sure that I have ever mentioned that both of my grandmothers have also had breast cancer. Which means my chances are pretty high. Therefore, I like supporting charities that are working around Breast Cancer. So I had to share this with you guys.

Each year, Bright Starts™ honors and rewards eight women for their inspirational fight against breast cancer. Not only have these women persevered through their battles, they have become inspirational leaders and role models for their families and communities. Whether they have started their own breast cancer foundation or have taken on an active role in existing charity organizations, they have made it their goal to make a difference in the world. You can read about these women at http://www.pinkpowermom.com.

Bright Starts™ wants to help these women and support their cause. We invite you to Become a Fan of Bright Starts™ on Facebook and Be a Giver. For the rest of this month, Bright Starts™ will donate $1 for every new fan that joins during this campaign to benefit Pink Power Mom charities. These moms will appreciate your help and support.