Monday, October 8, 2007

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I would like you to take a few moments to focus on your breasts. Seriously.


I have to confess that I am in the bad habit of ignoring the routine breast exams that I should be doing. I see my doctor once a year and she asks me if I examine myself on a regular basis. For about one or two weeks afterwards, I do. I make a point of spending an extra thirty seconds (30 seconds!) making sure everything is normal (as if I have ever been accused of being anything but!). But a few months later I find myself neglecting this important ritual and so I'm reminding you, and myself, to add it as a regular part of your daily schedule.

Breast Cancer Awareness


October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But why October? Why breast cancer? There are so many other cancers that don't get their own month. Many are quite rare and some you might not be familiar with or have ever heard of. For example, did you know that there are over five types of breast cancer? You'll find a list of specific forms of cancer, with links to each, from the National Cancer Institute website.

Please take a moment and ask yourself when you last visited your doctor and whether or not you have a hereditary risk that should make you think twice about skipping that daily exam. Schedule an appointment with your physician if you haven't seen him or her in a while. You want the best for your children so be sure to be your best for them as well.


The Dana Farber Research Institute, along with children's book illustrator Grace Lin, honor her husband's battle with Ewing's sarcoma through an online auction beginning in mid-November. With the support of dozens of other children's book illustrators, Robert's Snow: for Cancer's Cure is a wonderful way to help create magic in people's lives, both through the beautiful snowflakes you bid on as well as the hope that you bring to those whose lives have been, or will be, affected by cancer.

View the 2005 and 2004 archives or go directly to the 2007 snowflakes to pick out which ones you will place a bid on. And don't forget to mark your calendar so you don't miss out on the opportunity to help raise money for an important cause.
My personal favorite, from the 2005 archive

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks, and what a gorgeous snowflake!

Unknown said...

That is a gorgeous snowflake.
Talented artist.
Grandma S :)