Breast Cancer Awareness Month!!!

...October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I'm sure we've all been touched by cancer in some way, shape or form. Luckily, in today's world and the advances of medicine, it's possible to beat cancer! I think Breast Cancer Awareness month brings to light ways that we can take care of ourselves and loved ones to help win the fight against cancer.

Facts About Breast Cancer:

*It is the most common cancer in women, no matter your race or ethnicity.

*Breast cancer affects both men & women.

*In 2009, 211,731 women and 2,001 men in the USA were diagnosed with breast cancer.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer:

*Limit alcohol and don't smoke.

*Watch your weight and be active.

*Breastfeed!!!

*Do monthly breast exams and mammograms if your doctor suggests.



AR wearing pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

I've partnered with some wonderful women and their Etsy stores to do share our support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We want to get the word out about Breast Cancer Awareness so check out all these great giveaways!
 

Melissa from Sprouts and Sprockets is giving away two (2) sets of these awesome Breast Cancer Awareness bottle cap magnets. You can find her on etsy or on Facebook. Here is her story:

After the loss of my oldest daughter and my brother shortly after, it was recommended to me that I find something I love to do and use that as an outlet for myself. 

That sparked a whole lot of creativity and interest from friends and neighbors. I sat down with a good friend over coffee and told her about my new adventure. With her friendship, encouragement and mentoring (along with a great shop name provided by my husband) Sprouts and Sprockets was born.

My twin daughters love to visit Mom when she is in the shop. They are my best sales girls. They think nothing of sharing products at school and letting their teachers know where to go to get the coolest handmade products.

It has been more than 1 year and I have a true passion for what I do. It warms my soul when I can make others smile when they get their Sprouts & Sprockets product. 

I started making breast cancer awareness magnets after a close friend was diagnosed. I wanted to spread awareness and make something that could empower women everywhere. 

Our next giveaway is from Bridget at The Hester Collection. She makes gorgeous bracelets and is giving away one (1) to a lucky reader. You can find her on etsy, Twitter, Poshmark, tumblr and Instagram TheHesterCollection.

When asked why Bridget makes bracelets for breast cancer awareness, she answered: I do these kind of bracelets because number one my husband is a cancer survivor (acinic cell carcinoma) I have a great friend who is fighting lung cancer and has actually been cancer free for about 4 years now. I have 2 family members that have had breast cancer. My aunt who has fought and won twice now and her daughter that lost the battle about 10 years or so ago. It has really touch my life greatly and I understand how hard it is to go through all of the steps it takes to get to the other side. Also I can never thank enough all the people who have helped us through our battle. I am forever grateful and will do what I can to help others.

Here is a description of the bracelet Bridget is giving away. This bracelet is 7 1/2 inches center line which will fit most wrists. It has fun pink paint spattered focal beads with gray accent bead along with silver spacers. The main focus bead is the ribbon bead and it is 1 inch in length and about a half in tall. It as a beautiful toggle closure that is a butterfly with a flower and for an extra touch it has an adorable butterfly charm.

The third giveaway is from Elizabeth. Elizabeth's etsy store sells adorable purses and shirts. She is donating one (1) zebra Think Pink purse. She is also on Facebook. Elizabeth's husband lost his aunt to breast cancer and is the reason she creates items to sell for breast cancer awareness. This is her husband's story:

"When I was 10 years old my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer. At that time I didn't realize how deadly the disease is and how many people it affected.

As a child, my aunt was always there for me. I spent summers at her house and she helped raise me and treated me as if I was her own child. Even though she was busy touring, singing background for Dionne Warwick and the late Whitney Houston, she always made time for my cousin and me. We took vacations together, went to the beach, bowling, and roller skating. It was rough at home for me but her home was my escape.

I remember when she started chemotherapy and she began losing her hair. She felt she was losing her beauty but her strength to fight was so inspiring. Her breast cancer went into remission and she began to tour again and started recording her own album. She worked even harder and was more determined than ever, but it took its toll on her. Her hard work weakened her and the breast cancer came back. She started a new round of chemotherapy but this time the breast cancer spread too rapidly and she had to have one of her breasts removed. After that, even more bad news, the breast cancer was so far advanced that the doctors had to up the sessions of chemotherapy and radiation. This weakened her even more physically but not spiritually. She talked about how good God has been to her and her family. It was her strength in her time of physical distress that made her a hero in my eyes. The disease eventually took her life but her legacy continues to live on."

Our last giveaways afre from Kimm at Hooked on You. She has donated one (1) set of  lovely Breast Cancer Awareness earrings to give away. She has makes the cutest brassiere charms perfect for a bracelet, necklace or where ever your creative heart desires! She is also giving away two (2) sets of the brassiere charms. Kimm has a sentimental heart for survivors (my sister-in-law) and families of loss (my grandmother and great grandmother). Kim also donates to other organizations to raise awareness about breast cancer. 

In August, my mom's best friend was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It was a crazy month from when she first got diagnosed to her 11 hour surgery and now she's already in chemo. The doctors are staying positive but it's been hard for Aunt Gissy. AR and I pray for her every night and love getting good reports about her recovery. I hope everyone takes the time to take care of yourself and catch any early signs. Be sure to tell all the Etsy stores how awesome they are for donating to get the word out about Breast Cancer Awareness.

 

Many breast cancer patients/survivors are urging people to donate to research so here are some great charities worth donating to: Cancer Is a Jerk, the IBC Network, Stand Up 2 Cancer and METAvivor Research & Support, Inc.

The giveaways will open at midnight on Thursday, October 10 and close on Thursday, October 24 at midnight. I will notify winners on Friday, October 25. Please share the word with all your friends!

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