You might be wondering why FatFighterTV is hosting a breast cancer awareness giveaway. Well, did you know that eating a healthy diet, being active, and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce your risk of breast and other cancers?
Ever since I was a health reporter, I’ve been very involved in getting the word out about breast cancer. I’ve interviewed dozens of survivors, as well as patients who did not make it, and shared their stories in hopes of helping someone out there. When I lost a childhood friend to the disease, I knew I had to keep getting the message out about how early detection can significantly improve your chances of surviving breast cancer.
Last year, the disease hit close to home again when my husband’s co-worker, Heather Pick, lost her battle with breast cancer. I was among the more than 6,000 people who wore a pink wig in her memory as part of Heather’s Team at The Race for the Cure here in Columbus, Ohio.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this week’s giveaway is from A Celebration 4 Life – an organization that focuses on celebrating the life of a loved one who has faced cancer by spreading a positive message through products like the ones you see pictured above. One FFTV winner gets a Do Life t-shirt, Cap, and KeepKool Bandana.
To enter for a chance to win, tell me how breast cancer has touched your life… or how you are being proactive about preventing the disease or catching it early.
Remember, diet, exercise, and a healthy weight are important in lowering your risk of breast and other cancers. Learn more here from the American Cancer Society.
Contest runs through midnight EST this Friday, October 9, you have to have a U.S. mailing address to enter, and we will use random.org to pick the winner.
What an awesome giveaway, not to mention a beautiful tribute to your friend. (You look so cute in your Pippi Longstocking get-up.*G*)
I’ve lost one friend to breast cancer, but my grandmother and another friend are passing the 5-year mark in surviving and thriving.
My grandmother, great-aunt and great-grandmother all had breast cancer as did my husbands grandmother, so it is a cause near to my heart. As a uterine cancer survivor I am at a higher risk for breast cancer since my cancer was and estrogen dominant cancer. I proudly support the cause and also donate a percentage of my sales from my bath and body products and jewelry to various organizations.
A few years ago, when both our husbands were deployed to Iraq, my best friend was diagnosed. I went to every appointment she had leading up to diagnosis and after because her husband was so far away and she needed the support. It was an experience I will never forget. I remember being with her when she was getting chemo and thinking how brave and wonderful all the cancer patients were. Luckily my friend is a survivor but I will always support the cause! Though we live far away from my friend now, my husband and I race for the cure every year!
My cousin had breast cancer a few years ago and had an extremely hard struggle being a single mom with a toddler, going thru chemo, trying to pay bills while not working, etc. She fought a long HARD batlle to say the least, but after all is said and done she is now almost at her 3 year cancer free bday!! Which she celebrates by walking the 3day every year with “Rebecca’s Crew”!! Now though we are dealing with her father who has pancreatic cancer (The same gene that gave her the breast cancer). He is living with us doing an experimental treatment, and its sad/scary to see it all replay again! But they are both fighters, and my uncle is determined to be better and well enough to do the 3 day next year along side his daughter, who will then have reached the 4 year mark! I also intend to join the “Crew”!!! Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone fighting the battle against breast cancer!
Wonderful photo, Sahar!
I know too many people and families that have been struck by breast cancer. Everything we can do to help with this is so very important!
Dr. J – I know way too many people affected by this disease, as well. Gotta keep spreading the word…
Cammy – So glad to hear about your grandmother and friend who are “surviving and thriving”
sfoster95 – Wow, it really runs deep in your family. Hope you are feeling well.
kyleskitchen – Thanks for sharing that story. That is so wonderful that you were able to be with your best friend through it all, especially since her husband was so far away.
Emilybro14 – I’m so glad to hear that your cousin is a 3 year survivor and cancer free! Go “Crew”!
I know too many people impacted by breast cancer. My friend, Heather, has battled cancer 4 times, 3 times were breast cancer battles. Now she is cancer free (as of a week ago) but still lives knowing the disease could return.
Thanks for bringing attention to this important subject.
I am currently a 6-year survivor. During a routine physical, my doctor said, “I know there’s no history of breast cancer in your family, and at your age, I’d usually let it wait, but I’d like you to get a mammogram anyway.” Therefore, at 45, I had my second mammogram. After numerous follow-up tests, they verified breast cancer. It was very deep. Even after the doctor knew the location, she could not feel the lump. It was a very aggressive cancer. I had a lumpectomy, 6 months of chemo and 8 weeks of radiation. Yes, that year was wretched. I suffered all manner of side effects. Besides losing all my hair and the sudden onset of menopause, I couldn’t eat, I lost my sex drive, and the bottoms of my feet blistered so badly that I couldn’t walk. (Not that I had the energy. Some days, I could hardly stand up.) But — here’s the important part – I survived. If I’d waited until I felt a lump, it would have been much worse. Instead, I did not lose my breast, and I’m fine now. As a bonus, because I had so much trouble eating, I lost 65 pounds during chemo! (Not a recommended diet strategy, by the way.Incidentally, The day I was diagnosed, I was told, “Of course, you know that obesity can lead to breast cancer. No, I did not know that! fine time to tell me!) Since then, I have lost another 40 pounds. I’m exercising like crazy, and am healthier than I’ve been in years! I know that mammograms are no fun, but please, get your mammogram! They are so very important!
lisaray – Wow, you have been through a lot. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am glad to hear you are doing well now. And yes, everyone, get those mammograms!
My mom and FIL are breast cancer survivors.
Checking for lumps is top priority. Also with all the kids I have i’ve been breastfeeding for more than 7 years total between them all. I’m currently breastfeeding my twins. I’ve read that breastfeeding lowers your risk of getting breast cancer.
As the creator of the LIFE symbol, I thank you for helping us bring the positive and hope-filled LIFE message to your audience.
Victor M. Kasatshko
I have lost almost every female in our family to breast cancer. My mother has had two lumps removed. My aunt died of breast cancer as did both my grandmothers. It is the one disease I have grown up taking seriously and have taught my daughter to take seriously.
It is the monthly check that helped my mother find the lumps early so they could be removed before they spread. She will be 70 this January, and is the first woman in our family to see her 60 birthday
Gianna – Good for you for being proactive! Glad to hear your mom and FIL are survivors.
Amykr – I’m sorry for your losses. That’s great news about your mom – it will definitely be a birthday to celebrate!
Joanna – Your friend has been through so much. I hope she stays cancer-free.
I am a five year breast cancer survivor. It is hereditary in my family. I am very grateful to be alive every day.
Melissa – Congratulations on being a five-year survivor! Thanks for stopping by.