The Fashion+Lifestyle 2012 Breast Cancer Awareness Month Round-Up Report

CARIBOU COFFEE PARTNERS WITH CANCERCARE THROUGH AMY’S BLEND CAMPAIGN TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO THOSE IMPACTED BY BREAST CANCER

CARIBOU’S ANNUAL AMY’S BLEND COLLECTION AND NEW FACEBOOK HUB HONORS ORIGINAL ROASTMASTER, AND HELPS THOSE AFFECTED BY BREAST CANCER

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. have announced that for the 17th consecutive year, it will remember its original roastmaster, AMY ERICKSON, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 1995. Through its annual AMY’S BLEND PROGRAM, Caribou will once again pay tribute to Amy by supporting men and women in the Caribou communities who are impacted by the disease. As part of this year’s initiative, Caribou is excited to announce a new partnership with AMY’S BLEND PROGRAM, a

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AMY’S BLEND PROGRAM: Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. today announced that for the 17th consecutive year, it will remember its original roastmaster, Amy Erickson, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 1995. From Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012 through Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, Caribou will offer its special Amy’s Blend collection — which includes coffee, tea, and merchandise — both in stores and online, and will donate 10 percent of all proceeds from collection sales to CancerCare to support free services for those affected by breast cancer. (PRNewsFoto/Caribou Coffee Company, Inc.)

national nonprofit organization committed to providing free support services for anyone affected by cancer diagnosis. From Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012 through Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, Caribou will offer its special AMY’S BLEND COLLECTION – which includes coffee, tea, and merchandise – both in stores and online. For those that knew Amy, her enthusiasm and zeal for life was contagious, so Caribou is proud to continue to offer the collection in honor of her, and to donate 10 percent of all proceeds from collection sales to CANCERCARE to support free services for those affected by breast cancer.

“Giving back to the community is at the core of our company, and we were moved by CancerCare’s approach to providing support services, including financial assistance, on a very local and individual level,” said MIKE TATTERSFIELD, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF CARIBOU COFFEE. “We are very excited to work with an organization that will help those impacted by breast cancer in Caribou’s communities to provide support for co-payments, home care, transportation to and from treatment, and other miscellaneous costs and needs, all while paying tribute to our dear friend, Amy Erickson.”

Caribou is also encouraging everyone to head to the dedicated Facebook tab to learn about Amy and access valuable CANCERCARE resources. For every new “Like” on Caribou’s Facebook page, the company will donate an additional $1 to CANCERCARE. For full terms and conditions, please visit: www.cariboucoffee.com/liketodonate. CANCERCARE is a national nonprofit organization founded in 1944 that provides free, professional support services to individuals, families, caregivers, and the bereaved to help them better cope with and manage the emotional and practical challenges arising from cancer. CANCERCARE services include counseling and support groups, educational publications and workshops, and financial assistance. All of their services are provided by professional oncology social workers and are offered completely free of charge. The organization help more than 100,000 individuals and families in all 50 states each year, and receive more than one million visits to their websites. To speak with a CANCERCARE SOCIAL WORKER, call 800-813-HOPE (4673), or visit www.cancercare.org.

“Caribou Coffee’s generous commitment will help support CancerCare’s free nationwide services for people affected by breast cancer, which include counseling, support groups, education, and financial assistance,” said HELEN H. MILLER, LCSW, the CEO of CANCERCARE. “The partnership between Caribou and CancerCare is a natural fit, as both organizations care passionately about what they deliver.”

To view the Facebook tab and see how much Caribou fans have helped so far, please visit www.cariboucoffee.com/amy starting on Saturday, September 29, 2012. For more information on CARIBOU COFFEE or AMY’S BLEND, please visit Caribou Coffee’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cariboucoffee, follow Caribou on Twitter at @Caribou_Coffee or visit the Caribou Coffee website at www.cariboucoffee.com.

SOURCE: CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. http://www.cariboucoffee.com

ASTRAZENECA RECOGNIZED METASTATIC BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DAY ON OCTOBER 13

Breast Cancer Community Generates Attention for the Unique Concerns of Women Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer

In recognition of METASTATIC BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DAY on OCTOBER 13, ASTRAZENECA is raising awareness about the thousands of U.S. women living with metastatic breast cancer. METASTATIC BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DAYseeks to generate attention and greater support for women living with metastatic breast cancer among the public and stakeholders within the breast cancer community and more research to extend lives.

ASTRAZENECA logo

METASTATIC BREAST CANCER–a form of advanced breast cancer also referred to as STAGE IV BREAST CANCER–occurs when breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The most advanced stage of cancer, there is no cure for metastatic disease, but it is considered treatable; the goal of treatment is to delay the progression of symptoms. It is estimated that approximately 156,000 women in the U.S. are currently living with metastatic breast cancer and this number is projected to increase to nearly 165,600 by the year 2015.

As a national education and support organization, LIVING BEYOND BREAST CANCER (LBBC) is dedicated to assisting women, whether they are newly diagnosed, in treatment, recently completed treatment, are years beyond or are living with metastatic breast cancer. LBBC is also there for family members, caregivers, friends and healthcare providers to provide breast cancer information and support. LBBC provides national educational programs and services that include a website, lbbc.org; a toll-free Survivors’ Helpline, (888) 753-LBBC (5222); the “Understanding Breast Cancer” guide series; national conferences; free teleconferences; networking programs; quarterly newsletters; publications for African-American and Latina women; healthcare-provider trainings; transcripts, video and MP3 podcast recordings and the PAULA A. SEIDMAN LIBRARY & RESOURCE CENTER.

“Because of awareness generated by the breast cancer community and organizations like LBBC over the last 30 years, today we speak openly about early breast cancer and survivorship,” SAID JEAN SACHS, CEO OF LIVING BEYOND BREAST CANCER. “But women living with metastatic breast cancer still face a unique set of concerns distinct from those diagnosed with early breast cancer and, even today, few programs are devoted to their concerns.”

NATIONAL METASTATIC BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DAY was officially recognized by the U.S. Congress on October 13, 2009, after both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed an unanimous resolution. This effort was planned and organized by leaders and members of the METASTATIC BREAST CANCER NETWORK. METASTATIC BREAST CANCER NETWORK (MBCN) is a national, independent, nonprofit, patient advocacy group dedicated to the unique concerns of the women and men living with metastatic breast cancer. We strive to help those living with stage IV breast cancer be their own best advocate through providing education and information on treatments and coping with the disease.

“While there have been advances in the treatment and management of metastatic breast cancer, the disease continues to end the lives of patients each year,” said SHIRLEY MERTZ, BOARD MEMBER of the METASTATIC BREAST CANCER NETWORK and a metastatic breast cancer patient. “Women living with this disease need it to be recognized, no longer ignored and misunderstood. We need more resources and support as we try to live each day while being in constant treatment.”

Women Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer. (PRNewsFoto/AstraZeneca)

For more than 30 years, ASTRAZENECA has researched, discovered, and developed medicines to fight cancer, and is committed to continued treatment research and development to help women with metastatic breast cancer. Since its inception in 1993, the ASTRAZENECA HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION has also sponsored NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH, recognized every October. Activities that take place during this month are meant to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to screening services.

ASTRAZENECA is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a primary focus on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory and inflammation, oncology and infectious disease. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.

“During the last decade, the medical community has learned a great deal about the diverse treatment and management of metastatic breast cancer and support needs of women with breast cancer,” said JOE CORDARO, PHARMD, MBA, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF U.S. STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT FOR ONCOLOGY AT ASTRAZENECA. “AstraZeneca remains committed to supporting women with metastatic breast cancer and addressing their unique needs alongside groups such as Living Beyond Breast Cancer and Metastatic Breast Cancer Network.”

For more information about AstraZeneca in the U.S. or their AZ&ME™ PRESCRIPTION SAVINGS programs, please visit: www.astrazeneca-us.com call 1-800-AZandMe (292-6363), www.lbbc.org or www.mbcn.org. SOURCE: ASTRAZENECA Web Site: http://www.astrazeneca-us.com

JACQUES PEPIN DESIGNED PLATTER FOR “PASS THE PLATE”

For a gift that literally keeps on giving, consider presenting a friend or family member with a homemade culinary creation on a serving plate that can be “re-gifted” to further support  COOK FOR THE CURE®, a partnership between KITCHENAID and SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE® that has raised more than $8 million for the fight against breast cancer.  The plate, featuring artwork by PBS cooking show host JACQUES PEPIN, carries a suggested retail price of $24.95 and is available at www.ShopKitchenAid.com  and VILLEROY & BOCH stores. Every time these specially designed, individually numbered VILLEROY & BOCH serving plates are passed on and registered at www.CookfortheCure.com/passtheplate, a $5 dollar donation is generated.  Using the unique registration code, participants can track the status and travels of their platter by visiting www.CookfortheCure.com and clicking on the “Get Passing” tab on the lower left. To learn why chefs choose KitchenAid for their homes more than any other brand*, visit www.KitchenAid.com or join us athttp://facebook.com/KitchenAid and http://twitter.com/KitchenAidUSA

MIMI’S POWER OF PINK CAMPAIGN PROMISES TO HELP WOMEN NOW MIMI’S CAFE SUPPORTS THE NATIONAL BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION’S MISSION TO SAVE LIVES

MIMI’S CAFE® announces its partnership with NATIONAL BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION (NBCF) and launches the MIMI’S POWER OF PINK CAMPAIGN in October, BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH. All 145 Mimi’s locations will raise awareness and funds in support of NBCF’s mission to save lives through early detection and by providing mammograms for women in need. Mimi’s kicked off the campaign Oct. 1 with a special offer:  Wear pink to Mimi’s and receive a FREE seasonal PUMPKIN SPICED MUFFIN with any purchase.

There will be more ways to participate throughout the month, and whether through donations or awareness, in-restaurant or online, MIMI’S CAFE encourages all guests, teammates and friends to become involved in MIMI’S POWER OF PINKand help plant the seed of hope for the future of all women.

Mimi’s Power of Pink Campaign Helps Women Now. (PRNewsFoto/Mimi’s Cafe)

MIMI’S CAFE, a French-inspired casual dining restaurant, has 145 locations in 24 states and is a wholly owned subsidiary of BOB EVANS FARMS, INC., a publicly traded company, known and loved for its delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, friendly service and charming, stylish decor. Recognized as one of the leading breast cancer organizations in the world, the NATIONAL BREAST CANCER

Mimi’s Giving Tree

FOUNDATION‘s (NBCF) mission is to save lives through early detection and to provide mammograms for those in need. A recipient of CHARITY NAVIGATOR‘s highest 4-star rating for eight years, NBCF provides women “Help for Today…Hope for Tomorrow®” through its NATIONAL MAMMOGRAPHY PROGRAM, BEYOND THE SHOCK®, EARLY DETECTION PLAN, MYNBCF online support community, and breast cancer research programs. For more information, please visit www.nbcf.org.

BREAST CANCER is one of the leading causes of death in women, and 1 in 8 will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. “The breast cancer statistics out there are startling and scary, but the good news is there is hope. When breast cancer is detected early, in the localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is 98.6 percent. That is why it is important to do our part and support the National Breast Cancer Foundation and their mission to inform women about breast cancer and early detection,” explains MARK MEARS, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF CONCEPT OFFICER OF MIMI’S CAFE.  “Together, Mimi’s Cafe, our guests and our teammates, have the power to help women NOW within our local communities!”

Mimi’s Pumpkin Spiced Muffin

“We are so proud to be working with Mimi’s Cafe in the month of October for Mimi’s Power of Pink campaign,” said NBCF FOUNDER JANELLE HAIL. “Their passion and efforts to empower women aligns with our mission to provide resources that save lives.  Together, we are helping to fill a critical need:  supporting women to take active responsibility for their health.”  

 GIVE AND HELP GROW

Throughout October, guests can donate $1 and receive a leaf to inscribe and hang on the “Giving Tree” display. With a $5 donation, guests also receive a limited-edition pink ribbon lapel pin. All proceeds will be donated to NATIONAL BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION. As a token of thanks, MIMI’S is providing up to $30 in coupon savings for those making in-restaurant donations. Guests can also support MIMI’S POWER OF PINK online with eGift card donations and donations on the digital “Giving Tree.” Similar to the tree in each restaurant, the digital tree will grow to life as a leaf appears with each heartfelt donation. The “TREE OF LIFE” became a powerful metaphor for the NATIONAL BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION.

“When founder Janelle Hail first discovered she had breast cancer, she looked out of her window and was mesmerized by a leaf on a tree,” Mears said. “That visual of vibrant beauty and tenacity was a turning point and she resolved to not let cancer defeat her.  Today, the tree stands as a message of hope and strength and was the inspiration for our campaign and our Giving Tree.”

SHARE ON SOCIAL AND PINK IT UP

In addition to donating, guests can help spread awareness with MIMI’S NEW PINK IT UP WEB APP.  Upload and customize a photo with pink accessories to show support for breast cancer awareness. The “pinkified” photo can then be shared with family and friends on social media sites.

SOURCE: MIMI’S CAFE

Web Site: http://www.mimiscafe.com

NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH SUPPORTED BY BRA COMPANY

ESSENTIAL BODYWEAR CAN CREATE A NEW YOU, UNDERNEATH!

ESSENTIAL BODYWEAR located in Commerce Township, Michigan and specializing in women’s bodywear, will once again support October’s NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH.  From October 1-30, 2012, ESSENTIAL BODYWEAR will donate $2 for every JACQUELINE WIRE-FREE BRA sold to the PINK DAISY PROJECT. The donation will be doubled if the goal of 2,000 bras sold is reached.

The PINK DAISY PROJECT is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women facing the hardship of breast cancer treatment by providing housecleaning help, gift cards for necessities such as groceries and gas, assistance with prescription drug costs, and much more. This organization relies solely on the generosity of individuals to help care for women with breast cancer and believes it’s time to move beyond just awareness.

The founders of ESSENTIAL BODYWEAR, CARRIE CHARLICK and MARCIA CUBITT were inspired to donate proceeds to The PINK DAISY PROJECT after the organization provided support to a high school friend who recently lost her battle with breast cancer.

ESSENTIAL BODYWEAR is a woman-owned, five million dollar company with 14 employees and currently over 350 Independent Representatives in 42 states.  They have revolutionized the way women shop for bodywear by developing lifelong customer relationships, sustaining and preserving women’s health and self-esteem, and offering an entrepreneurial opportunity that is both profitable and personally rewarding.

Featured in many media outlets including MICHIGAN 50 COMPANIES TO WATCH as a 2010 Award Recipient, Family Circle Magazine, and The Today Show, their CERTIFIED BRA FIT SPECIALISTS have struck a chord with women throughout the country. Founded in 2003, ESSENTIAL BODYWEAR continues to grow with a strong sense of mission: to support and uplift women everywhere by revolutionizing the way women shop for quality, properly fitting bras through home parties.  Many traditional retail outlets don’t carry a complete line of sizes or experienced salespeople resulting in a high percentage of women wearing the wrong bra size.  With bra sizes A-H, EBW not only found a need, but also has made great strides to fill a niche the rest of the bodywear competition has missed with their Certified Bra Fit Specialists that bring an entire bra store to your door.

For more information, please email Marcia Cubitt or call (877) 787-6631×107.  You may also connect with EBW on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE: ESSENTIAL BODYWEAR

Web Site: http://www.essentialbodywear.com

JCPENNEY CUSTOMERS INVITED TO JOIN COMPANY’S SUPPORT OF THE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION®

BY ROUNDING UP PURCHASES, JCPENNEY CUSTOMERS CAN SUPPORT PREVENTION AND A CURE FOR BREAST CANCER

As part of its charitable giving program, JCP CARES, jcpenney is supporting THE BREAST CANCER 

RESEARCH FOUNDATION, an organization committed to funding scientific research to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime. This October, in honor of BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH, JCPENNEY customers can round up their store purchases to the nearest whole dollar and donate the difference to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

JCP SALONS will also be offering free styling and haircuts to breast cancer survivors throughout the month of October. Additionally the company will donate $1 for every free haircut it gives – up to $50,000 – to THE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION.

“With nearly 230,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed among women in the United States this year alone, we all know someone who has been affected by this disease,” said MIKI WOODARD, PRESIDENT OF JCP CARES and VICE PRESIDENT OF PHILANTHROPY FOR JCPENNEY. “That’s why we’re dedicating the month of October to supporting The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. With the help of our customers, we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.”

Founded by the late (and very much-missed) EVELYN LAUDER in 1993, THE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION is an independent, not-for-profit organization, the first of its kind dedicated to funding innovative clinical and translational research. The organization is dedicated to providing critical funding to advance research at leading medical centers worldwide, and increasing public awareness about good breast health. .

In October 2012, BCRF will award $40 million to 197 scientists across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and China. With 91 cents of every dollar spent by BCRF directed towards breast cancer research and awareness programs, BCRF remains one of the most fiscally responsible charities in the country. For the tenth time since 2002, it has earned 4 stars from CHARITY NAVIGATOR.  Additionally, BCRF is the only cancer organization rated an “A+” by CHARITYWATCH.  For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.

“The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is privileged to have jcpenney and its loyal customers join us in our fight

jcpenney invites customers to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. (PRNewsFoto/jcpenney)

against breast cancer,” said MYRA J. BIBLOWIT, PRESIDENT OF THE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION. “jcpenney has transformed the retail experience and it is especially rewarding to know that the company has made The Breast Cancer Research Foundation part of the customer experience this October. Research saves lives and we are so fortunate that the team at jcpenney is working diligently to be part of a cause that touches the lives of our mothers, our daughters, our sisters, and our friends every day.”

jcpenney customers can also support THE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION this October through a dedicated JCP CARES page on the social media platform BROADCAUSE.COM and through the Facebook social game, WETOPIA. Furthermore, customers can make donations to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation online at www.jcp.com/jcpcares and find more information about jcpenney’s philanthropic commitments.

SOURCE: JCPENNEY

BREAKTHROUGH RESEARCH EMPHASIZES IMPORTANCE OF GENETICS IN BREAST CANCER

GENETIC TESTING LABORATORIES INC. OFFERS DNA TEST FOR DISEASE PREVENTION

In a study published by the journal NATURE, scientists evaluated breast cancer from a genetic perspective and found distinct genetic differences in patients’ tumors. The results of the research point to the fact that analyzing genetics is not only helpful for cancer research, but imperative. Based on the study, scientists conclude that breast cancer can be broken down into four different subtypes and hope to develop more efficient preventions and treatments for the disease based on the genomes studied.

According to the NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE, children with one parent carrying the AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT GENETIC PREDISPOSITION have a 50 PERCENT chance of inheriting a predisposition to breast cancer. Similarly, based on self-reports and independently verified cases, 83 to 97 percent of those diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease. Because genetics so strongly contribute to the likelihood of a positive breast cancer diagnosis, it is crucial to take action through education and preventative measures.

GENETIC TESTING LABORATORIES INC. offers a DNA test that highlights possible predispositions to some of the most ubiquitous diseases and conditions — breast cancer included. The company specializes in DNA tests, covering a multitude of specialty tests including ancestral and paternity testing. As the most recent research shows, breast cancer is identifiable through biological details present. Genetic factors undoubtedly influence the onset of breast cancer as well as the treatments necessary to impede the spread of the disease.

STEFAN A. LONG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF GTL continues to stress the importance of taking preventative action: “Our Genetic Predisposition Test offers a private, convenient way for people to understand and assess their genome. Our test covers 25 genetic predispositions to diseases that plague millions of Americans every year, and will continue to do so unless we take preventative action. The main goal of our DNA Predisposition Test is to help people make informed decisions based on their genetics. While it’s impossible to control your genes, it’s possible to make changes that keep genetic predispositions at bay,”To learn more about GTL, visit www.gtldna.com.

SOURCE: GENETIC TESTING LABORATORIES INC.

Web Site: http://www.gtldna.com

KOHL’S DEPARTMENT STORES SUPPORTS THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER

RECORD NUMBER OF KOHL’S ASSOCIATES, FRIENDS AND FAMILY TURN OUT FOR THE SUSAN G. KOMEN SOUTHEAST WI RACE FOR THE CURE TO DEMONSTRATE COMMITMENT TO THE CAUSE

On SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, KOHL’S DEPARTMENT STORES proudly served as the presenting sponsor of the 14TH ANNUAL SUSAN G. KOMEN SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN RACE FOR THE CURE. Approximately 6,500 Kohl’s associates, family and friends took part in the day’s events, making it the largest team for this year’s race, as well as the largest team in the history of the SUSAN G. KOMEN SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN RACE FOR THE CURE.

2012 Kohls Cares “Every Step Counts” Sign on Building

Kohl’s role as the local presenting sponsor of the race is just one component of the company’s investment in the fight against breast cancer. In 2010, Kohl’s announced a philanthropic initiative to fight breast cancer with a commitment of $7 million over three years to the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY‘s MIDWEST DIVISION and the SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN affiliate of SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE to support breast cancer research, education and patient-assistance programs. The donation represents the largest corporate gift ever made to the Southeast Wisconsin affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure – or any national affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, as well as to the American Cancer Society‘s Midwest division.

Kohls associates 2012 Susan G Komen Race for the Cure

This year, to further raise awareness among Kohl’s associates of Kohl’s commitment to the cause and of SUSAN G. KOMEN SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN RACE FOR THE CURE, Kohl’s created the “EVERY STEP COUNTS” initiative and placed 12-foot-tall pink, shoeprint-shaped graphics on the exterior of the corporate headquarters to help remind onlookers that every step counts in the fight against breast cancer. Additionally, oversized shoeprint graphics donned light posts along Lincoln Memorial Drive on Milwaukee’s lakefront the week leading up to the race.

The 40 Kohl’s stores in the state of Wisconsin also showed support for the cause by participating in a “PINK OUT” in which Kohl’s associates wore pink clothing the week leading up to the SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE. Kohl’s corporate headquarters and 14 Kohl’s stores in the Milwaukee area also have turned the Kohl’s store signs pink throughout September and October, NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH.

SOURCE: KOHL’S

Web Site: http://www.kohls.com

THE SAFEWAY FOUNDATION AND STAND UP TO CANCER RAISE AWARENESS AND FUNDS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER

ACTRESS MARG HELGENBERGER TO APPEAR IN PUBLIC SERVICE CAMPAIGN FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Actress and STAND UP TO CANCER AMBASSADOR MARG HELGENBERGER will appear in a new public service campaign on behalf of THE SAFEWAY FOUNDATION and STAND UP TO CANCER (SU2C). The campaign is designed to raise funds and increase awareness for the fight against breast cancer, which claimed the lives of nearly 40,000 women in the United States in 2011.

Marg Helgenberger to appear in PSA campaign for The Safeway Foundation & SU2C. (PRNewsFoto/Stand Up To Cancer)

Miss Helgenberger, known for her role as Catherine Willows on the CBS drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, will appear in both a print and 30-second broadcast public service announcement in direct support of the campaign, which will run as the nation prepares to observe NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH. The public service campaign will coincide with SAFEWAY‘s annual in-STORE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS FUNDRAISER, which offers customers multiple opportunities to give at more than 1,600 Safeway stores across the United States and Canada. The public service campaign will extend through October.

SAFEWAY FOUNDATION CHAIR and EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT LARREE RENDA said THE SAFEWAY FOUNDATION is honored to join forces with SU2C and Miss Helgenberger to help take cancer research to the next level. The breast cancer initiative follows a successful Spring 2012 collaboration between the two organizations that focused on prostate cancer.

“We can continue to make significant progress and move closer to a cure for this disease,” Ms. Renda said. “The research made possible by The Safeway Foundation and Stand Up To Cancer, as well as the passionate message delivered by ambassadors like Marg Helgenberger, can truly help save lives.”

STAND UP TO CANCER (SU2C) — a program of the ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY FOUNDATION (EIF), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization — raises funds to accelerate the pace of groundbreaking translational research that can get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives. SU2C facilitates collaboration among the best and the brightest in the cancer research community. The AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH (AACR) and a SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE conduct rigorous, competitive review processes through which SU2C’s grantees are selected. By galvanizing the entertainment industry, SU2C generates awareness and builds grassroots support for this new approach to ending cancer.

At the center of the public service campaign is a limited-edition, breast cancer awareness reusable shopping bag. The bag will be available for purchase at all Safeway locations, including VONS, PAVILIONS, TOM THUMB, RANDALLS, DOMINICK’S and CARRS stores, as well as online at www.safewayfoundation.org. Two dollars from the sale of the $2.99 reusable bag will go directly to breast cancer research. Additionally, Safeway shoppers will have a chance to make a separate donation at checkout stands.

“As the daughter of a breast cancer survivor, I am deeply committed to the fight against this disease,” said Helgenberger. “I am proud to take a stand on behalf of my mother, and in support of all the women and families who have been affected by breast cancer.”

The collaborative campaign represents a continued dedication to breast cancer research and awareness for both THE SAFEWAY FOUNDATION and STAND UP TO CANCER. To date, Safeway and The Safeway Foundation have raised $102 million. Some of those donations, provided by Safeway’s generous customers, have helped provide support to STAND UP TO CANCER and the transformative cancer research it funds, like the SU2C BREAST CANCER DREAM TEAM.  The team – led by DENNIS SLAMON, M.D., PH.D., and JOE W. GRAY, PH.D. – is hard at work developing more effective, less toxic medications for the three major breast cancer subtypes and addressing cancer cells’ ability to become resistant to therapies that are initially effective, which is one of the primary obstacles to successful treatment. Understanding resistance opens the door to developing new therapeutic agents to overcome this critical problem.

“The Safeway Foundation has long been a prominent supporter of breast cancer awareness and research,” said LISA PAULSEN, CO-FOUNDER of STAND UP TO CANCER and CEO of the ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY FOUNDATION.  “Stand Up To Cancer is honored to join forces with The Safeway Foundation to work together to help combat a disease that takes the lives of too many women.” For more information on the campaign, visit www.SafewayFoundation.org.

SOURCE: STAND UP TO CANCER

Web Site: http://www.safewayfoundation.org

PLANNED PARENTHOOD URGES WOMEN UNDER 40 TO TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR HEALTH DURING NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

PLANNED PARENTHOOD, the nation’s leading women’s health care provider and advocate, is encouraging women under 40 to take control of their breast health during NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime; and though women under 40 make up a small portion of the total number of women diagnosed with breast cancer every year, when cancer does occur it is often aggressive. Clinical breast exams are the first line of defense for providers in detecting breast cancer in most young women.

Each year, Planned Parenthood doctors and nurses provide nearly 750,000 breast exams.  Like most ob/gyns and primary care physicians, if a PLANNED PARENTHOOD health care provider finds an abnormality during an exam, the patient is referred to a breast specialist for further examination, which may include diagnostic tests, like an ultrasound or biopsy. Planned Parenthood’s newly established diagnostic grant program helps to cover the costs of these tests for patients when possible, as the tests can be costly, especially for uninsured and low-income women.

“Early detection saves lives,” said DR. DEBORAH NUCATOLA, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL SERVICES, PLANNED PARENTHOOD FEDERATION OF AMERICA.  “Women under 40 too often aren’t aware of their own breast health, dismiss a lump as something that doesn’t need attention, or are paralyzed by fear.  Waiting can change the course of a woman’s life, and that’s why Planned Parenthood is urging women to see their health care professional if they notice a change in their breasts.”

PLANNED PARENTHOOD doctors and nurses play a unique role in delivering health care to young women, as 94 percent of Planned Parenthood patients are under the age of 40.  Their health care professionals help young women understand the screening that’s best for them as well as the factors that can reduce their breast cancer risk — including getting regular exercise and limiting alcohol intake.

GABRIELLE UNION, star of the new BET drama BEING MARY JANE and PLANNED PARENTHOOD BREAST HEALTH ADVOCATE, strongly encourages women to be their own best breast expert. “Fear is what prevented my dear friend Kristen from getting a breast abnormality checked out —and that fear cost Kristen her life,” said Union.  “National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to take action and educate ourselves and our friends, so that if something doesn’t feel right, you talk to a doctor or nurse as soon as possible.”

Studies also show Hispanic Americans tend not to get screened for common cancers, such as breast cancer, as regularly as non-Hispanic whites.  And Hispanic women are 20 percent more likely to die from breast cancer when compared to non-Hispanic white women when diagnosed at a similar age and stage.  Committed to reducing these disparities, the Planned Parenthood Promotores (community health worker) program reaches thousands of Latinas every year in 16 communities across the country, raising awareness of the importance of screening and preventive care.

“Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Latinas, and improving health outcomes starts with educating women and their families on the risk of ignoring potential problems,” said Nucatola.  “Latinas are sometimes reluctant to seek care due to a language barrier or lack of insurance.  Planned Parenthood promotores are educating Latinas in their communities about the importance of screening and connecting women to health care services, helping them take control of their health.”

In August, PLANNED PARENTHOOD announced an expansion of its breast health education, outreach, and services across the country.  The expansion was made possible by an outpouring of donations from the public after SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE stopped providing grants to PLANNED PARENTHOOD because of intense pressure from political groups and then quickly reversed course earlier this year.  The expanded program gives more women access to educational resources and services to help them identify potential breast health issues early. One in five women in America has turned to Planned Parenthood at some point in her life for health care.  To date, 47 PLANNED PARENTHOOD affiliates have applied for and received funding to expand their breast health services to cover the costs of diagnostic follow up care.  To learn more, go to www.plannedparenthood.org/breast-health.

SOURCE: PLANNED PARENTHOOD FEDERATION OF AMERICA

Web Site: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/breast-health

Stand Up To Cancer And The Melanoma Research Alliance Collaborate On New Print PSA “Wear Your Beauty Brilliantly” Starring Laura Linney

New Campaign Promotes the Importance of Skin Protection and the Prevention of Melanoma

STAND UP TO CANCER (SU2C) and the MELANOMA RESEARCH ALLIANCE (MRA) have joined forces with a new print public service announcement starring Academy Award® Nominee LAURA LINNEY. Headlined “Wear Your Beauty Brilliantly,” the PSA is designed to raise awareness about the life-saving benefits of protecting oneself from harmful exposure to UV rays that increase the risk of being diagnosed with melanoma and is the first element in a “Protect Your Skin” campaign. The deadliest of all skin cancers, MELANOMA is the fastest growing cancer globally and its incidence has tripled in the U.S. over the past three decades.

The MELANOMA RESEARCH ALLIANCE is a public charity formed in 2007 under the auspices of the MILKEN INSTITUTE, with the generous founding support of DEBRA AND LEON BLACK. It supports an international, cross-disciplinary group of biomedical researchers possessing clinical and scientific expertise to explore, identify and pursue innovative solutions to critical research questions, leading to better treatments and a cure for melanoma patients.

Laura Linney to appear in PSA campaign for the Melanoma Research Alliance & SU2C. (PRNewsFoto/Stand Up To Cancer)

While prevention is the first step, early detection of melanoma is key to survival. Through the PSA, SU2C and MRA also encourage people to look for changes in their skin and to speak to their dermatologists or health care providers about signs and risks. When caught early, the five year survival rate for melanoma is 92%.

Miss Linney, an SU2C CELEBRITY AMBASSADOR, has helped shine a spotlight specifically on melanoma through her role on The Big C. In the series, her character “Cathy” is a Midwestern wife, mother, and public school teacher who is contending with Stage 4 melanoma. With an awareness of cancer from childhood — her mother was a nurse at MEMORIAL SLOAN-KETTERING CANCER CENTER in New York — Linney is well-versed in the preventive measures one can take to reduce chances of a melanoma diagnosis.

“All it takes is a single reminder for a person to do a self-exam that could save his or her life. Melanoma and Breast Cancer can often be seen and felt, respectively, and the impact of open conversations about cancer and its prevention cannot be underestimated. So talk about Cancer.  Encourage the women you care about to do a self-breast-exam regularly, and everyone to look over their bodies for any strange markings. Communication can curtail cancer, so talk it up!” Linney said.

The MELANOMA RESEARCH ALLIANCE (MRA) is the largest private funder of melanoma research. MRA’s ultimate goal is to find a cure by funding the most promising melanoma research worldwide that will accelerate progress and improve outcomes for patients and all who are at risk for the disease. To date, MRA has awarded $38 million to 97 research programs to make transformative advances in the prevention, diagnosis, staging, and treatment of melanoma, including research in biological causes of carcinogenesis, skin screening, biomarkers, imaging, immunotherapy, molecularly targeted therapy, and combination therapy.

“We are honored to have Laura Linney and our friends at STAND UP TO CANCER join MRA by raising awareness about melanoma and melanoma research with the ‘Wear Your Beauty Brilliantly’ PSA,” said DEBRA BLACK, CO-FOUNDER, MRA. “Through her support of the cause and her moving performance on The Big C, Laura has kept melanoma at the forefront of public consciousness, and that work is heartening to all of us at MRA. Stand Up To Cancer has helped shake up the culture of cancer research and we’re excited about working with their esteemed scientists and doctors to find better treatments and, eventually, a cure for melanoma.”

In December, 2011, SU2C announced its first jointly funded Dream Team in collaboration with the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA). The SU2C-MRA MELANOMA DREAM TEAM TRANSLATIONAL CANCER RESEARCH GRANT provides $6 million during a three-year period. The Dream Team, led by JEFFREY M. TRENT, PH.D., PRESIDENT and RESEARCH DIRECTOR at the TRANSLATIONAL GENOMICS RESEARCH INSTITUTE (TGen) in Phoenix and PATRICIA M. LORUSSO, director of the EISENBERG CENTER FOR EXPERIMENTAL THERAPEUTICS at the BARBARA ANN KARMANOS CANCER INSTITUTE in Detroit, is exploring “PERSONALIZED MEDICINE FOR PATIENTS WITH BRAF WILD-TYPE (BRAFWT) CANCER.” The team’s members are working to identify new therapeutic targets to treat patients with BRAFwt metastatic melanoma, an area where historically there has been little progress.

“Stand Up To Cancer’s mission is rooted in collaboration, and this campaign with the Melanoma Research Alliance and Laura Linney underscores that brilliantly,” said SU2C CO-FOUNDER SHERRY LANSING. “We all have a responsibility to get the message out far and wide about the importance of protecting yourself from harmful UV rays.” To learn more, visit www.curemelanoma.org/protectyourskin or www.standup2cancer.org/protectyourskin.

SOURCE: STAND UP TO CANCER

Web Site: http://www.standup2cancer.org