ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL PINKTOBER

Wow.  What a month.  I am truly grateful and humbled by the outpouring of support for COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH this month.  Several local organizations held very successful fundraisers for us:
    LADIES OF HARLEY in Clermont held a motorcycle Poker Run called RIDE FOR THE CURE.  
    The Delta Omicron Omega chapter of ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA Sorority donated proceeds to us from the Breast and Ovarian Cancer luncheon.  They're decided to partner with us again next year.  Wow.
    SALON INXS held a surprise fundraiser for us in the salon, then mailed us a check.  Wow again.
    Local builder PARK SQUARE HOMES is donating $500 for every new home from the month of October.  
    LUNATIC FRINGE SALON closed down the salon for an afternoon and pampered our clients who are going through or recently completed treatment.  And they made a financial donation ! Double generosity.
    Then I got a call this afternoon about an effort called SCRAP FOR THE CURE, local scrapbook enthusiasts who held an event for us over the weekend.  Another check is on the way.
     I am so amazed at how generous people are.  And I realize they know we strive to be good stewards of those donations.  100% of our donations go directly to breast cancer patients and their families in Central Florida.  So our donors know they are helping people right here in our community.  And we are grateful !
Vanessa Echols
Founder
COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH

SURVIVOR OR THRIVER ?

I had a chance to interview GOOD MORNING AMERICA anchor Robin Roberts this week about her breast cancer journey.  I asked her about the fact that she likes the term thriver more survivor.  She said survivor seems to say you're just hanging on, whereas thriver says you are living with vigor and a renewed purpose.
    Your thoughts?  Are you a survivor or a thriver?  Here's my interview with Robin.
Vanessa
Breast Cancer THRIVER


http://www.wftv.com/videos/news/vaness-echols-talks-gmas-robin-roberts/vDr5j/

THINK BEFORE YOU PINK

I always joke that you could slap a pink ribbon on anything and we breast cancer survivors would buy it.  I have been guilty of this myself.
     So this year as we kick off PINKTOBER, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I'd like to remind you to 'THINK' before you 'PINK'.  Companies have certainly realized by now that there is money to be made in pink ribbon items.  They're everywhere and on everything.  But if you are truly interested in supporting the cause, ask yourself a few questions before you buy:
    1.  Is a portion of the proceeds from this item being donated to a breast cancer cause?
    2.  If so, how much is being donated?
    3.  Which organization/ program is getting the donation?
    4.  Is this group active in my local community, helping LOCAL breast cancer patients?


    If the answer to ANY of those questions is no, give some thought to whether you really want to buy it, no matter how cute it is.  LOL.
    AND HAPPY PINK OCTOBER !
Vanessa
Founder, COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH, INC.