STYLE FOR A CAUSE

We were very honored to be chosen for an event called STYLE FOR A CAUSE, organized by stylists at LUNATIC FRINGE SALON in Altamonte Springs, FL.  Stylist Amy Raith had the idea to pamper breast cancer survivors for the day and raise money for COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS BREAST CANCER OUTREACH through a raffle.  It was a successful event from start to finish.  Our client/friends felt like rock stars with makeovers, wig styling, scalp massages and hand massages.
    Here's a wonderful video from the event, produced by photographer, Heather Rice.
http://animoto.com/play/89BVDd3RvZB8sUHMSUoHMQ

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.

BURN FOR THE CURE ?? SERIOUSLY ?!

Got a rather unusual fundraising offer this week.  A cigar rights group has decided to hold a fundraiser for a breast cancer organization in October.  They want to call it BURN FOR THE CURE and hold it at a local cigar shop.  Wanted to know if COMPASSIONATE HANDS AND HEARTS would like to be the recipient of the funds?  Seriously?!
     Let me get this straight, smoking and raising money to help cancer patients.  I just can't see past the notion of inviting our friends and supporters to an event at a cigar shop.  I asked several of them what they thought about the idea.  After they finished laughing, no one seemed to think it was a good idea.  One friend likened it to holding a PETA fundraiser at a meat market.  One even suggested we hold a right to life fundraiser inside an abortion clinic or the AA meeting at the local liquor store.  
     Ah, fundraising can be a slippery slope.

DOUBLE WHAMMY

      Sometimes we meet new clients who amaze us with their strength.  Our newest client is one of those.  She's fighting breast cancer right now.  That is enough battle for most people.  But she's also the mother of four children, three of whom have autism.  Yes, three children with challenges of their own.
      That is certainly enough to make most people fold under the pressure.  But not this warrior.  Two of our volunteers went to visit her yesterday and came away in awe of her hope and joy.  We were blessed to be able to make a real difference in her family's life yesterday.  They were hours away from the power being shut off.  We delivered a check to keep the lights on.
     We're planning a group outreach for the family this Saturday.  And we can hardly wait to meet them !

STUDY TARGETS AFRICAN AMERICANS

Boston University has just received a nearly $20 million dollar grant to specifically study how breast cancer affects African-American women.  Cancer in this ethnic group is often more aggressive and strikes women at a younger age.  And although African American women are less likely to get breast cancer, they are more likely to die from it, when compared to women of European ancestry.  Here's more info:


http://www.boston.com/Boston/whitecoatnotes/2011/08/boston-university-lead-research-breast-cancer-african-american-women/xlzyd9TxU8OuyLc3rvPZEL/index.html