Homeschooling for 3

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. People mistakenly think that breast cancer is just a “woman’s disease”, but in fact men get it too! Breast cancer is the second leading cancer leading to death amongst women after lung cancer. And while breast cancer is relatively rare amongst men, the mortality rate is higher because of the lack of information about this disease in men.

In remembrance of my friends who have died, as well as those who have survived their fight against breast cancer I have a game plan for next month that includes:

• Click for Breast Cancer (http:/www.thebreastcancersite.com): I’ve made this one of my home pages so that I don’t forget. By clicking on the large pink rectangle we help provide free mammograms for people who do not have insurance or a way to pay for this life-saving screening.  The website also offers many goods that will net them more money to support this cause. They also have free e-cards to send to help promote breast cancer awareness.  (And while you’re there, you might as well click on the other five charities as well )
• Add the Pink & Blue ribbon to websites and blogs. As a show of respect for those who have suffered with breast cancer as well as the researchers dedicated to finding a cure. The more early detection techniques that are available will help to reduce deaths in both men and women. You can get your ribbons at:
  • http://www.johnwnickfoundation.org/pinkandblueribbon.html and
  • http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/linktous.faces?siteId=2&link=ctg_bcs_linktous_from_home_leftnav.
• Sign petitions. Help stop insurance companies from setting up “drive-through” mastectomies as well as putting stumbling blocks in the path of women who seek breast reconstruction surgery. The Click for Breast Cancer and John W. Nick Foundation, Inc. have more information on these types of issues.
• Patronize businesses that are committed to breast cancer research. More and more companies are joining the fight against breast cancer. In the past Avon, Mary Kay and other women’s products companies have been in the forefront. But now they are being joined by companies that have no “female” component to it. One such company is MasterLock.  You remember them — every kid that ever had a locker used MasterLock. Master Lock is supporting The Breast Cancer Research Foundation with a $15,000 donation this year.But in addition to just making a monetary contribution they have designed a full line of pink security products. So now you can lock up your valuables and show your commitment to the breast cancer fight. So far they have locker locks, bike cable locks, as well as, luggage and backpack locks. And unlike those locks of “olden times” many of their new locks are “programmable” so you can set a code that you’ll actually remember! You can take a look Master Lock Breast Cancer Awareness Products (I’m loving my computer case lock and will be using it proudly this month when I travel to the Beach Retreat.)
• Nag, beg, fight and annoy your family members (especially the women) to go have their mammogram and stop putting it off. Early detection is one of the keys to survival. This will be the first year that I’m having it done so I can’t speak from experience, but I even if the process is a bit uncomfortable, when you weigh the pros and cons choosing life is always the best choice. So make your appointment today — I am.

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