A while back my son notified me that his wife's mother had begun a second battle with breast cancer. Her first occurred 20 years ago and she went into remittance after a radical mastectomy, keimo therapy and radiation therapy; now the same cancer has returned creating tumors in locations other than the breasts. At the beginning of the month I received an email from my wonderful daughter-in-law that she was going to take part in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Chicago on June 6-7. I was able to make a contribution that will go to the Avon Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) public charity where grants are awarded to local, regional and national breast cancer organizations to support five areas of the breast cancer cause, including: awareness and education; screening and diagnosis; access to treatment; support services; and, scientific research. Support for the medically underserved is a key priority. Beneficiaries range from leading cancer centers to community-based non-profit breast health programs, creating a powerful international network of research, medical, social service and community-based organizations focused on defeating breast cancer and ensuring access to care.

Yesterday I was notified that one of her (my daughter-in-law) sisters (in her early-mid thirties) has tested positive for breast cancer after finding a lump. Like her mother she will have a radical mastectomy and undergo treatment that will be hard on her physically, emotionally and mentally; she will fight this disease with keimo and radiation so that she can continue to be a mother to her young son. Every three minutes another mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother and perhaps a man (men may get breast cancer at a less alarming rate, but it sometimes goes undiagnosed because men aren't aware) will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

The Avon Walk in Chicago is one of many (you may know someone who is participating) 39 mi walks taking place to raise awareness as well as money. If you can't participate, you can donate or support someone who is participating.

My son was very fortunate in finding a wonderful woman with a fantastic family. On the donation page it suggested that I tell "a friend"; well friend I am telling you. Many will say "you can't change the world", but we can change this; they will say "you can't fight city hall", but we can fight this. Even a small donation helps; perhaps if everyone donated the equivalent of a pack of cigarettes or a Latte', they might find a cure.

I have added a link for donations and information on the right hand side. If you do nothing else at least find out more about this disease and the campaign to end it.