Regardless of where you find yourself this time of year – whether you’re a current patient, a survivor, a family member or a caregiver, one thing is certain – there is a grass roots organization designed to help meet your needs. You may be fortunate enough to have one right in your community, but if not, we are all fortunate these days to be able to find help on the Internet!
Following are just a few great organizations we’ve highlighted over the past year. When you are contemplating your gift giving, please remember that most of these programs depend on donations, and in today’s economy dollars are often much more difficult to obtain, so where you spend and/or donate yours can make a real difference in someone else’s life.
Pink Heals – For women in their twenties, thirties and early forties, a cancer diagnosis and the journey that follows can be especially devastating. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments can strip young women of their looks, confidence and sense of self – in what would ordinarily be the prime of their lives. After months of exhaustive treatments, finding a ‘new normal’ can be difficult, especially amidst pressure to move forward and get on with life. Pink Heals is dedicated to helping young women regain their strength and beauty with fun, confidence building programming and events. Ladies, put on your favorite heels… it’s time to reclaim your mojo! http://www.pinkheals.org/
Tiger Lily – As a survivor of breast cancer, Maimah Karmo is committed to educating young women around the world about breast cancer; and empowering them to be their own best advocates. She is dedicated to changing the young adult breast cancer landscape and seeks to impact the quality of care and lifestyle for young women affected by this disease.
She chose to name the organization Tiger Lily, because like a flower loses its petals in the fall and winter, then blossoms and grows in the spring and summer, a woman undergoing treatment can also find her true beauty, strength and be transformed during and after breast cancer. http://www.tigerlilyfoundation.org/index.html
Are You Dense – Their goal is to: educate the public about dense breast tissue and the early detection of breast cancer by raising awareness through a web site, media, speaking engagements, social media, informational materials, and resources; improve the condition of women diagnosed with breast cancer by raising awareness about the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of living with the disease; advocate changes to public policy and breast cancer detection guidelines; and support new and existing research for the early detection of breast cancer for women with dense breast tissue. http://www.areyoudense.org/
The Pink Daisy Project isn’t raising money for research or awareness. Their goals are simple: to help young women cope with the hardships of breast cancer treatment by providing care and comfort. For their girls, it's too late for a cure. Pink Daisy jumps in to assist with housecleaning, groceries and meals, assistance with prescription costs, and other assistance as needed. http://pinkdaisyproject.com/
Happy Chemo! – Eases the frustration and financial burden associated with cancer by connecting cancer patients, survivors and caregivers with discounts, special offers and helpful information provided by partner companies and organizations. Happy Chemo! provides hope, help and happiness for those facing cancer by connecting them to a powerful community dedicated to making the cancer journey easier to endure. http://www.happychemo.com/
Madcapz – Their feminine contours and head-turning fabrics are designed to fit the personality of the person wearing them. Each distinct Madcapz allows the wearer to express her individuality, trying to guarantee no more bad hair days. Madcapz empowers women and children dealing with hair loss to face the day like a rock star! For every Madcapz purchased this holiday season, one will be donated to Hats Off for Cancer. http://madcapz.net/
Beyond Boobs is here to provide support for young women diagnosed with breast cancer and to save lives by promoting breast health education and action for all. Be sure to visit their site and take a look at their great breast self-exam video! http://www.beyondboobsinc.org/
The Pink House Project – Carolina Breast Friends – Is a sanctuary for the hopeful transition from treatment to cure. As a one-of-a-kind, “one-stop shop,” the Pink House serves breast cancer survivors by providing: wellness education, a research library and computer center, a healing garden (coming soon), a fitness center, a nutrition center, self-image services, arts and crafts workshops, and counseling services. http://www.carolinabreastfriends.org/pink_house.php
Imerman Angels – Carefully matches individually pairs a person touched by cancer (a cancer fighter or survivor) with someone who has fought and survived the same type of cancer (a Mentor Angel). Cancer caregivers (spouses, parents, children and other family and friends of fighters) also receive 1-on-1 connections with other caregivers and survivors. These 1-on-1 relationships inspire hope and offer the chance to ask personal questions and receive support from someone who is uniquely familiar with the experience. The service is absolutely free and helps anyone touched by any type of cancer, at any cancer stage level, at any age, living anywhere in the world. http://www.imermanangels.org/
The Get In Touch Foundation – This non-profit’s mission is to encourage girls of all ages to get in touch with their bodies, information, and each other in a crusade to help stop breast cancer. Founder Mary Ann Wasil Nilan is currently dealing with a recurrence, and is using her blog to keep people informed (and even entertained!) http://getintouchfoundation.org/
Know of, or have, a grass roots organization you feel passionate about? Please let us know. We’ll do what we can to get the word out!