Support for the Cure
October 5, 2007
Marie Green is a fashion stylist and writer from San Diego California. She is the former Fashion Editor of FINE Homes and Living Magazine and her column, “Fashion Focus” has appeared in FINE Magazine as well as LaJolla Light, The Del Mar Times, Del Mar Ink, The Carmel Valley Leader, Rancho Santa Fe Record, and The Solana Beach Sun. Marie is also the co-founder of SheWants.com.
My children, Vanessa and Zachary, have an amazing relationship with my mother, whom they call "Granny." Even though Granny is in Minnesota, they very much enjoy speaking and seeing each other frequently. I can't help but think how much our lives would be enriched if they could have the same type of relationship with my husband's mother, Anna Green. Anna died in 1963, two years after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. That was 44 years ago, and we still don't have a cure for breast cancer.
This year, according to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, more than 200,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and about 40,000 will die from the disease. In fact, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 3 minutes. Every 13 minutes, the disease claims another life.
Now many more women are surviving the disease thanks to earlier detection; however, we should not rest until there is a cure and the disease is only a memory.
Earlier this month, I attended a fabulous fashion show, "Pretty in Pink," that benefited Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Presented by La Jolla Spa MD and held at the Estancia Resort, the event featured a delicious dinner and an amazing fashion show of internationally renowned designer Isabell Kristensen's dresses. As an extra surprise, she started the show with her recently launched swimsuit and lingerie collections. This certainly got everyone's attention!
Dianne York-Goldman, the glamorous event chair, dedicated the evening to her sister, Sharon Peters, who is currently fighting breast cancer.
Most of us know someone that has been diagnosed with breast cancer. My good friend, Denise Foyle, is gearing up to do the 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk from Del Mar to San Diego Nov. 9-11. She is doing it in memory of her dear friend Cathy Joyce, who passed away four years ago, and in honor of six friends who have fought and survived the disease. This 60-mile walk over the course of three days raises money for breast cancer research. Last year, the San Diego affiliate raised more than a million dollars through donations, contributions and sponsorships. Denise is also taking her commitment one step further; she and her daughter, Gabi, are donating more than 20 inches of their hair to Locks of Love. Locks of Love makes hairpieces out of donated hair, for those who have lost their hair due to medical conditions such as chemotherapy treatments.
October is breast cancer awareness month. In honor of this, many companies have launched "pink" products where a portion of the proceeds supports breast cancer research. For example, cosmetics powerhouse Estee Lauder is selling a beautiful compact and brush set. Philosophy developed "Shower for the Cure" shower gel and Clinique has super-sized Dramatically Different Moisturizer with a collectible charm. All are available at your favorite department store. Some very popular designers have done the same thing. Marc, by Marc Jacobs, has a great double bangle charm bracelet on shopbop.com. Coach has an adorable enamel key chain that my daughter is clamoring for. Juicy Couture has a trendy "Viva La Cure" t-shirt, and Ralph Lauren designed cute polo shirts with pink logos. You can find many more items like these at www.OffTheRack.com.
There are many great upcoming events and meaningful ways to support breast cancer research. Please go to www.sdkomen.org for more information on how you can support the cure.
INSIDE SCOOP:
People Style Watch magazine declared www.shoppinkstore.com their Web site of the month. It was developed by breast cancer survivor, Barbara Robinson, who says, "I want shoppers to feel good while buying." Stylewatch says this online boutique is as charitable as it is chic, and not everything is pink. You'll find a stylish mix of clothing and accessories from some of my favorite designers like Theory, Francesco Biasia and Catherine Malandrino. There's even a free gift for first-time users: spend at least $100 and receive a free logo t-shirt.
