The Importance of Breast Cancer Awareness

Sure, it may be cool these days to complain about how all the pink you see during Breast Cancer Awareness Month hurts your eyes, or to point out that despite all the awareness efforts and money raised, breast cancer is still without a cause. However, breast cancer awareness is a bigger issue now than it ever has been before, and it’s a cause that still needs our help.

First, it’s important to recognize the strides that have been made in the fight against breast cancer. In the time spanning 1990 to 2011, breast cancer deaths declined 25%. Meanwhile, the number of nonprofit organizations committed to fighting breast cancer have increased drastically, from just a few in 1989 to over 200 in 2011. These charities have also combined to raise over $550 million every year in total revenue, according to the National Center for Charitable Statistics at the Urban Institute.

While these figures are admirable, there’s still plenty of work to do. Globally, women get breast cancer far more than any other form of cancer, with 16.8 million cases diagnosed in 2012, according to the World Health Organization. And in the United States, breast cancer diagnoses are actually on the rise, from 192,370 cases in 2009 to a projected increase of 232,670 in 2014, according to the American Cancer Society.

Looking at the big picture, then, it’s clear that breast cancer needs our support more than ever. Nonprofits can benefit from the foundation and audience that breast cancer awareness campaigns have built, and use these assets as stepping stones to planning campaigns that will be meaningful and engaging to your constituents.

Del Webb joins KitchenAid for Cook for the Cure® and Kitchenaid Mixer Giveaway

Breast Cancer is an illness that affects everyone’s lives. It is a very sad and unfortunate disease that plagues many women and their families. I have been lucky to where no one in my family has had breast cancer, but we have had family members with other cancers. Cancer is a horrible thing. My favorite teacher had breast cancer. She is a survivor. I remember when she told me, I was so heartbroken. I am so glad that she is ok now. It’s crazy because she was always in great shape and took care of herself. I know that doesn’t have to do with anything but, it is just something that you can’t really prevent. It is really important to get a mammogram and do self breast exams. Have a set date every month and check yourself in the shower. If you notice anything please get it checked out. A yearly mammogram is a great idea too. I know some people get one the day after their birthday so they won’t forget. We get so busy with life and this is something we really have to remember to do. Everyone usually remembers their birthday so, pick a day or close to a day that you won’t forget.

I wanted to tell you guys about an event where you can help raise money for breast cancer. Del Webb, an active adult community builder, is sponsoring a series of Cook for the Cure® events across the nation to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. These events are an easy and fun way for people to support the fight against breast cancer- by simply attending. You are able to attend for free, there is a suggested donation of $2 to help fight breast cancer. It looks like a lot of fun. There is one close to my house so hopefully I will be able to attend.

From July 15- 24, 45 Del Webb communities across the nation will be hosting the events.

They are free, open to the public and will feature:
• Cooking demonstrations
• Food samplings
• Live entertainment
• Silent auctions
• Raffles, prizes and more
Attendees are invited to come eat, enjoy the Del Webb lifestyle and enter to win KitchenAid® small appliances. Those interested in attending can find a community nearby and RSVP on Del Webb’s website.

In addition to the public events hosted by Del Webb communities, many Del Webb residents are also hosting private dinner parties to benefit the cause. Proceeds go toward Susan G. Komen for the Cure® for breast cancer research.

Del Webb is sponsoring Cooks for the Cure as part of the event’s 10th anniversary, which challenges America to host 1,000 dinner parties to raise money for breast cancer research and community outreach programs. The annual event has raised nearly $8 million since 2001 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

I have a giveaway for you guys. I am so excited because I love KitchenAid products.

One (1) lucky winner will win a Cook for the Cure® edition, pink KitchenAid® Mixer.

Thank you to Del Webb for providing the Cook for the Cure® edition, pink KitchenAid® Mixer for giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mandatory Entry: share your favorite "pink" recipe ideas for summer goodies that could be baked and shared at these events. (The recipes do not have to be pink in color, just something that would be great for the event)

You must do the mandatory entry for the bonus entries to receive the bonus entries.

Extra Entries:

Like Del Webb’s Facebook page - 1 entry

Share your recipes on Del Webb's Facebook Page- Each recipe you post on the Del Webb Facebook page is worth 5 extra entries (please make sure you comment for each entry)

Subscribe to my blog via email – 1 entry

Follow my blog on GFC – 1 entry

Follow @sheilacakes7 on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway including a link. This can be done once a day.

Tell me how breast cancer has affected your life. – 1 entry

This giveaway is open to US Residents only.

This giveaway will end at July 24, 2011 at 11:59 pm ET.