Sunday, February 26, 2006

Sheryl Crow Announces Her Personal Breast Cancer Battle

Sheryl Crow is not stranger to overcoming the odds. She wrote her first song at age 13 and worked as a music teacher for autisitc children. She went from jingle-writing to become a backup singer for Michael Jackson. She was offered only dance-pop contracts after Jackson's "Bad" tour and turned everyone of them down in her quest to be a rocker. She battled personal depression, professional scandal, the controversial death of an ex-boyfriend, and more. She's written songs for Wynonna Judd, Celine Dion, Stevie Nicks, and Eric Clapton and sung an unlikely duet with Kid Rock. She's been a Bond girl with her writing and performance of the theme song for Tomorrow Never Dies. She's had countless Grammy-winning hits and saw just as many platinum-selling albums. She's dated and broken up with one of the world's most revered athletes. She's over 40 and hotter than ever. And now, she 's a breast cancer suvivor.

This week, Crow announced her battle with breast cancer in a statement:

"Approximately 1 in 7 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime and more than 2 million Americans are living with breast cancer today. I am joining the more than 200,000 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

We are a testament to the importance of early detection and new treatments. I encourage all women everywhere to advocate for themselves and for their future. See your doctor and be proactive about your health.

More than 10 million Americans are living with cancer, and they demonstrate the ever-increasing possibility of living beyond cancer. I am inspired by the brave women who have faced this battle before me and grateful for the support of family and friends."

It is ironic that in 2000, she performed for a "Rock Against Breast Cancer" Concert. Who would have guessed she'd be the beneficiary of such a wonderful chapter in this long battle. Good luck in your recovery, Sheryl. With your inner strength, winner's attitude, and admirable confidence, your battle has already been won.

Thursday, February 16, 2006

Announcing Team Heather's Dual Purposes - Awareness & Fund-Raising

Hello All,

Team Heather, the effort initiated in 2001 to support my youngest sister in her battle with breast cancer, has now branched off into two exciting endeavors: a fund-raising effort through Team Heather’s participation in Komen’s National Race for the Cure, and an awareness effort through this Team Heather Blog. Last year, the fund-raising effort of Team Heather placed third out of over 1200 teams, with $27,500 raised by 77 team members. The awareness effort has just begun.

(Look, however, for the line between the two to blur somewhat as we grow closer to the June 3, 2006 race-day. This blog will be used to update and communicate progress of the fund-raising efforts of the official Komen National Race for the Cure's Team Heather website. It’s the only way to see our daunting $30,000 goal come true.)

During the other months of the year, the overarching goal of this blog and the Team Heather awareness effort is to educate, inform, empower, enlighten, strengthen, lift, and motivate breast cancer survivors facing personal battles with breast cancer, no matter where they are in the process of treatment and recovery. I maintain that it is essential to provide an abundance of resources to breast cancer survivors, in order to make their search for answers, their need for support, and their ability to fight more practical and successful through one, concentrated tool.

It is my goal to make this blog a storage-house of information, where individuals will be pointed in any number of directions in order to help make the important decisions one makes in battling breast cancer.

By the way, my view of a breast cancer survivor is fairly broad, in that I believe if you are an individual newly diagnosed and beginning treatment, an individual who has completed treatment and is newly cancer-free, an individual who has lost the battle with breast cancer, or the co-surviving spouse, parent, sibling, child, grandparent, or grandchild of any of the first three, you are a breast cancer survivor.

The first "links" section of my Team Heather Blog contains specific organizations created to answer questions, provide guidance, offer options, produce research, ease fears, celebrate stories, embrace pro-activity, create communities, and link to further resources for breast cancer survivors of all kinds. In this section you will find websites geared towards individuals from all walks of life, including African American, Hispanic, Gay/Lesbian, White, Disadvantaged, At-risk, Young, Old, Underprivileged, and more. My advice - get lost in these websites.

The second "links" section highlights products, retailers, organizations, efforts, literature, services, gifts, symbols, games, treats, stress-relievers, events, support groups, and alerts that serve to send the message of unity and hope to breast cancer survivors, through pink ribbon and breast cancer awareness-focused avenues. I think you will find phenomenal illustrations inside to demonstrate your dedication and commitment to this fight.

Finally, there is a third "links" section called, "_____ for the Cure," where fund-raising events from all across the country are spotlighted. Obviously, the most recognizable of these events is the national, "Race for the Cure," but there are activities within as diverse as the individuals affected by this disease. Here you will find that you can cut, boogie, crunch, cook, write, shower, ride, quilt, toast , swing, stitch, ski, and more for the cure. Do anything, do something!

I thank you for your support in Team Heather's new awareness effort and I hope you will return again and again to my Team Heather Blog. I invite you also to participate in our fund-raising efforts through joining the Komen National Race for the Cure's Team Heather; look for information on how to do so coming soon.

I thank you on behalf of my sister, Heather, and the thousands and thousands of breast cancer survivors, for your commitment to finding a cure to this indiscriminate disease. Please email me with questions, comments, suggestions, and more at gardnershawn68@aol.com. Together, we can make a difference.

Thanks again,
Shawn

Monday, February 13, 2006

Valentine's Day Message from Komen

Dear Friend,

Forget "Say it with flowers!" I want to wish you a Valentine's Day with action! I am sending you this card to celebrate hope, courage, strength, love, and ultimately a CURE for breast cancer.

I hope you'll join me in spreading the hope and act today in the fight against breast cancer!

Add your voice to the battle against breast cancer and pass on this wish to others.

Happy Valentine's Day!
P.S. Please forward this message on to all your loved ones!

Taking the "1 in 7" Idea a Step Farther

In exploring hundreds and hundreds of websites dedicated to supporting, informing, motivating, treating, teaching, empowering, guiding, and arming women in the fight against breast cancer, the quote that best sums up what we are all trying to do comes from the founders of www.breastfriends.com:

"Every woman in America will be touched by breast cancer in her lifetime. One in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. The other six will know her. "

It doesn't get more powerful than that.

I sent an email out to dozens of my friends and family with the link to this blog. I asked them to get lost in it and hit me back with ideas on how to get the message out with the greatest success. One of my friends suggested we put the link to Team Heather in our email's signature. Great idea Caroline! If you enjoy this site, please consider making it part of the signature for either your work or personal email.

I appreciate each of you who come to this blog and would welcome any comments you might have. Feel free to post them on here, or email me at gardnershawn68@aol.com.

Friday, February 10, 2006

Team Heather's New 2006 Honorary Team Captain - Julie Murphy Wells

Julie Murphy Wells


John McMahon/JohnEBongo Photography (JohnEBongoPhoto@aol.com)

Team Heather is proud to announce our 2006 Komen National Race for the Cure's Honorary Team Captain is the lead singer from "Eddie from Ohio," and my very good friend, Julie Murphy Wells. "EFO" is a local Virginia band with an unwaveringly dedicated following and over 15 years of national touring and CD sales success. They've been called "the greatest band you've never heard of," and their most recent CD, "This Is Me," showcases Julie's amazing talents.

Julie is the Team Captain for Bubba's Buddies, a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation team organized around her son who was diagnosed with the disease several years ago. To date, Bubba's Buddies has raised over $50,000 for Juvenile Diabetes research and treatment. Last summer, Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer and is now undergoing her last rounds of chemotherapy; remission, here she comes! For those who know and love Julie, we aren't surprised she's tackling this experience with the same faith, courage, humor, and spirit with which she walks through life.

Julie is joined onstage each performance by Robbie Shaefer, Michael Clem, and Eddie Hartness - together they bring down the house. With the recent addition of the Grammy Winning Producer, Lloyd Maines (Dixie Chicks), "EFO" is busier than ever. Their most recent tour is taking them to venues across the country, from Virginia to California, and many places in between. Look for them coming to a stage near you.

Team Heather is proud and humbled to welcome Julie Murphy Wells as our 2006 Honorary Team Captain and we look forward to supporting her every step of the way in her own battle. Thank you Julie and we love you.

EFO's Nine CD's To Date

A Juggler on His Blades - 1992
Actually Not - 1993
I Rode Fido Home - 1995
Big Noise - 1997
Portable EFO Show - 1998
Looking Out the Fishbowl - 1999
Quick - 2001
Three Rooms - 2003
This is Me - 2004

Humorous (Yes, Humorous!) Books about Battling Breast Cancer

Of all the amazing women I know who have done battle with breast cancer (my sister, my mother, my friends, my coworkers, my relatives) there is one thing they all have in common - they faced their battle with humor as a weapon.

My sister Heather had to have her fake Billy Bob teeth in before going to chemotherapy, my mother Becky proudly shows off her 5 breast tattoos (used to line up her radiation), my friend Julie sent out, as her Christmas cards, a picture of her, her husband, and their two boys, all proudly donning bald heads. Humor is a MUST when facing the fear, pain, and mystery of breast cancer.

Books that tackle breast cancer are few and far between. No one wants to put "laughter" and "breast cancer" in the same sentence - yet the books on the list below do so and do so with great success. Please think about picking up one of these books for a woman in your life in the midst of her own fight - I think you'll find it will be her most favorite gift.

  1. The Courage Muscle - A Chicken's Guide to Living with Breast Cancer
  2. My One-Night Stand with Cancer: A Memoir
  3. Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy
  4. The Victoria's Secret Catalog Never Stops Coming: And Other Lessons I Learned from Breast Cancer
  5. B.O.O.B.S: A Bunch of Outrageous Breast Cancer Survivors Tell Their Stories of Courage, Hope, and Healing
  6. I'm Alive and the Doctor's Dead
  7. Breast Cancer? Let Me Check My Schedule
  8. Humor After the Tumor
  9. The Feisty Woman's Breast Cancer Book
  10. No Mountain Too High: A Triumph over Breast Cancer : The Story of the Women of Expedition Inspiration
  11. Plant A Geranium In Your Cranium
  12. Breast Cancer Be-Attitudes!
  13. Chicken Soup for the Soul Healthy Living Series: Breast Cancer
  14. Breast Cancer for Dummies
  15. Uplift : Secrets from the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors
  16. Mammograms and Mastectomies: Facing Them With Humor and Prayer
  17. Complete Idiot's Guide to Living with Breast Cancer
  18. Ice Bound: A Doctor's Incredible Battle for Survival at the South Pole
  19. Red Devil: To Hell with Cancer and Back
  20. Dreamwalk: A Survivor's Journey Through Breast Cancer
  21. Don't Count Me Out: Surviving Breast Cancer
  22. Bosom Buddies : Lessons and Laughter on Breast Health and Cancer
  23. Breast Cancer Husband : How to Help Your Wife (and Yourself) during Diagnosis, Treatment and Beyond
  24. Various Breast Cancer Support Books

Saturday, February 04, 2006

Team Heather's Website from The National Race for the Cure - 2005

Thought it would be cool to link to Team Heather from 2005's Komen National Race for the Cure. Out of over 1000 teams, we came in 3rd in fundraising. 2006, here we come!

Bumper Stickers That Matter

There are so many damn bumper stickers here in Washington, D.C. that announce everything from, "My 5 Year Old is on the Honor Roll at Pre-School," "My Other Car is a Broomstick," "Visualize World Peas," and "Your Tailgating is Really Bothering my Phone Call."

Heck, Chris and I have even joined the bumper sticker craze this week when we ordered, "This Teacher Gives W an F," "My Dog is Smarter Than Your President," "January 20, 2009 - The End of an Error," and "W - The Bigot."

But I think it's time we slap something on our Range Rovers, SUV's, H-3's, and BMW's that really makes a difference. Here are some links to a number of fantastic Breast Cancer Awareness bumper stickers sites where you can order your stickers right online.

Drop $3 on a bumper sticker with a good message for a change, not just another "I'd Rather Be Fishing!" Here are a couple options:



http://www.cafepress.com/shop/bumper-stickers/browse/store/yoadrienneaz.33214243 - Breast Cancer Isn't Prejudice


http://www.cafepress.com/cp/browse/store/grannygear.

29685331 - Breast Cancer Sucks
http://www.cafepress.com/tshirtsheaven.29019107 - One In Seven

http://www.cafepress.com/shop/wire/browse/store/

scarebaby.29432875 - Hope

http://www.cafepress.com/tshirtsheaven.22769223 - Simple Breast Cancer Ribbon

http://www.flagline.com/id91F16 - Survivor

Words Left by Heather on My Computer at Work

I love you …….heather

Famous People (Women AND Men) Who've Battled or Who are Battling Breast Cancer

I thought it would be powerful to see the names of quite a few familiar individuals who've had to battle breast cancer over the years. Many of them are alive and 100% cancer-free and some of them lost their lives to this indiscriminating disease - yet they are all survivors! They, like my sister Heather, didn't allow the cancer to break their spirits or lessen their faith. The true definition of a "survivor!"

Survivors Currently Battling Breast Cancer

Carol Martineau Baldwin, mother of the acting Baldwin brothers and founder of the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Care Center of the University Hospital and Medical Center at Stony Brook.
Allyce Beasley, American TV/comedic actress
Anastacia, African-American singer
Eileen Brennan, American actress
Diahann Carroll, African-American actress, singer
Julia Child, famous TV cook, known as The French Chef (beat breast cancer and died of natural causes at age 91)
Diana Douglas (Darrid), former actress; ex-wife of Kirk Douglas; mother of Michael Douglas
Elizabeth Anania Edwards, lawyer; wife of John Edwards (former Democrat U.S. Senator from North Carolina)
Jill Eikenberry, American actress
Linda Ellerbee, Texas-born journalist
Melissa Etheridge, American singer and prominent lesbian
Edie Falco, American stage and TV actress
Peggy Fleming, American figure skater
Betty Ford, former First Lady
Maria Friedman, British actress
Sheila Hancock, British actress
Julie Harris, legendary American stage actress
Laura Ingraham, right-wing radio host/pundit
Molly Ivins, Texan journalist
Kate Jackson, American actress
Ann Jillian, American actress, entertainer
Jennifer Jones, American Oscar-winning star actress
Sondra Locke, American actress
Rue McClanahan, American TV/stage actress
Kylie Minogue, Australian singer, actress
Alla Nazimova, Russian-born American stage and film actress who survived breast cancer (died at 66 of a coronary thrombosis in 1945)
Phyllis Newman, TV and Broadway actress/singer; widow of Adolph Green
Olivia Newton-John, UK/Australian singer/actress
Jerri Nielsen, American physician who famously treated herself for breast cancer while stuck in the South Pole after discovering a lump on her breast
Cynthia Nixon, American stage and TV actress
Aimee Osbourne, UK-born daughter of Sharon Osbourne; treated surgically in the UK
Nancy Priddy, mother of actress Christina Applegate
Sandra Day O'Connor, first female U.S. Supreme Court Justice
Nancy Reagan, former U.S. First Lady
Lynn Redgrave, British/American actress
Kathleen Reynolds, wife of former Irish taoiseach, Albert Reynolds
Wendy Richard, British actress
Cokie Roberts, American journalist
Margaretta Fitler Murphy Rockefeller, American socialite
Betty Rollin, author, retired TV correspondent
Richard Roundtree, male African-American actor
Soraya, Colombian-born musician/singer
Jean Simmons, British-born U.S. actress
Carly Simon, American singer
Jaclyn Smith, American actress, businesswoman
Brett Somers, Canadian-born U.S. actress, TV personality
Suzanne Somers, American actress
Gloria Steinem, American feminist activist; stepmother of Christian Bale
Gloria Stuart, legendary American actress
Shirley Temple, American former child star/former Republican diplomat
Ann Veneman, former head of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
Marcia Wallace, American comedic actress

Survivors Lost to Breast Cancer

Ingrid Bergman, Oscar-winning star actress (died on 67th birthday)
Bibi Besch, actress (died at age 56)
Rose Bird, California judge (died at age 63)
Carina Bleeth, mother of actress Yasmine Bleeth (died at age 47)
Vanessa Brown, actress (died at age 71)
Coral Browne, actress (died at age 77)
Judith Campbell Exner, JFK relationship-related celebrity (died at age 65)
Rachel Carson, American environmentalist and author (Silent Spring) (died at age 56)
Norma Crane, American actress (died at age 44)
Linda Creed, songwriter (died at age 37)
Bette Davis, Oscar-winning star actress (died at age 81)
Sandra Feldman, former president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) (died at age 65)
Sophie Germain, French mathematician (died at age 55)
Gloria Grahame, Oscar-winning actress (died at age 57)
Lady Augusta Gregory, Irish nationalist landowner (died at age 80)
Florence Halop, American comedienne/comedic actress (died at age 63)
Judy Holliday, Oscar-winning star actress (died at age 43)
Jeanne Hyde, wife of U.S. Congressman Henry Hyde
Jill Ireland, British actress, wife of Charles Bronson (died at age 54)
Caron Keating, Northern Irish celebrity (died at age 41)
Marie Keating, mother of Ronan Keating
Kathy Keeton, Penthouse publisher and wife of Bob Guccione (died at age 58 of surgical complications)
Virginia Clinton Kelley, mother of President Bill Clinton (died at age 71)
Susan G. Komen, breast cancer activist (died at age 36)
Helen Gorman Kushnick, Hollywood producer (died at age 51)
Joi Lansing, actress (died at age 44)
Frances Lear, ex-wife of Norman Lear
Juliette Gordon Low, Founder of Girls Scouts of the USA (died at age 67)
Lady Linda McCartney, singer, activist, wife of Paul McCartney (died at age 56)
Mary Mohin McCartney, mother of Sir Paul McCartney
Hattie McDaniel, actress (died at age 57)
Roseann Murtha O'Donnell, mother of Rosie O'Donnell
Klara Pölzl, mother of Adolf Hitler (died at age 47)
Minnie Riperton, singer, mother of Maya Rudolph (died at age 31)
Rod Roddy, male radio and television announcer (died at age 66)
Roxie Roker, actress, mother of Lenny Kravitz (died at age 66)
Rosalind Russell, star actress (died at 69)
Wendie Jo Sperber, actress (died at age 47)
Dusty Springfield, songwriter/singer (died at age 60)
Doris Jones Stein, philanthropist (mother of Susan Shiva)
Susan Stein-Shiva, philanthropist (daughter of Doris Stein)
Susan Strasberg, actress (died at age 60)
Jacqueline Susann, writer (died at age 56)
Louise Troy, American actress (died at age 60)
Danitra Vance, actress (died at age 40)
Vivian Vance, actress, singer (died at age 70)
Suzie Wilson, mother of actress Mara Wilson