October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (and a Giveaway)

You're probably aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Self-examination, regular doctor exams, and regular mammograms after 40 are things that women can do to hopefully catch breast cancer in its' early stages -- but even if it's caught early, there is still a fight!  Breast Cancer Awareness Month not only wants to make people more aware of the importance of self-care, but also raises awareness for the need of money to fund breast cancer research.

When I was contacted recently by a PR firm asking if I'd like to give away a pair of pajamas for Breast Cancer Awareness, I was a little intrigued.   I found out that KN Karen Neuburger and Dillards department stores teamed up to raise funds for breast cancer research.  They are sponsoring "Pink Parties" and will donate 30 minutes of research to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for every pair of pink pajamas sold at Dillards during this parties in October. You can also purchase pajamas directly from KN Karen Neuburger. The goal is to fund a month of cancer research through this program -- with the ultimate goal of developing lifesaving treatments and an eventual cure.


I didn't realize how important each minute of research is, until I read the following statistics:

• One hour of research allows a breast cancer biopsy to be performed
  
• One day of research allows a clinician to conduct genetic counseling for one woman
• One week allows researchers to compare ten tumor samples

I always want to know more about the charities and organizations I am considering sending a donation, so I found out a little bit more about the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  I found that they support scientists at top universities and academic medical centers around the world. A minimum of 85 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs.  To give you an idea of the breadth of their program -- in October 2008, 166 scientists from the United States, Australia, Canada, Latin America and the Middle East were awarded $34.5 million.  They also received the Charity Navigator's highest rating of four stars, which puts them above 99% of the evaluated charities.


To help increase awareness of this program, I was generously given a pair of pajamas and pink socks to give away to one of my readers!  Please help spread the word about this worthwhile cause, and maybe you'll be the lucky winner of a cozy pair of pajamas!

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment below telling me what you've done this month to help raise awareness of breast cancer, or to raise funds.  For up to 3 additional entries, please:

• Tweet a link to this post, and leave a comment letting me know you tweeted.  You can even copy this tweet:  Check out @AZMelly pink pajama giveaway for Breast Cancer Awareness Month! http://bit.ly/1pPx5B
  
• Post a link on Facebook, and leave a comment letting me know.
• Blog about this post, and leave a comment letting me know.

I will use random.org to choose a winner Monday, October 19, 2009.  Winner will be notified via email, and the pajamas will be sent directly to their home from the PR firm.

Thanks for helping to spread the word!

For more information, visit Karen Neuburger's site. You can also donate directly to the Foundation by visiting the Time For Research website. 

(Disclosure:  The pajamas were generously provided by the PR firm, for KN and Dillards, for this giveaway.  I also received a pair of pajamas for myself.  I was not compensated in any other way for this post.)

** This giveaway is over and the winner contacted **