Guest Author - Grace D. Dooley

Since October is breast cancer month I would like to take this time and focus on some of the "behind the scenes" details of breast cancer awareness and research. Allow me to introduce you to a specific foundation who has awarded and donated more than 5 million dollars in the fight against breast cancer around the world. The foundation is one of the main leaders in the race to find a cure. With fund raising events around the world and the sale of special "pink ribbon" products, they continue to raise funds for Breast Cancer foundations and research.

Here's a little background on this foundation. Their crusade for breast cancer started in 1992 in the U.K Then in 1993 it began in the U.S. and is now the largest program and supporter of breast cancer research and awareness. Since then they have been very aggressive in pursuing their mission to battle and find a cure for breast cancer. In 1998 they held their first 3 day fund raising walk (which is recognized now as one of the biggest fund raising events around the world). Today, the foundation continues to look for and explore ways in which it can better the progression of finding a cure.

In the foundation's continued pursuit of a cure they have partnered up with Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation. Dr. Love is an expert on Breast cancer and has authored/published books on breast cancer. She is owner of the foundation. Through research on healthy women her foundation is on the cutting edge of breast cancer research. They want to go beyond the research of today and focus on preventing breast cancer before it starts. This takes the research into a whole other realm of possibilities.

The two has formed a new initiative in the fight against breast cancer. The new alliance is called "Army Of Women". In order for research to be done to find a cure they need volunteers. Since there is no animal testing they have to ask for volunteers. So created the Army Of Women. They are looking for 1 million healthy women to volunteer in the name of breast cancer research to stop it before it happens. By volunteering you will be helping some one's mother, sister, niece, aunt, grandmother or daughter. No one is immune to breast cancer. If you have been touched by breast cancer or diagnosed with it please consider volunteering for them.

Let me introduce you to the AVON Foundation. The Avon Foundation is the philanthropy side of the Avon Company(Avon Inc.). "Avon Breast Cancer Crusade" is it's legacy with other issues such as domestic violence and emergency relief efforts being on the forefront. The foundation is also known for it's fund raising activities i.e. Avon's Walk For Breast Cancer and the sale of "pink ribbon" products continue year round. The profits are all donated to the cause of ending breast cancer and improving the quality of life for women around the world.

The partnership between Dr. Susan Love and Avon foundations is called the Love/Avon Army of Women. If you want more information on how you can volunteer and help in the fight against this silent but deadly killer of women around the world visit the website below.

Everyone knows fighting breast cancer is definitely a crusade that has to involve every one. Man, woman and child. There are great medical breakthrough's on the horizon all the time but because of some complication etc. the moment is missed. The Avon Foundation and the Avon Company has proven to be dedicated, loyal and faithful to the most common cause of all women around the world.

With that said Avon is more than products, gifts and fragrances. It's more than just someone trying to make a buck. Each product you buy goes to improving the quality of life for another woman. It could be you or even your representative. You never know how your contributions will pan out in the end. Sometimes you just have to have faith that good things are happening because of your contribution when you purchase Avon products, especially the "pink ribbon" products.

There you have it. The other face of Avon. The Avon Foundation. I believe in this company and all it represents. I am proud to be part of the crusade against breast cancer and I have seen the good in what they do. So the next time an Avon representative knocks on your door, calls on the phone, etc. please, don't just blow them off. They maybe in need of your help of getting treatment for the disease or knows someone who is.

All Avon Independent Representatives are contributing to the fight by selling Avon branded "pink ribbon" products. The other part is helping some one who may be trying to make a living for her and her family by selling products and gaining customers. Sure you're going to find some very rude people in any direct selling business, but as it is made clear to all who sign on, they are their own person. They sell the products but they don't represent the company as a whole. By enforcing this realization they offer the opportunity for women to own their own business. They empower women all over the world.

Remember this is Breast Cancer Awareness month. All month there will be a push across the nation for raising funds to educate, bring awareness to others and for research. So.... it doesn't matter your race or ethnicity breast cancer crosses all boundaries and divides. Go, get checked, have a yearly physical and please do everything you can to take care of yourself and others who may be suffering now with the disease.

You are beautiful and the world will not be the same with out you.

"Pink Ribbon" for the cause