On September 20Th, I was honored to be part of the P&G GIVE Hope “Do It For the Girls!” Day of Action. It took place at the Gansevoort Park Avenue in the now famous “Kardashian Suite”. The blogger roundtable discussion was lead by Giulianna Rancic, E! News Anchor, Fashion Police co-host, reality star, breast cancer survivor and new mom, Janelle Hail, CEO and Founder of the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and Allison Maxwell, P&G Employee and breast cancer survivor. These three heroic ladies not only discussed their cancer experiences and treatments, but stressed the importance of early detection and self exams. These ladies all had their cancer detected in the early stages and credit early detection for saving their lives.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and together with P&G these ladies wanted to get the message across that early detection saves lives. I was surprised at the fact that some of the bloggers attending didn’t know how to perform a self exam or had never had a mammogram. Breast cancer runs in my family so I have always kept up to date on my exams and have had mammograms why before the recommended age of 40. The National Breast Cancer Foundation has made it easy for everyone. Click HERE for a video with step by step directions on how to give yourself a self exam. You don’t need to be embarrassed and no you can’t be to young. Allison Maxwell, P&G employee, was diagnosed at just 27. There is no breast cancer history in her family. So, don’t think that you are safe because of your family history. Allison was lucky to have the support of her family and friends to help her through the dark times. Janelle Hail has been a survivor for 30 years now. Things are quite different now then when she went through her treatments 30 years ago. Her foundation even offers an Early Detection Plan, complete with an App! There are no excuses anymore. You can get the information and help save yourself or someone you love. 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer. Early detection can mean a 98% survivor rate over 5 years. Those are good odds.
Giuliana Rancic shared her amazing story of how she found out she had cancer and how one year later she’s living as a survivor and a new mom. Rancic was undergoing IVF when her cancer was detected, She credits her newborn son for saving her life. She was fortunate enough to have had her eggs harvested and frozen before her treatment began. Giuliana and her husband Bill were lucky to find a gestational carrier for their son. They plan on having more children someday. Each one of these ladies had the same advice, “Don’t sweat the small stuff and live your life.” After, the roundtable discussion we all took part in a Twitter party once again to raise awareness for early detection. Giuliana was right there Tweeting with us.
You can save money while giving back by redeeming coupons in the P&G brandSAVER® found in your local newspaper. For every September 30 coupon redeemed, a 2¢ donation will be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation and for every October 14 coupon redeemed, a 1¢ donation will be made.
Want to give more?
A $1 donation will be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for every hand image created on the PGmyGIVE Facebook app.
Bloggers (I’m the 3rd one in from the left with the black and white dress.), Allison Maxwell and Giuliana Rancic pose for a picture.
Disclosure: I received VIP perks to take part in this roundtable. A car service was provided to me, as well as photos of the event. Thanks to P&G and SheSpeaks for inviting me to this event.
Tesa @ 2 Wired 2 Tired says
What a wonderful event and message. It’s great that celebrities are working to bring awareness and doing what they can to get the message out.
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
Thanks for snapping a pic of me! I’m glad we got a chance to hang out at a non M.A. event! 😉