I joined Army of Women today. Army of Women is a national organizational movement designed to bring more women into the breast cancer research fold. From their FAQ's:
"Like many women, Dr. Susan Love was becoming increasingly frustrated by our not having made more progress in figuring out what causes breast cancer and how to prevent it. Scientists told her that they did not know how to find the women who would be interested in taking part in the studies that were needed to end this disease. Dr. Love realized the problem wasn’t that women didn’t want to participate in these studies, but that they didn’t know that they were needed. In short order, the idea was born of an Army of Women ready to serve science."
"Women who are interested register on the Love/Avon Army of Women website, providing very basic information such as name, age, city, and state of residence. Army staff notify volunteers via email about studies that need volunteers. These emails describe the study, criteria to participate, and what is involved. Women who fit the criteria respond to the email to express their interest. Army staff then contact these women to let them know how to take part."
Before you guys get all up in my grill:
"We are starting with women since breast cancer is more common in women. After the initiative gets underway, we will consider adding men. Meanwhile men can support the initiative by donating to the Army of Women, purchasing a pendant, and encouraging women they know to take part."
I have no family history of breast cancer. With any luck, I'll never have breast cancer. With more than luck - with full-speed-ahead research and innovative work on prevention and cures - maybe my daughters will never have to worry about getting breast cancer. I think it's safe - and sad - to say that we all know someone (or more than one someone) who's been affected by breast cancer. This is another way to get involved, and I'm all over it. If you have two X chromosomes, please think about signing up.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
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2 comments:
Liz, thanks for mentioning Love's Army and glad to hear that you don't have a family history of Breast Cancer. Dr. Love is one of the co-founders of the company where I work, another co-founder is Dr. Nancy Snyderman of NBC News. I had the opportunity to be at the launch of Loves Army on 10/1 on the Today Show. What an experience. I wanted to draw your attention to a new site called BeWell.com that is launching 11/12th. It is designed to elevate the quality of online health discussions, and provides the opportunity to communicate directly with Dr. Love, Dr. Snyderman and their team of well-known health experts. I thought you might be interested in hearing about it ahead of time. Thanks again for the plug for Loves Army - I know she was over 200,000 about a week ago.
Thanks, Cheryl! I'm glad you found my post, and I'm also glad to hear about the new site. I'll look forward to reading and participating in discussions there. Army of Women is a fantastic idea - I've often wondered before now how exactly healthy volunteers can get in on the research game, and here it is!
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