The Genesis of Lots To Live For, Inc.- An Interview with IdeaMensch

IdeaMensch is a community of entrepreneurs who share how they bring their businesses to life. Margot Malin, the founder of Lots To Live For, Inc. was interviewed by IdeaMensch on September 4, 2012. IdeaMensch probes about the genesis of the business with insightful questions that let the founder's ideas, beliefs and experiences shine through.

Some excerpts of the interview:

"Where did the idea for Lots To Live For, Inc. come from?

The genesis and inspiration for the company came from watching both my mother and grandmother fight courageous battles against cancer while simultaneously trying to maintain normal lifestyles. Lots To Live For, Inc. offers one-stop shopping and solutions for cancer patients, by selling products and offering tips to alleviate, reduce and relieve unpleasant and uncomfortable side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

Side effects from cancer treatments can be debilitating. During my mother’s and grandmother’s treatments, we found some really helpful products after exhaustive searching. It occurred to me that consolidating these items in a single place would be extremely helpful to others who are going through treatment. Our business slogan is: We recognize that you have lots to live for, and we offer solutions so that you can improve the quality of your life."

In the interview Margot also offers some advice to aspiring entrepreneurs - below is a quick quote:

"As an entrepreneur what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Keep your eyes and ears open. Treat customers and suppliers with respect. Read a lot. Try to think outside of the box. Look for disruptive technologies and try to jump on the wave. Never fall into the OPM (other people’s money) mentality. Treat equity investors’ money as if it were your own. Don’t spend frivolously."

In another section of the interview, Margot offers some personal inspiration to readers.

"Can you offer some words of advice for our readers’ personal lives?
1. Always act with integrity.
2. Accept personal responsibility.
3. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Take time to have fun and reflect. Smell the roses.
4. Believe in yourself.
5. Dare to be different.
6. Be careful of the footprints you leave. Unfortunately, your indiscretions or social media gaffes can haunt you."

To read about some of the challenges in bringing Lots To Live For, Inc. to life, as well as thoughts about business opportunities, and general observations and advice about life you can read the complete interview with Margot Malin on the IdeaMensch website by clicking here.

Please visit www.LotsToLiveFor.com to learn about products to help relieve the unpleasant and uncomfortable side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Lots To Live For, Inc. welcomes you as a facebook fan at www.facebook.com/LotsToLiveFor.

Are You Prepared for a Medical Emergency? The Importance of Medical Records and Emergency Contacts

By Margot Malin and guest blogger Dan Schiavello

Back to School offers a time for fresh beginnings.
Have you created a back to school check list? Clothes, books, pens & pencils, shoes, rain gear  - what items can you check off?

Maybe the most important items are not even on your list.  Have you considered:
1. Organizing family health records?
2. Identifying emergency contacts or designating a medical advocate?

You don't have to be a school parent; you don't even need to have children to use the month of September to get your health records and Emergency Contacts up to date and in order. It can save your life or the life of a loved one.

The Importance of Personal Health Records

You don't have to be sick to create a personal health record. In fact, the best time to organize your records may be when no one is in a crisis mode.  Why organize your records?  Whether individuals and their families are relatively healthy and going for a routine doctor's visit, or managing a chronic condition, many want to be actively involved in thier healthcare experience. At some point in time most families have children who might be going on a field trip, on a music competition, to a multi day extracurricular event such as choir, DECA or Model UN. Medical situations requiring health history can develop during participation in junior varsity or varsity sports, or a traveling sports program and parents are not always readily available under these circumstances. Also consider that accidents or illnesses can occur when children are on a teen tour, traveling abroad on a summer program for a semester or are away at college.

An appropriate medical record should contain physician contact information, insurance information, detailed information on medical alerts, emergency contacts, health conditions, medications, allergies, illness history and immunization records. Medical records can also store test results such as radiology reports (X-Rays and MRI's). Lack of information can lead to devastating medical oversights. Access to medical information, whether you have a medical emergency just down the street or halfway around the world, can help keep you and your family safe.

Medical records should be thorough. They can start as "analog" records and be created in a loose leaf binder, or a series of folders. However, digital records - also called personal health records - are easier to carry, and can be easier to interpret because they are methodically organized.  Digital health records can also be more thorough since personal health record software can prompt you for items that might otherwise be forgotten or omitted.  MRI's and X-Rays can be stored on electronic personal health records which means you won't have to carry around unwieldy bags or folders filled with radiology images and reports. It is important to note the difference between personal health records and the computer records which many physicians are starting to use. They are not the same thing. Your personal health record carries all of your personal health information. Most physician records only include the records that you create in one specific physician group or hospital. Said in another way, personal health records differ from the electronic health records maintained by physicians which are usually physician specific and usually not coordinated among providers.

One example of an electronic personal health record is the Minerva Health Manager.  You can read more about the surprisingly affordable Minerva Health Manager by clicking here. With your complete health history in hand — whether printed as a report from your own computer to your own printer, or carried on your Minerva slimline or wristband Flash Drive, iPhone, iPad or Android — you are in a better position to receive the very best health care for you and your family. Minerva Health Manager includes family health history reports that record hereditary health conditions in your family tree — so you can work with health care professionals to take the right steps to help maintain your good health, as early as possible. Minerva can empower you to make good choices for your health. 

Finding an "Emergency Contact"

When your children are going back to school, you are usually asked to provide a list of "emergency contacts" - people who are ready to stand in your shoes, and be called in the event that you are unreachable when a health situation develops.

Do you know what kinds of characteristics are important in emergency contacts?
First and foremost - the emergency contact has to know that they have been designated as a contact! It is surprising how many people choose a friend and write the friend's name on the emergency contact form without even asking them!

Here are some other things to think about when selecting an emergency contact:

1. Will they be available in case you can't be reached? Contacts that have jobs that are a long commuting distance from the school or sports arena are not ideal. Contacts who travel frequently and are often out of town are not ideal. Distant relatives are not appropriate emergency contacts for this situation.

2. Does the person agree to be an emergency contact? Explicitly ask them. Do not assume. You would like someone who agrees to step in to act on your behalf in an emergency not someone who doesn't even know that they have been designated, and may feel uncomfortable in the position.

3. Do they know the important medical information related to your child?
This means any allergies (especially to medications), the names and locations of primary care physicians, your child's insurance information and other details that you deem important.  Having a carefully completed personal health record available for your emergency contact is very helpful and could become life saving under certain circumstances. The Minerva Health Manager is one type of personal health record that combines ease of use with portability. You can give a flash drive to your emergency contact, or have your child carry it in their backpack for accessibility at all times.  If your child has a personal health record, make sure to let your emergency contact know!

4. Do you trust them to stand in your shoes until you can be reached or until you arrive to take over?

5. Do they ask important questions?

6. Will they remain calm?

7. Do you trust their decision making capabilities, especially related to medical issues?

The designation of an emergency contact is an important consideration. Many people do not give this the thought that it deserves.  Did you know that medical errors are the third largest cause of death after heart disease and cancer?

An emergency contact is not the same as a medical advocate, though you might also consider some of the characteristics described by Michele Robson in her medical advocate article by clicking here. A medical advocate is an even more demanding position. The characteristics described in Ms. Robson's article such as: having a big mouth and being tough and reliable can also be important considerations for emergency contacts.

September is an important time of year to update and review the medical records of your children and your family. It also provides the opportunity to consider who you trust to be available to step into your shoes in case you are not available when an emergency occurs. Many people don't take this process seriously. Don't be one of them! Having organized medical records and a competent emergency contact can save the life of a loved one in an emergency.

Margot Main is CEO, President and Founder of Lots To Live For, Inc. - a website that sells products to help reduce and relieve the unpleasant and uncomfortable side effects of radiation and chemotherapy.

Dan Schiavello is President and Founder of Minerva Health Technologies. The medical information stored on a Minerva Health Manager flash drive actually saved Dan's life when he was taken to an emergency room.

Both authors have experience filling out numerous health records and emergency contact forms for their children and other family members over several decades.

A Checklist for Chemotherapy Patients

20 Things You Need To Know About Chemotherapy

The journey after a cancer diagnosis can be approached holistically - incorporating mind, body and spirit. Click on the CancerActive article below for great advice if you or someone you know is considering Chemotherapy. The "Twenty Things You Need to Know About Chemotherapy" includes questions to ask your doctor about the treatment he or she is recommending, and what you can do to support your body during and after treatment. This is a really informative article because it is easy to read, and integrates medical information along with holistic, lifestyle, diet and exercise suggestions.

Do you know the difference between the older regimens of chemotherapy drugs and the newer biologics?
What kind of questions should you ask your oncologist?
How can you modify your diet to strengthen your body during your treatment? Did you know there are some herbs and supplements that can be very helpful?
Which alternative therapies in addition to massage, yoga and accupuncture can help you?

Learn the answers to all these questions and more at:
http://www.canceractive.com/cancer-active-page-link.aspx?n=248   This article is from the CancerActive website which is Britain´s Number 1 holistic cancer charity.

The goal of CancerActive is to EMPOWER people to increase their personal odds of beating cancer; to be able to make more informed personal choices about their cancer treatment options. They provide a wide variety of information, not just about orthodox cancer treatments, but also on complementary canccert therapies and some, currently alternative cancer treatments as well. You can sign up for their email newsletter directly on the CancerActive website. (Note: The CANCERactive name and logo are registered trade marks)  The CancerActive website contains a wealth of interesting and important information and it is worth taking the time to review many of the articles on the site.

A variety of products are available to reduce and relieve some of the common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. To learn about these products visit Lots To Live For, Inc. On this website you will find solutions to common side effects such as compromised skin, radiation dermatitis, mouth sores, itchy scalp, and more.   

Natural and Alternative Treatments for Chemotherapy Nausea and Vomiting

Cancer Gifts – Thoughtful Gifts for Cancer Patients Suffering from Nausea

As most cancer patients can attest to, many chemotherapy drugs can cause nausea. Sometimes oncology radiation can also cause nausea. Oncologists can offer a number of different classes of antiemetic prescription medications to help control this nausea. In this blog post we focus on some alternative treatments that can help to reduce CINV.

Several different alterations or enhancements in life style can help increase comfort. Often, the patient’s sense of smell becomes very sensitive. It can be helpful to use unscented soaps, shampoos, body lotions, and deodorants. Modifications to diet can include hydration (lots of non sugar based liquids), spacing out eating into many small meals during the day, and avoiding fried and greasy items. Fresh air and loose clothing may also be helpful.

Mindful meditation and other alternative practices can be helpful. These can include, but are not limited to relaxation and imagery therapy, music therapy, biofeedback, desensitization, breathing exercises or accupressure.

A few products can also be helpful in reducing the nausea from CINV. BioBands are clinically proven, effective wristbands that provide safe and effective relief of nausea. Designed and patented by an American Board Certified obstetrician and gynecologist. The wristband utilizes acupressure, a natural pressure therapy applied to a specific acupuncture point that controls nausea and vomiting. Acupressure is recognized as one of the alternative practices that can help reduce chemotherapy induced nausea. Drug-free BioBands are easy to use and have no side-effects simply place the adjustable band correctly on either wrist. A small bead which is embedded in the adjustable band presses down on the P6 (Neiguan) point, located three finger widths above the wrist crease between the tendons of the flexor surface of the forearm, approximately in the area of a watchband. Pressure on this point helps interrupt the signals that trigger nausea and thereby providing relief. To read more about Biobands, and to order Biobands click here.

Another natural solution to reduce CINV has been developed in the form of a simple lozenge or lollipop. Queasy Pops and Queasy Drops are an all natural way to ease a queasy stomach. Queasy Pops and Drops are great tasting lollipops and lozenges which have been formulated from the essential oils from delicious, all natural sources. Queasy Drops act via aromatherapy and taste receptors to inhibit negative taste sensations and calm the tummy. Another great attribute of Queasy Drops is that they can also alleviate dry mouth which another very common side effect of chemotherapy. The products also provide quick calories and are soothing and comforting. The Queasy drops come in many appealing flavors including: sour raspberry, green tea with lemon, ginger, banana and natural cola. The Queasy pops are available in a different flavor assortment including: peppermint, cinnamon, sour lemon, papaya, ginger, sour raspberry and green tea with lemon. To purchase Queasy Pops or Queasy Drops click here.

You can purchase an anti-nausea gift pack including one Bioband and one tub of Queasy Drops by clicking here.

Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting can be debilitating. It can take over your life and prevent you from even getting out of bed. Here are a few natural solutions to try in addition to the antiemetic medications prescribed by your oncologist.

To view other products that can be helpful in managing the side effects caused by chemotherapy and radiation please visit www.LotsToLiveFor.com

Additional resources:

To learn more about breathing exercises please visit BreastCancerYoga by clicking here.

To read about a guided imagery application for cancer patients called Whip Cancer Now click here.

To read more about antiemetic medications in a very informative and highly recommended Consumer Reports publication called "Evaluting the Oral 5-HT3 Antiginists: Drugs Used to Treat Nausea and Vomiting" click here.

The Pink Vaccine - the Vaccine to Prevent Breast Cancer

By Elyn Jacobs, Guest Blogger, Founder of Elyn Jacobs Consulting and Certified Cancer Coach

What if? What if we had a vaccine that was safe and could eliminate 95% of all breast cancer? Would you take it? Would you hope that your daughters, sisters, lovers and wives would take it? For every man or woman who has battled this terrible disease, I’ll bet the answer is yes. I’ll bet it’s yes for all those who have not yet dealt with this beast. So when I heard that there was a vaccine that has been found to be 100% effective in preventing breast cancer in mice, yet is sitting on a shelf, I was horrified, angry and hell-bent on doing something about it, and I am not alone. Remember, that anything that works in humans worked first in mice. 

In June, I invited Dr Kathleen Ruddy (shown at right) to be a guest on my weekly radio show. Dr Ruddy spoke about a breast cancer virus that might be involved with 40-75% of breast cancer. She discussed a preventive vaccine developed at the Cleveland Clinic by Professor Vincent Tuohy that is ready for safety testing in women and may also be effective against the viral form of breast cancer. Cindy Sullivan, a breast cancer survivor living in Colorado, was listening in and made a comment in the chat room that she was really, really mad (ok, in her words, pissed off) that this vaccine was ready for clinical trials and still unfunded. Cindy contacted us, and Kathleen suggested that we band together with two other equally determined women; we set up a conference call and before you know it, we joined forces to get the word out and to get this vaccine funded. To read more about the champions for the Pink Vaccine, click here. To listen to my interview with Dr Ruddy, please click here.

The virus in itself was not news to me or others; Kathleen and I spoke about this a year ago, and it received national attention via a video Dr. Ruddy made that was nominated best short film of the Breast Fest Breast Cancer Film Festival 2010. However, what amazes me is that in addition to the paucity of attention about the virus, there is equal disregard for the first preventive breast cancer vaccine that Professor Tuohy developed, for he has yet to get the funding for clinical trials to test its efficacy in women. So why is it that there is not funding for trials? If not for lack of awareness, what is it?

In order to get the Pink Vaccine to clinical trial we need to raise approximately $6 Million. In the estimated $30 Billion spent on breast cancer every year in the U.S., $6 Million seems like the proverbial drop in the bucket. Breast cancer is a big territorial business steeped in politics and greed. Komen has turned Dr Tuohy down for funding several times and Avon has refused to even consider it. (Please watch this powerful video, Pink Ribbons). When you think about it, it’s not in the best interest of corporate America or Pink-America to prevent this costly disease. Still, I have a hard time accepting that there is not funding for such an important vaccine….not everyone profits from breast cancer, so why isn’t this vaccine funded? Breast cancer costs insurance companies billions; sisters, daughters, wives, mothers and lovers and men die every day. Isn’t this enough motivation? Something must be done. The US Government as well as those whose purported mission it is to find a cure or end breast cancer must step in. Yes, we absolutely need to find a cure for breast cancer; millions are dying of this terrible disease. Treatment is not enough, and it ruins lives with illness, toxicity and fear. Treatment is not a cure; this vaccine is not a cure. (However, it may help prevent recurrence and slow the growth: researchers found that mice already infected with breast cancer saw a marked reduction in tumors after being given this vaccine.)

And that word cure. That in itself is a quagmire. A cure to me is not just something that is a remedy or something that will bring back health; it is not something that indicates a remission of signs or symptoms of a disease. To me, a cure means that the cancer is gone and will not return. We ask if our cancer is curable, but due to the nature of cancer, it often revisits.

Komen did just issue a sizable research grant to a team with a potentially more effective treatment for triple negative breast cancer, one that will reduce the spread of cancer and prolong survival, and to me, that is exciting news; but again, if we can prevent this disease, let’s do that too. If I knew of a vaccine that could completely cure, I would push for that also. But for now, what we do have is The Pink Vaccine, developed by Dr. Vincent Tuohy of the Cleveland Clinic. It’s ready for clinical trials in humans. Remember polio? Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal disease. There is no cure, but there are safe and effective vaccines. If this vaccine works in humans the way it works in mice, we could eliminate breast cancer. The Pink Vaccine is not the only vaccine in the works; but it’s the only one to prevent breast cancer, and that is the best cure there is.

Elyn Jacobs
http://elynjacobs.wordpress.com
Twitter@elynjacobs
Facebook @Elyn Jacobs and @Elyn Jacobs Consulting
Linkedin @Elyn Jacobs
The opinions expressed in this blog post are those of Elyn Jacobs, the author. If you would like more information about this vaccine or would like to connect with others interested in finding money to fund additional research and clinical trials please feel free to contact Elyn Jacobs directly.

Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor, professional cancer coach, radio talk show host, speaker, and the Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation. Elyn empowers women to choose the path for treatment that best fits their own individual needs. She is passionate about helping others move forward into a life of health and wellbeing. Elyn lives in New York with her husband and two young boys. To learn more about Elyn’s coaching services, please visit: http://elynjacobs.wordpress.com. To tune into the Survive and Live Well radio show, please visit www.W4CS.com, Tuesdays at 1pm (EST).

To learn about products that can help alleviate side effects caused by chemotherapy and radiation including radiation burns, mouth sores, compromised skin, and more,  please visit www.LotsToLiveFor.com

Survive and Live Well – Internet Radio for Cancer Patients, Cancer Survivors and Cancer Thrivers

By Elyn Jacobs, Guest Blogger and Cancer Coach

I am no stranger to cancer. My father survived prostate cancer fifteen years ago; my mother battled breast cancer for thirteen years and lost her battle months after my own diagnosis. My sister would then be diagnosed mere months later. I was 45. We were young and healthy; young, healthy people don’t get cancer. We were wrong. We had to be missing something.

I reflected on my mother’s life with cancer. My mother’s journey was strife with episodes of doctor’s orders, not teamwork, and I had to intervene many times. I knew that she had been pushed into one final treatment that had little promise, and was to be the cause of her sudden and rapid decline. With one last gasp of air and the flickering of her eyes, she was gone. The fear in her eyes as they flashed and she fell silent is a sight I would never forget. It haunts me. I don’t want to die like that, of the terrible death cancer inflicts. I would not let this cancer take me from my two wonderful boys. I then reflected on my own journey. I had an incredible team of doctors who empowered me to take control of the situation and to be an active participant in my care. My questions were answered, my voice heard. Clearly, to have the best outcome, one must have a great team who is willing to work as a team. Still, team Elyn knew that just because treatment had ended, life without cancer had just begun.

I realized that I would do everything possible to avoid recurrence and to help others avoid getting this disease. I began with extensive research to better understand the causes which led to certain lifestyle changes I have made. I learned that healing requires more than just the best medical team. I learned that by changing the environment in which my cancer was permitted to grow, I could reduce its ability to take hold again. I found there was a gap between utilizing the best of medical science and supporting the body’s own innate ability to heal itself; nature provides ample resources for healing as well as enhancing conventional cancer treatment, but this ability requires support.

I like to say that my encounter with breast cancer propelled me on a life-changing course. One that took me from the darkness of cancer to empowering women to find the best treatment and team for their cancer, and to move on to a life of wellness. I realized that I could not return to my Wall Street job. I knew I had found my new passion. I wanted to be the voice. I wanted to make sure that all women were heard by their doctors and received the best possible care. I wanted to help women to reduce their risk of recurrence. I wanted others to know the value of complementary therapies during and post treatment. I wanted to help others get past their cancer and into cancer-free lives. I became a cancer coach. My life would be forever changed.

However, along this path I realized that coaching was not enough. I decided to host a radio show to give people access to doctors, peers, and critical information direct to their home or office. My show, Survive and Live Well, tips to treat and beat cancer, is part of the Cancer Support Network, W4CS.com. (Women4CancerSupport). Join me weekly as I chat with the experts; hear the stories and paths taken by those who have traveled before and alongside you. We have an amazing lineup; upcoming shows will cover surgical options for breast cancer, genetics, and alternative options for treatment. Want a peek at upcoming guests? Click here for the show schedule of bios of past and future guests. We have fun, we learn a lot. You can listen live Tuesdays at 1pm, EST, by logging into http://www.w4cs.com/. Join us in the chat room to chat with other guests and to ask questions. Find the best options for you, for your cancer. Learn how you can help prevent recurrence and minimize the treatment side effects that compromise your health and well being. My goal is to empower you with information to help you regain control of your health; to not only treat cancer, but beat cancer, survive, thrive and live well.

To view a list of upcoming and past shows click here. Past shows/interviews have been archived and are available for you to listen at any time on your computer. There is no charge to listen to upcoming or archived shows. Click here for guest bios and topics.

                                  

Elyn Jacobs

http://www.elynjacobs.wordpress.com/

Twitter @elynjacobs

Facebook @Elyn Jacobs and @Elyn Jacobs Consulting

Linkedin @Elyn Jacobs

Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor, professional cancer coach, radio talk show host, speaker, and the Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation. Elyn empowers women to choose the path for treatment that best fits their own individual needs. She is passionate about helping others move forward into a life of health and wellbeing. Elyn lives in New York with her husband and two young boys. To learn more about Elyn’s coaching services, please visit: http://elynjacobs.wordpress.com. To tune into the Survive and Live Well radio show, please visit www.W4CS.com, Tuesdays at 1pm (EST).

To view products and other resources that can be helpful to cancer patients please click here: http://www.lotstolivefor.com/

Yes, Ma'am! Mammograms Are a Must!

God turned my mess into a message
By Lee McCracken, Guest Blogger

Dressed like twins, even though we were 13 months apart, my older sister and I were a striking pair at ages 5 and 6. She had red hair and freckles, and Mom dressed her in blues and greens. I was blond, and I donned the reds and pinks. Perhaps it was foreshadowing, but probably not.

Fast-forward 45 years. Pink is a staple in my wardrobe. Having been diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) in 2009, I’m a member of the pink-ribbon club … whether I like it or not. I am lucky it was caught at Stage 1 (nothing had spread to the lymph nodes), and I now reflect on the nine months of surgery, reconstruction and recovery with a shrug as if it were no big deal. Truthfully, I’m a “glass half full” kinda gal and always tend to look on the bright side.

Before my diagnosis, I NEVER liked getting a mammogram — I was fibrocystic, and it always hurt and required an accompanying ultrasound. Today, I tell women breast cancer hurts even more!

In spring 2011, at the threshold of my 50th birthday, God laid a message on my heart … one that I thought just was going to be my team’s name for a breast cancer walk. Yet, the sassy, upbeat and inspiriting phrase has grown bigger than I could have imagined. At the urging of many marketing-savvy girlfriends, Yes, Maam! Mammograms Are A Must grew into a philanthropic social enterprise and a pink T-shirt I began merchandising on a local, and now a regional and national level.

It’s a simple, straight-forward message that doesn’t sexualize the female body. The feedback has been remarkable — women ages 25-85 and older say, “It’s really catchy!” And even though it’s for women about women, men are embracing the message in support of the ladies they love.

“Get Your Squeeze On!™” is my mantra, because early detection of breast cancer assures more options for treatment and higher survival rates. I envision women all over the country wearing their Yes, Maam! Mammograms Are A Must tee to the coffee house, grocery store and gym. It makes a sassy statement in southern style, and ladies take notice. I’ve seen them look at my tee and then shake their head, almost to say, “Oh yeah, I need to schedule that!” It’s even better when they give me a thumbs-up, indicating their annual appointment is behind them and the report was “all clear.”

Sadly, though, the fear factor is real … and women are BUSY. Research shows more than 50 percent of women ages 50+ either cancel their appointment or never get around to making it. Perhaps they don’t know this fact: When mammograms are scheduled every other year, some 30 percent of breast cancers can be missed.

To be totally honest, when a woman says, “Oh, I keep forgetting …” I want to smack her silly — especially if she has health insurance. Given the current economic climate, many women have to put the needs of their children first before tending to their own health. From the very beginning, T-shirt sales have helped to fund mammograms for women who don’t have health insurance. The cost of the tee is $20, and 25 percent ($5) is donated. Individuals, businesses/groups and stores that purchase or sell the tee are encouraged to designate a women’s healthcare charity in their community to receive the funds (hopefully earmarked for mammograms).

Having been a writer/editor - http://www.joyfulleewritten.com/ - for more than 28 years, I am energized by this second act of my life — an entrepreneur who’s engaging communities of women in the early detection of breast cancer. (Who knew a 50-year-old could master making memes and tweeting?) But beyond learning new skills, I’m living passionately with a new purpose. Building the Yes, Maam! Mammograms Are A Must  brand, connecting with awesome women and making new friends is a blessing I never could have imagined three years ago when I heard those fateful words: breast cancer. Yes, Ma'am, I'm a surTHRIVER!
                                                         
Lee McCracken
http://www.yesmaamtee.com/
www.Facebook.com/YesMaamMammograms
@YesMaamMammos (Twitter)



Lee McCracken lives with her husband, Stuart, in Denver, N.C., a suburb of Charlotte. She has a 20-year-old daughter, Megan, and an 11-year-old Bichon Frise, Benny. She enjoys traveling, photography, reading and gardening. Lee’s girlfriends keep her filled with inspiration and laughter!

For products to help alleviate side effects of cancer treatment please visit: http://www.lotstolivefor.com/
The skin care, hair care, oral care and anti-nausea products on this website can help you resume your normal lifestyle during treatment.