What Can One Person Do?

When a task seems so daunting you don't even know where to start, the question of "What can I do?" might discourage you from even trying. Let me tell you what one person can do. One person can have an idea and share that idea with another person. From there, it grows until "just one person" turns into a team with a mission.

Susan G. Komen's sister, Nancy Brinker, made a promise. As her sister was losing her battle with breast cancer, Nancy promised to do what she could to warn women that breast cancer can strike unexpectedly and that mammograms and breast self-examinations can save lives. Nancy started the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation and has made huge strides in research, education, and assistance.

Where does the money raised go? What does it do? It provides meals to families dealing with breast cancer; it provides breast cancer patients with transportation to and from treatment; it helps underserved patients receive medication and mammograms; and it helps patients get prostheses or wigs. It funds research. It provides for education and awareness. It matters. Every penny matters. Each "just one person" who does something, anything, makes a difference.

Is it all serious? No. There was much laughter and celebration associated with the race weekend. Survivors were cheered, friends reunited, fake boobs dispensed, cookies eaten, money raised. Lots of money. As the matching funds come in over the next few weeks, that dollar amount will rise. A screen shot of the TeamGDT page is below.



I'm so proud to be a part of this cause. I AM THE CURE!

55 Fiction Friday! September 14, 2007

It's time again for 55 Fiction Friday!
Quick explanation: 55 fiction is a very, very short story of exactly 55 words. It needs to have a character, conflict and resolution.

The Wikipedia article on 55 Fiction is here and some great examples are here..

If you'd like to play along, I tell you how at the end of this post.



CaveBtch is playing this week!
Is there a Chef in the House?

Damn, Helen hated making fried chicken. Too raw, too done, too greasy. The last time she made fried chicken it was just embarrassing and there were witnesses. Bad fried chicken and the bananna pudding that was like soup. Helen just shouldn't make Southern food; she sucks at it. She thinks she'll go to Popeye's instead.


Ima notes: Helen is a chef!

Lydia, at Nothing Rhymes with Lydia... Well, Except That, has started doing 55 Fiction with us, too. Go check out her first 55! I think she's got a real talent for this. I'm also so very excited as I will be meeting Lydia next weekend in Boston when all of TeamGDT gathers to Race for the Cure!


Here's my 55 for this week:
Thank You for Your Support

Designer Jacob Wilson announced today that he has developed the perfect brassiere.

“This bra hides embarrassing nipple erections caused by cold or arousal and eliminates bouncing of breasts by using lightweight, yet strong, structural materials,” he claimed at the press conference.

He was severely beaten by a crowd of angry men immediately after his announcement.


Another note: My 55 today is based on an old joke that I've modified for my Boob Week 55.
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Come play! Add your story to the comments or put it on your blog and I'll link to it. It's fun. You'll like it.
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Historical Boob Trivia

Boobs have been celebrated, reviled, revealed, covered, lifted, separated, bound, augmented, reduced, removed, and more. While the entire history of the boob is interesting, I’ll leave further research to you and just give you a few highlights.

Venus is kind of famous for being topless. Sometimes, when I hear the word ‘Venus,’ I admit Bananarama comes to mind but that’s not really my fault. I blame MTV.

The Venus de Milo was my next thought.

I think she lost her right to bear arms somewhere along the way. Poor thing.

According to Wikipedia, “The Venus is not a realistic portrait but rather an idealization of the female figure.” Below is a rather famous Venus figurine, the Venus of Willendorf:

(This image used with permission of the owner, Matthias Kabel. Reuse must include credit to the owner.)

“…idealization of the female figure.”
Would someone please explain to me why the hell am I trying to lose weight? Bring on the tres leches cake!

A Christian saint, Saint Agatha, was said to have had her breasts cut off as one of the tortures she endured. In art, she is often shown carrying her breasts on a platter. She has recently been recognized as the patron saint of breast cancer patients.

Kannagi, in a South Indian Tamil legend, violently removed her breast and used it to curse a city.

Marie Antoinette’s breasts were said to have inspired the shape of champagne glasses.


Janet Jackson’s boobs caused more than a little bit of controversy but, as you can see, she was not the first famous person to suffer a very public wardrobe malfunction.

Sophia Loren's expression kind of makes you believe she wasn't that pleased with Jayne Mansfield's outfit and nipple peep show, doesn't it?

Lastly, rumor has it that laws against women being topless in public are starting to be challenged…successfully! Check out the Wikipedia article on Topfreedom.

Let's Get Serious about Boobs for a Minute

Did you know?

- Ten to fifteen percent of breast cancers are not detected by mammography?

- Men are also at risk for developing breast cancer?

- Having no children, or a first child after age 30, are among some of the risk factors for breast cancer?

- Breast Cancer accounts for 30% of all new cancer cases in women.

- When breast cancer is confined to the breast, the 5-year survival rate is over 95%.

- Breast cancer is the #2 killer of women ages 35 to 54, and approximately 80 percent of those diagnosed with breast cancer have no known risk factors.


Early detection is key. Do a monthly self-exam. Get a yearly clinical exam. Follow your doctor’s guidance on mammograms and other diagnostics tests.


Coming up tomorrow... Boobs in history - surprisingly, not political!

A Poem, a Haiku, and a Limerick Walk into a Blog

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It's BOOB WEEK at The Wordy Bitch. As the Saturday, September 15th deadline for donations approaches, I'm focusing on boobs. In Saving 2nd Base, I gave the details on TeamGDT and what we're trying to do to help find a cure for breast cancer.

Boob poetry seemed a good way to start the week. Enjoy!

Boob Poem
The men I meet are fond of boobs
But I can’t help my jeers,
“What you’re looking at aren’t eyes
And boobs do not have ears!”

Boob Haiku
Boobs change over time.
It’s so completely unfair!
Once round and now long.

Boob Limerick
Boobs used for nursing are pure
Boobs flashed for beads, I’m not sure
Virtue or vice
Boobs sure are nice
Boobs: Why we RACE FOR THE CURE!
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My goal this week is to entertain as well as fundraise. If you're so inclined, please donate.
Learn more about TeamGDT and bid on auction items.
Order the Team GDT cookbook, Eat for the Cure, directly from the publisher..
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