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Patricia Sands

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Donna Sheehan

Causemetics ~ Breast Cancer support

October 16, 2014 by Patricia Sands 2 Comments

 

Last week I spoke a bit about the Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund. This week I’m happy to share the news of their latest collaboration in order to raise funds to bring support to women with breast cancer.                                  

                                            OUR MANTRA

We want to help women with breast cancer.
Not someday. Today.
Because the rent is due. Groceries need to be bought. Car payments. Hospital parking. Lost wages during treatment and recovery. Even beauty products add to the cost of living. Despite billions raised to find a cure, many of the 23,000 Canadians diagnosed this year need financial help right now. That’s why we’ve partnered with the cosmetics industry to assist those who can’t afford to be sick. We give the proceeds of our sales to help breast cancer patients through the Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund. And we only work with products that are 100% natural and free of toxic chemicals and carcinogens, so they’ll do you some good too.

 

PRESS RELEASE :

Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund launches Causemetics, Canada’s first collaborative fundraising brand to help relieve financial pressure of breast cancer

Support Fund says financial toll of breast cancer is often more stressful than the disease itself

Toronto, ON – The cost of breast cancer is anything but benign. The toll of lost wages associated with treatment and other costs are often overlooked.

This October, the Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund (CBCSF) makes it part of the conversation. The CBCSF, in collaboration with 11 of Canada’s leading all-natural, non-toxic skincare and cosmetic companies, introduces Causemetics.

Canada’s first collaborative fundraising brand launches on October 14 at www.cbcsf.ca through online retail partner www.well.ca and at Green Beauty Spa in Toronto, followed by www.causemetics.ca. Causemetics helps relieve the financial toll of breast cancer – today. For each product sold, a portion of the proceeds ($4 to $10 as marked on the package) will be donated to the CBCSF.

Causemetics line up_originalDonna Sheehan, CBCSF Executive Director and breast cancer survivor says, ““In313281_300555023292053_159476780733212_1399781_779817079_n1 my seven years of work providing psychosocial support to those affected by breast cancer, it became very clear that the financial cost was often more stressful than the diagnosis and treatment, which is why I started the Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund,” says Donna Sheehan, .

“Despite tens of millions raised to find a cure, many of the 23,000 Canadians diagnosed this year need financial help today. We donate the lion’s share of funds raised to helping women fight the disease, and Causemetics represents a long-term fundraising revenue stream. Prevention is a key mandate and we believe minimizing exposure to harmful toxins is part of the solution, so working with cosmetics industry partners who create natural products is perfectly in alignment.”

For more information on this great initiative, click here.  

 

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Filed Under: Blog, News, Social issues, Uncategorized Tagged With: Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund, Causemetics, Donna Sheehan

Support The Girls!

October 9, 2014 by Patricia Sands 5 Comments

mail1Watch here on October 14th for an exciting new fundraising campaign for CBCSF

Ten Things

Ten things we want you to know about the Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund.

We are building a community of support for breast cancer patients facing

a financial crisis.

We feel that every donor has the right to know that his or her donation makes

an impact.

We believe that Canadians should be informed about the financial crisis that often

accompanies a breast cancer diagnosis.

We acknowledge the science that informs us about the links between breast cancer

and the environment.

We demand that public policy protect all Canadians from environmental toxins.

We think differently about raising money for breast cancer.313281_300555023292053_159476780733212_1399781_779817079_n1

We are sure if shopping could cure breast cancer—we would have found

a cure by now.

We will never ask you to buy anything pink…. EVER.

We think differently about breast cancer.

We know a lot of other people do too.

39 Old Mill Rd. #1002 Toronto, ON, M8X 1G6 416.233.7410 Reg.# 83661 2804 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Earlier this week I shared information about Erin Arbabha’s memoir and self-help book, I Have Survived.  Please read on …

SYNOPSIS
Erin’s memoir of her journey is very personal, fascinating and life changing. She finds herself stuck between two cultures and believes when her core femininity are challenged after losing her hair and breasts. Unknown
In “I have Survived”, Erin walks you through her first warning signs that she neglected for 6 months and then later when she learned about her diagnosis ending up with multiple surgeries followed by 6 months of aggressive chemotherapy. It is when she is at at the darkest and lowest point of her life that she finds beautiful side of herself that transcends her beyond the physical world. She finds peace, beauty and tranquility that she had never experienced before.
Erin shares valuable section at the end of the book where she gives advise to patients, friends and family members, caregivers, medical community and employers.

I Have Survived is endorsed by Nancy Brinker, chief founder of Susan G Komen Foundation, Race for the Cure.

Erin, why did you write this book?

Unknown-2My intention in writing this book is to share the thoughts I collected while journaling during this period, so that others can find solace in my hardships and triumphs. If I can help only even a handful of women, then it is worth it.

What do you do for fun?

I love speeding time with my dog, Jelly Bean. I enjoy fitness and art. I row 2-3 times a week and try to participate in pairing workshop as much as i can.

To read more about Erin and download her inspirational and helpful memoir, click here.

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Filed Under: Blog, News, Social issues, Writing Tagged With: Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund, CBCSF, Donna Sheehan, Erin Arbabha, Patricia Sands

Get “Hooked” Right Here!

April 24, 2012 by Patricia Sands 26 Comments

As you all know by now, sharing stories is something I love to do. Whether it’s talking about truly worthwhile causes like the new fund-raising idea for breast cancer begun by Donna Sheehan in Toronto or introducing you to one of the many wonderful writers or reviewers in our online community, it’s always a pleasure for me … a real buzz … truly!

Today I would like you to meet Tele Aadsen from Sitka, Alaska, who is not only a gifted writer and blogger on her website Hooked, but whose day (and night) job in the summer is one of the most interesting I’ve ever come across. I know you are going to agree.

I stumbled across Tele’s blog by accident last year and have been an avid subscriber ever since. An online connection grew and I’m proud to consider her a friend. After getting to know her here, I have no doubt you are going to want to check out her posts on Hooked and her partner Cap’n J’s spectacular photography on his website.

Nerka with Mt. Fairweather

Tele, you bring your days at sea to life so vividly we can almost feel the motion of the Nerka as she rides the waves. What is the average schedule of the Nerka in a year? What is your schedule like during the “season”? Are you able to do much writing while at sea or do you wait until you are back in safe harbour? Do you return every evening? How do you spend your off-season?
For 6 months a year, the Nerka is home to me, my partner Joel, and Bear the Boat Cat – our 43-foot universe. Sitka, Alaska, is our home port, and we move aboard in March to do boat maintenance and some small salmon openings. I hop on a friend’s boat in May to crew for halibut and black cod, then return to the Nerka for our primary salmon season, July-September.
Joel and I fling ourselves into a silver-scaled marathon, determined to spend as much time with our hooks in the water as conditions allow. Sometimes we’re trolling 40 miles off-shore, unable to see land, sleeping in the waves’ embrace. Other times we’re nestled against the Southeast Alaskan coastline, anchoring in protected coves, air heavy with the songs of Swainson’s thrush and the scent of the Tongass National Forest. We process and blast-freeze our salmon to be market-ready, which means we stay out until the Nerka is full – up to several weeks at a time.
This intense pace isn’t very conducive to writing. I prioritize getting a blog post up when we come back to land, but that’s a 1-2 day whirlwind of delivering fish, getting groceries, showers, doing laundry, any emergent boat projects. My best writing opportunities are in the off-season, when we’re ashore in Washington State. Our goal is to catch enough salmon that we can devote our winter to our respective passions – writing for me, landscape photography for him.
I love how you refer to Bear the Boat Cat as the Chief Morale Officer! Do you know how old she is? Have you ever had any other executive crew on board before Bear?
Growing up fishing with my mom, I always had a boat cat. Joel had never had a pet on board. We got together in 2004; he began running the Nerka the following year. I initially refused to work for him – had my own identity as a deckhand, and didn’t want to be “the girlfriend” onboard. But being on separate boats, waving to each other across the water for weeks on end, was a bit of a bummer, and negotiations took place… I said I’d be his crew if we got a boat cat!
Bear joined our crew in 2006. She’s remarkably adaptable, very forgiving of our transient lifestyle. She came from the Sitka Animal Shelter, and we think she’s about 9. Bear’s adoption is a fabulously Alaskan story that I plan to post in July – stay tuned!

When did you begin writing and what has been your experience so far? Do you plan to publish your work? Was it difficult to organize the writers’ group during the winter? There appear to be some very talented folks in it.
I’m an awkward, word-fumbling introvert in person. Writing has always been my safety net, the best way for me to process and connect. For much of my 20’s, though, I was more lapsed writer than practicing! I dreamed of the fishing memoir I’d write “someday,” but allowed fear and laziness to hold me back. In November 2010, I reconnected with my former colleague Cami Ostman, author of an inspiring memoir. Endlessly encouraging, she made me believe that I could write my book – if I was willing to do the work.
That was a turning point. So often, when we take an audacious “here goes” leap and truly give ourselves to our dreams, the pieces fall into place. I was so hungry for a writing community; Red Wheelbarrow Writers provided inspiring teachers, mentors, and gifted friends. I lacked discipline and accountability; my blog readers created a dialogue that makes me eager to engage. They’ve all infused me with a confidence and commitment that I didn’t have on my own. So yes, publication is a goal, and I’m preparing to shop that long-dreamed memoir.

Tele writing on anchor 2011

An important aspect of your blog is the way you help the rest of us gain an understanding of the delicate balance of nature viewed from your perspective, as well as important environmental issues. What are your major concerns in this regard?
Pop culture often presents commercial fishing as a catch-all-you-can, man-against-nature fury. But for me, fishing isn’t just about making a living on the water – I’m making a life, and want it to reflect values of sustainability, quality over quantity, connection with each fish and our surroundings. As a writer, I want others to experience the joys and challenges of this stunning region. A key point is that Hooked is – as you said – from my perspective. I’m not a scientist or a journalist. I’m a tree hugging, tofu eating fisherman, a woman in a male-dominated industry, sharing my experiences at sea, in a small island community, working/living in a very small space with my sweetheart.

Your partner, Joel (aka Cap’n J) is a talented photographer. Is his work published anywhere or does he sell it privately?

T and J with big glazed kings

Thanks for asking! Photography is to Joel what writing is to me; he gets his soul food being amongst mountains and forests. This is a relatively new passion – he’s been doing landscape photography for less than 2 years, and is currently building his website to market his work. Please watch for www.joelbradypower.com in the fall; until then, you can view some of his work here.

Patricia, one of the things I love about your blog is the community you’ve created around you, people coming together from such diverse life experiences, appreciating each other’s unique stories. I’m honored to be included – thank you for having me!

The pleasure was mine and my dear readers. The unique story of every single person is what makes every day such an adventure. I feel fortunate to have a platform to share these stories.

Good luck with the fishing season! We will all be looking forward to following your continuing journey both on and off the seas.

How cool is this? What’s one of the most interesting careers you have come across amongst your friends? For the writers reading this, can you imagine including settings in your work such as the ones Tele encounters? Have you ever written about the sea?

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Filed Under: Author Promotion, Blog Tagged With: 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist, Alaska landscape photography, Cami Ostman, Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund, Cap'n J, Donna Sheehan, follow your dreams, ForeWord 2010 Book Of The Year Finalist, friendship, Nerka, Patricia Sands, Red Wheelbarrow Writes, salmon fishing, Tele Aadsen, The Bridge Club, the power of friendship, Women, writing

March 8 is International Women’s Day

March 6, 2012 by Patricia Sands Leave a Comment

Let’s hear it for the ladies! International Women’s Day (8th of March) is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. For more information go to http://www.internationalwomensday.com.

Events are planned around the globe with the U.K. leading the way, followed by the U.S.A., Canada, Belize (!), and Australia and many others listed on the website.

We’re going to get a headstart here this week by turning the spotlight on a few extraordinarily ordinary women who had an idea, took on a challenge, and made good things happen. I just know you all know many other women who have done the same and I encourage you to show them some blog love this week … or any week for that matter! SHOUT IT OUT, LADIES!

The CANADIAN BREAST CANCER SUPPORT FUND is a new charitable organization. Its vision is to ease the burden of breast cancer patients who are facing financial difficulties. In fact, it’s so new you may not have heard of it yet … but you will! Their innovative approach is definitely going to attract a lot of attention, beginning with their motto: Green is the new pink.

Toronto native Donna Sheehan was the manager of a peer support program at Willow, a national charity that provides support and information about breast cancer. As she became more aware of the financial pressures that create hardship for many breast cancer patients and their families, she decided to focus on doing something to help alleviate those monetary challenges.

It’s one thing to cope with accepting a breast cancer diagnosis and the required treatment, but often we neglect to think of how the basic needs of an individual or family will be affected.

The cost of food, shelter, restorative therapies and treatments, childcare and even something as seemingly unimportant as parking can add up quickly, not to mention the strain of being off work for 8 to 10 months. Government benefits only provide support for 15 weeks and not everyone has access to private insurance coverage for short-term disability.

Although the funding arm for cancer research is well established, the funding arm for support is seriously lacking.  Donna, along with a very informed advisory committee as well as a board of directors, is doing her part to give this important issue a voice and a solution. Approved for status as a charitable organization, the past year has been spent establishing the framework necessary to allow CBCSF to swing into action very soon.

The “green” in their motto, Green is the new pink™, represents their intention to raise awareness about the links between breast cancer and the environment.

In one month’s time, Donna will be launching a new website called Holly and Ivy.The social enterprise will offer natural and organic skincare, cosmetics and personal care products all entirely free of toxic chemicals.

Keeping  toxic chemicals and carcinogens out of the environment by purchasing low-impact, earth-friendly products is another way we can all contribute to lessening their effect on our health.

Fifty percent of the profits from Holly and Ivy will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund. The hope is that this contribution will cover the administrative costs and in time 100% of your donation will go directly to providing short-term financial support to needy breast cancer patients.  This is the dream.

 Look for the Holly and Ivy on-line store to go live March 31st or you can reach it by going to the “Think pink Live Green” page on the Support Fund web site.

Be sure to take time to read their excellent website. It provides a wealth of vital information and suggestions for your support and there’s a Facebook page for you to  *like* too!

In the spirit of paying it forward consider giving up your grande Caramel Frappacino or Expresso Macchiato or your regular coffee (double, double) on Fridays and instead make a $5.00 donation to Canadian Breast Cancer Support Fund. Five Dollar Fridays Rock!

 

So three cheers to Donna for being a woman with a vision and making good things happen. Well done!

I’m adding here a link to a powerful movie, “Pink Ribbons, Inc” , featured at the Toronto International Film Festival last year and recently released and still available at some selected theatres.  It addresses the highly controversial subject of “cause marketing” and informs us about “pinkwashing” and the involvement of corporations in fundraising and the impact this has had on charities.

Tell me about a woman you know who is making a difference. We can do our bit by spreading the word. Celebrate International Women’s Day on Thursday … and every day after that! Why not?

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Filed Under: Blog, Social issues Tagged With: 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist, breast cancer, Canadian Breast Cancer Support Group, Donna Sheehan, ForeWord 2010 Book Of The Year Finalist, Patricia Sands, Pink Ribbons Inc., The Bridge Club, the power of friendship, Toronto, women's support group

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