Elizabeth Edwards’ journey of Resilience, grace and dignity has been well profiled in the mainstream media of late. We all know the story. Today, she announced her decision to end treatment of  metastatic Stage IV breast cancer that she was first diagnosed with in the fall of 2004, during her estranged husbands (John Edwards) failed campaign for the presidency.

Today, she has rewritten her own story yet again – by opting for control over the disease in one final act of resilience, in choosing to cease treatment for her terminal battle with breast cancer. On her facebook page, she posted:

“You all know that I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces – my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope. These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined. The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. And, yes, there are certainly times when we aren’t able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It’s called being human.

“But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful. It isn’t possible to put into words the love and gratitude I feel to everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know.”

Having been through this several times with cancer in my own family, I applaud Elizabeth for her openness, and her continued bravery throughout her breast cancer – and this is perhaps the bravest moment of her very public battles and tragedies so far – I hope that she and her family finally find peace in this part of the journey, and make the most of the moments together to last a lifetime.

In an episode of the Nate Berkus Show, which aired last week (December 2, 2010) – Elizabeth Edwards shared her very personal story and a tour of her North Carolina home with the interior designer, she appeared to be upbeat and feeling reasonably well in the pre-taped portion of the interview. Later in the episode, Edwards appeared via satellite, looking much more frail, and had noted that the cancer treatments had been taking a lot out of her, including of course, her hair. But as anyone who has been through this process knows, you could almost tell a shift was happening in her battle against breast cancer.

Screenshot of Elizabeth Edwards appearance

Still, Elizabeth Edwards was as charming and graceful as ever, sharing both personal thoughts and laughter, as well as a few bargain hunting tips, giving a true look at the person she is.

British model and actress Elizabeth Hurley continues to amaze us with her dedication to all things related to raising awareness and funds for the Breast Cancer Research foundation!  This time, Elizabeth Hurley has teamed up with the luxury retailer, www.AspinalofLondon.com, to introduce a very special pink ribbon product, the Elizabeth Bag.

Shown  below, the purse is handmade in stunning Black deep-shine Italian patent calf leather,  and is also available in gold mirror and gold snakeskin options. Each bag will be signed by Elizabeth Hurley and carries its own unique number, making this the most desirable bag that Aspinal has ever created.

Aspinal of London and Elizabeth Hurley are pleased to donate £100 / $150 from each sale of Aspinal of London’s exclusive Elizabeth Hurley handbag to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in honor of the 2010 Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Retails for $445* USD

Buy the Elizabeth Hurley Bag Now >>

From the Apisnal website:

Help Raise £1, 000,000 One Million Pounds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation

The Elizabeth Hurley Clutch bag is handmade in stunning Italian deep shine and gold snake leather exclusively crafted for Aspinal by a small Italian family tannery.

Each bag is labeled with a pink leather label and exclusively numbered so you know exactly which bag has been made for you. The inside is luxuriously lined in shimmering contrast grosgrain and comes with a gorgeous pink bijou hand mirror stamped with The Cancer Research Foundation logo and Elizabeth’s signature. The clutch is complete with a separate pocket for tickets and invites and detachable gold gilt chain making it the perfect practical and super stylish accessory.

A+ for Apisnal Breast Cancer Fundraising Efforts

In addition to sales of the Elizabeth Hurley Bag, Aspinal of London is also donating 10% to the Breast Cancer Campaign for every product purchased from their Pink Ribbon Page through July 2011! You can find a range of more affordable accessories and little pink luxuries ranging from $28 – $895 for pretty pink luggage seen below & more pink items are available in the store.

Breast Cancer Awareness Products from Aspinal of London. Click Here to Shop their Store >>

You might already know that Zappos.com is a great place to get shoes – especially pink Reebok & New Balance Sneakers to wear in breast cancer fundraising walks and race for the cure events – but did you know there’s currently 40 fantastic breast cancer awareness items that donate to breast cancer research and support organizations:

SEARCH ZAPPOS

SEARCH BY: Shoes, Clothing, Bags, Accessories

A sample of breast cancer awareness merchandise you can buy at zappos:

Zappos has everything from breast cancer awareness t-shirts, to pink ribbon jewelery and accessories, to special gift ideas, such as the cuddly pink GUND teddy bears, Donna Karen Pink Ribbon Perfume, to  Riedel wine glasses  and more! I’m sure Zappos will be adding more breast cancer products as the we get into the 2010 October Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Shop for breast cancer awareness merchandise at zappos.com – don’t forget, there’s FREE SHIPPING BOTH WAYS! (not that you’d want to return anything..)

it’s time for the pink product madness to begin! It’s been both a blessing and a curse to watch the month of October rise in popularity for breast cancer awareness month! Every year I spend more and more time checking out pink ribbon products, and donation pledges and promises to donate proceeds to breast cancer research funds and related breast cancer charitable organizations.

So, in the spirit of being tickled pink, here’s a little preview of some of the great pink ribbon products I am finding for the 2010 October breast cancer awareness push:

Lena Liu Breast Cancer Support Crystal Pendant Necklace – $79 Heart crystal pendant with Lena Liu art, pink Swarovski® crystal, engraved. Portion of the proceeds donated to breast cancer research. Comes with gift box.

14k Two Tone Pink Sapphire Breast Cancer Awareness Necklace – $369

Warm & Fuzzy Pink Ribbon Fleece Jacket!

Oakley Dangerous Breast Cancer Awareness Edition Sunglasses – $180 Oakley has been a solid supporter for years, so these are worth every penny!

Breast Cancer Awareness Scarf – $39.99

Pink Genuine Cultured Freshwater Pearl Necklace: Pearls Of Hope Breast Cancer Awareness Necklace

and finally… the one I’m not really sure about yet:

Breast Cancer Awareness Pre-lit Christmas Tree

I’ve seen a lot of ridiculous pink products being sold over the years to raise money for Breast Cancer Research, but this one should easily rinse the rest away. I know a lot of people take issue with some pink ribbon products because they don’t donate very much of the proceeds from each item, but this one is different; and, as far as I’m concerned, any product to raise money for breast cancer research and awareness is a good one.

This particular campaign makes me smile a bit, as I’m publishing this post on the 1-year anniversary of my father’s passing due to cancer – he was a master licensed plumber, who often recommended to me the Grohe brand of plumbing fixtures whenever a home improvement project popped up. You’ll laugh, but I did in fact get a toilet and a kitchen sink as ‘gifts’ once from my father.  So odd as it may seem, a Grohe LadyLux3 Kitchen faucet just might be the gift that keeps on giving….

The plumbing fixture manufacturer GROHE recently announced its plans to help raise $250,000 for BCRF, through a campaign called “Hope Flows”, which pledges: “for every sale (through participating kitchen and bath showrooms) of GROHE Ladylux3 Plus and Ladylux3 Cafe kitchen faucets, GROHE will donate $25 (30 minutes of research time) to BCRF through the “Hope Flows” initiative.

GROHE’s goal is to raise $250,000 during the first year of the initiative to support BCRF’s efforts. GROHE’s projected contribution will fund a research project for an entire year. Additionally, GROHE employees, trade partners and consumers will be invited to make personal contributions to the Hope Flows campaign.”

You can buy the GROHE Ladylux3 Plus and Ladylux3 Cafe kitchen faucetsonline at these authorized dealers:

Grohe even went so far as to design a lovely website to promote their efforts:

Grohe Faucets Hope Flows Breast Cancer Research Fundraising Campaign

Further details:

Key to GROHE’s fundraising effort are two top-selling models in GROHE’s flagship Ladylux3 line – the Ladylux3 Cafe and Ladylux3 Plus. Available in different finishes and ideal for consumers desiring a transitional and high-quality kitchen faucet, Ladylux3 is the newest incarnation of GROHE’s original Ladylux faucet, the first pull-out design in America.

Also part of the fundraising effort – and serving as a visual icon for the “Hope Flows” campaign – is GROHE’s pink-faced Rainshower Icon hand shower available late in 2010.

Still need to get your mother, grandmother, friend or family member a gift for mother’s day? Have they been affected by breast cancer in some way? Here are 10 great places to shop for Mother’s Day gift ideas, who have plenty of gifts that give back, including breast cancer awareness bracelets and pink ribbon jewelry, walk for the cure apparel and more.

TIP: if you don’t immediately see available breast cancer/pink ribbon gifts, use each online store’s search box & put in “breast cancer” or “pink ribbon” to see all related products.

1. A shiny new pink purse, wallet, luggage, laptop bag or tote bag: Pick Pink at eBags! Year-round we donate 10% of the retail sales price of any pink product to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Similar gifts can be found on sale at: Find Great Gifts for Mom! Use code MOM15 to save an Extra 15% on Luggage, Briefcases, Totes, Handbags & More. Free Shipping on $99+.




2. Collectible figurines, dolls, knick-knacks and home decor at Collectibles Today:Fight Breast Cancer – Show Your Support with these Collectibles and Gifts!
   EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR OUR READERS: Hidden Special Offers – View Now >>




3. Jewelry & Diamonds are Mom’s best friend! Here are special Mother’s Day sales & special offers from my favorite stores which carry breast cancer awareness and pink ribbon jewelry: ICE.com – Mother’s Day LAST MINUTE GIFTS – Up to 79% off last minute jewelry gifts for mom – May 2nd-May 31st, This Mother’s Day, get Mom something she’ll cherish forever. Save 20% with coupon code: MDAY20, 10% off Sitewide for Mothers Day at ShopDI.com with code: mom (TIP: use search box to look for “breast cancer” jewelry.) Take 15% Off for Mother’s Day with code MOM15.




4. You can’t go wrong with last minute Mother’s Day Flower delivery and special offers from these florists who carry breast cancer awareness vases and other gifts: 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Save 15% on Mother’s Day Flowers & gifts inspired by Martha Stewart! Shop now. or Honest Florist Send Mother’s Day Flowers
   ALSO CHECK: 10% Off for Mother’s Day! Eco-Elegant Flowers, Chocolates, Gift Baskets & More from OrganicBouquet.com. Ends 5/15




5. Pink Ribbon rubber stamps, Susan G Komen notecards and get well cards from Expressionary helps Support Breast Cancer Research and Cancer Survivors Everywhere! Shop for Personalized Pink Ribbon Address Stamps & Note Cards.




6. Gift Baskets filled with anything you can think of: Mother’s Day Gift Baskets. Spring Themed Baskets. Register & Save 5% on Your Order!




7. Pink Gifts Galore – bracelets, accessories, stationery and more: Support the Fight Against Breast Cancer at Organize.com




8. Kitchenware & Bakeware by Pfaltzgraff : Shop our collection of “pink” products in support of Breast Cancer Awareness & Cook For The Cure® Presented By KitchenAid®!




9. Chocolate & Wine: Get 10% off at Chocolate.com with code GIFT4MOM until 51010. or Save 10% on all gift baskets and gift sets at WINE.com. Use code BASKET10. Expires 05.31.10.Or, Enter promotion code MOMSDAY to save $10 on select gifts for Mom priced at $50 or more. Hurry, offer expires 5/8/10.




10. Give mom a spa day every day with pink ribbon beauty products like these: All Orders over $49 Receive Free Priority Shipping from Apothica.com Clarisonic Skin Care System – Pink and shop the AVON Mother’s Day Boutique – Over 50 Fabulous Gifts that Celebrate Mom with Savings Up To 40%! Plus, Free Shipping Offer while you browse for Avon Walk for the Cure apparel.

Yikes! I better get shopping for my mom too!

Following Phil Mickelson’s masterful win at Augusta in this past weekend’s masters tournament, the emotional golfer was thankful for more than his third green jacket.

In the past year, Phil Mickelson’s life has been less than par, as his wife, Amy Mickelson, just 37 years old has been battling breast cancer, and on top of that, his mother, Mary Mickelson, was diagnosed with breast cancer just six weeks after Amy’s diagnosis.

At the close of the 2010 masters, Phil and Amy Mickelson shared an emotional hug following his win. It was the first golf tournament she had attended since undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Throughout the tournament, Mickelson sported a golf cap with the universal pink ribbon alongside his sponsors on it. Don’t forget: real men wear pink!

Whether you’re an amateur golfer aspiring to go pro, or just someone who likes to put around the greens, you can geared up to fight against breast cancer with these great golf products and women’s golf gear that donates to breast cancer research and awareness:

Lady Hagen Short Sleeve Tech Solid Polo Pink Ribbon – $29.99 Features Knit Collar 62% Pima Cotton 38% Polyester Moisture Management: Wicks Moisture away from the skin’s surface to keep you dry 30+ UPF UV Blocking Core Collection

Breast Cancer Awareness Golf Club Headcover – $24.95

GOLF APPAREL LADY HAGEN – $19.99 100% Pima Cotton Sponsor of the National Breast Cancer Foundation Pink Ribbon Collection DICK’S Sporting Goods Exclusive

Wilson Hope Players 18ball Pack – $16.99

Wilson Hope Golf Set – $209.99

Ladies Golf Apparel & Accessories at amazon:

Brooks For Her Breast Cancer Awareness Golf Skort $43

Brooks For Her Golf Skort

Breast Cancer Awareness Golf Balls – $9.95Breast Cancer Awareness Golf Balls Show your support for the fight against breast cancer with these pink ribbon golf balls. Sleeve of three.
Breast Cancer Awareness Golf Towel – $22.95 You’ll be amazed at how handy this towel is when out on the links, and knowing that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Breast Cancer research all year round makes this purchase so much better. Give this towel as a gift to all your friends and family who are battling through and surviving breast cancer and help spread the word of early detection and prevention. A portion of the proceeds of this item will be donated to aid in the fight against Breast Cancer.

The actress, reportedly doing well following treatment for breast cancer, is filming four episodes for the FX series “Rescue Me”, where she will return as a love interest for lead actor, Denis Learys’ character.  Rescue ME is in its last season, so it won’t turn into a long term role for Maura Tierney.

Between the ending of “ER”, and being diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Tierney was supposed to take a role on NBC’s show “Parenthood”, but bailed out to undergo treatment for breast cancer.

Breaking news reports have been confirmed by the tennis great herself. Martina Navratilova, 54 years old, says she was diagnosed with breast cancer in January, following a routine mammogram, which led to a biopsy to determine the lump was a noninvasive cancer called ductal carcinomain situ, or DCIS.

The nine-time Wimbledon tennis champion underwent a lumpectomy in March and will start six weeks of radiation therapy next month.

Spring brings so many people out to take part in great fundraising events such as the Avon Walks for breast cancer, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, and local Susan G Komen for the cure fundraising events. Order your fundraising t-shirts and walking gear now and get them in time for the month of April. Then go pound the pavement spreading the word!

Gather your girlfriends and create a team to walk for the cure. Gear up in matching outfits from these great stores, or order t-shirts, stickers and pink ribbon wristbands to sell as a fundraising item:

Choose from thousands of great breast cancer designs or upload your own at CafePress:

You go, girls!! Get cute breast cancer awareness team shirts at:

Create custom pink rubber silicone wristbands for breast cancer awareness:

Rubber Wristbands. You Pick the Colors, Phrase / Logo,
Min. 20, No Fees, In Under 10 Days Order now!

Avon Walk for a Cure Merchandise

Limited Edition City Lapel Pins: Collect them all! New for 2010 – Avon Walk collectable city pins!

Now you can collect a pin for every Avon Walk you-ve ever been to-or hope to go to! Trade them with fellow walkers, give them as a gift to your top donors, or to the babysitter who watched the kids while you walked. If you-re not walking, give a pin to someone who is to let them know how proud you are of them. Each pin features an iconic image of an Avon Walk city: Houston, Boston, Washington DC, Chicago, Rocky Mountains, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, New York, Charlotte.55% to 85% of the purchase price of this item is donated to the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade to support access to care and to help find a cure for breast cancer. Shop for all walk merchandise at:

Get Sassy! Over the top t-shirts and pink ribbon products available & customizable at Zazzle: