Rue McClanahan Breast Cancer Survivor, dies at age 76

the news of the day has certainly centered around the loss of yet another one of everyone’s favorite golden girls, the sexy and sassy southern belle, Rue McClanahan, aka Blanche Devereaux.

In 1997, Rue McClanahan was diagnosed with breast cancer, underwent treatment (lumpectomy) for breast cancer in June 1997, and subsequently became a breast cancer survivor. In recent years, she battled other health issues, and a massive stroke was the cause of her death on June

She often shared her battle with breast cancer by speaking to many women’s groups about her own experience:

Rue speaks to her audience about the emotional, physical and psychological obstacles a woman must overcome in order to survive this deadly battle. McClanahan looks at the whole range of difficult choices women are faced with when diagnosed with breast cancer – the moment they learn of it, telling their loved ones, the medical processes involved, acceptance and recovery. Most importantly, she demonstrates with colorful examples from her own life that to overcome obstacles you must have hope and faith in yourself and in those around you. ~ sterling speakers int’l.

Rue McClanahan did an interview in Mamm Magazine back in 2007, and said this about dealing with breast cancer:

But I’ll tell you, you really are very confused when you’re given that news that you have breast cancer. You don’t know what to do, and one thing you don’t know about is whether to take the conventional route or to go the alternative route. I remember I actually had my husband, Morrow—well, he wasn’t my husband yet—but I had the two of us booked into a place over in Switzerland. It was a cancer treatment center, but they don’t do the conventional chemo thing and radiation. In fact, the first thing they do is take all of the lead out of your teeth, all the mercury. That’s the first thing they do. Not that I’m saying that that, in and of itself, is a bad idea. Because I’ve actually had that done subsequently, but…

Anyway, we were exploring alternative treatments and running around seeing surgeons and oncologists and having all the conventional tests and procedures. And I was extremely fortunate indeed to encounter Dr. Larry Norton of Sloan-Kettering in New York, a genius in his field. He was also one of the very few who didn’t insist on doing a single or double mastectomy immediately. He thought I had a chance going with a lumpectomy. And he gave me the choice at the time of taking a strong dose of chemo, or the strongest dose. And I said, “Let’s go for the strongest.” And I think that’s why my treatment was both so successful and so debilitating.

Golden Girls was always a favorite show of mine growing up, and my college roommates and I also liked to watch the reruns with a classy glass of pink wine in a box -

Now let’s all raise a glass of pink blush / rose wine , perhaps one of the breast cancer wines –   in honor of your lifes work and putting a smile on our faces for so many years!

thank you for being a friend…

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.

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!

Actress Lynn Redgrave Passes Away from Breast Cancer

According to family statement posted on her official website, the 67 year old actress Lynn Redgrave passed away peacefully on May 2, 2010, following a 7 year battle with breast cancer:

“Our beloved mother Lynn Rachel passed away peacefully after a seven year journey with breast cancer,” her family said in a statement Monday. “She lived, loved and worked harder than ever before. The endless memories she created as a mother, grandmother, writer, actor and friend will sustain us for the rest of our lives. Our entire family asks for privacy through this difficult time.”

Lynn Redgrave was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2002, had a mastectomy in January 2003 and underwent chemotherapy to treat the disease.

During her career, Lynn Redgrave received Oscar nods for “Georgy Girl” and “Gods and Monsters,” and Tony nominations for “Mrs. Warren’s Profession,” “Shakespeare for My Father” and “The Constant Wife.” Recently, she also made appearances on TV in “Ugly Betty,” “Law & Order” and “Desperate Housewives.”

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.

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.

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

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:

Breast Cancer Knee Socks - Relay for Life

I just came across these super cute kneesocks on Amazon! They come in a variety of pink, white, gray and black breast cancer awareness and pink ribbon designs and are just $3.95 a pair!

What a great idea to wear in upcoming Relay for Life fundraising events!

Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Awareness Relay for Life Knee Socks – Great for Fundraising Walks!

Buy Relay for Life Kneesocks at Amazon now >>

Fortunately for Shannon Tweed, the breast lump she found (and had removed) was benign.  Still, it was enough for them to want to spread the word about “1 in 8″ women being affected by breast cancer. Gene Simmons made a plea to all men as well.

Watch Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed discuss their breast cancer scare on the daytime TV show, “The Doctors”:

Playboy Playmate Shannon Tweed and Gene Simmons discuss breast cancer