THE ONE WHERE I GET ON A SOAPBOX

Up on a soapbox today.  AS IF I haven't been on a soapbox for the past week, but today, I want to remind those who are following along about the initiatives of the Dr Susan Love Research Foundation.

Are you enrolled in the Army of Women database?  If not, here's the link and I have a question.  Why not?

For two solid weeks my mind has been on research.  Fast tracking research, learning about the studies that are in early phases and most especially, hearing many of the presenters thank the participants.  Heartfelt thanks and acknowledgment. "It would not have been possible without, first and foremost, the women."   

One evening as the assembled panel of experts was helping us understand the earlier presentations, there was an "unfair fight."  One of the researchers does work in mouse models and the others were playfully ganging up on her.  Immediately, however, I thought of Dr. Love.  Animal studies are crucial, but people studies are most important.

Did you know that there are researchers studying the environmental issues and how these toxins might find their way into our breast tissue?  Of course not!  No one can possibly know about every study looking for participants.  I'll bet many of you would have been amenable to joining this study.  It involved the study center sending a kit for urine and saliva samples.  It was for HEALTHY women.  The study is filled.  It took 26 hours to get all of the women needed for the study.

That is the power of the Army of Women.  THAT is what you are "joining."  IF you were a "volunteer" you would have gotten an email explaining what the study was all about, the group of women (and sometimes men) the researchers needed to fill the study and what would be involved if you fit the criteria.  Done.

Three choices in the email.  "No Thank You."  "Yes, I'd like more info." or, "Forward to a friend."  Or, delete the email. Studies are carefully vetted by DSLRF before the email is sent.  They are studies.  NOT clinical drug trials.  Nothing getting put INTO your body.  No more than three emails a month (if that).  Are you in?

The OTHER initiative that we can ALL join?  The Health of Women Study.  Frankly, I'm a bit disappointed!  The study is just shy of 30,000 participants.  I've been trying to get the word out to push the number over the 30K mark for several days. Since I began opening my big mouth a few days ago,  the number only increased by about 25 people.

I get it.  This is a busy time of year.  We are all distracted but this study is open to all.  Women, men, healthy, breast cancer, any.where.in.the.world.

We can all be a part of something that will be game changing.  We need to do something for the metastatic patients ASAP and we MUST be bold and envision a future without breast cancer.  We can do this.

Together.

Yes

We

Can

And I say, Those Who Can, MUST.  Click both links.  GO!

And a little aside..... send good thoughts out into the universe.  Someone who means a tremendous amount to me is having some "things" checked tomorrow.  I need to hear good news.