Awareness.

Pictured here is one of the many, many breast cancer awareness pieces I knit when my mom was diagnosed a year and a half ago. Throughout her surgery and various treatment stages, I was surprised to find how many people I knew who had been personally affected by the disease, whether it was themselves or a loved one. Research and treatment methods have come a long way, and these days, a diagnosis merely states the type of treatment options you will pursue, rather than a consideration of throwing in the towel.

This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but I'm pretty sure the majority of the population is aware that this disease exists. What you may not know is that an estimated 182,460 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in American women in 2008 alone.

While the focus on a cure is encouraging and noble, there is a new organization focusing on what causes the disease. Lindsey sent me a link to a group that made its debut this week on The Today Show:

"The Love/Avon Army of Women offers a revolutionary new opportunity for YOU to partner with research scientists to move us beyond a cure.

Breast cancer has been around for decades, but it does not have to be our future. We can be the generation that eliminates breast cancer by identifying what causes this disease and stopping it before it starts. This is your chance to be part of the research that will end breast cancer.

Sign up for your sister, mother, daughter, granddaughter, best friend, and the woman you met last week.

Help us eradicate breast cancer once and for all. Join the Army of Women today!"

Check out this site, and while you're at it, stop by and read Susan G. Komen's site. Many "Race for the Cure" events are occurring this month in various locations throughout the country. This year is the 25th anniversary of Race for the Cure, the largest 5K run/walk in the world.

This month is also a great time to stock up on adorable pink items, brought to you by manufacturers such as Brita, Ralph Lauren, and KitchenAid, to name a few. A portion of the proceeds from certain items they sell will be donated to breast cancer awareness and research.

Mom, your strength, determination, and courage continue to inspire me every day. You did not let this disease slow you down one bit, and because of brave and wonderful women like you, we are miles closer to discovering treatment options and eventually eradicating this disease. I love you!