The fight against cancer is one that is close to my heart - I lost both my grandfathers to the ravages of the disease and watched other friends and relatives battle bravely to defeat it. For many years, Kitchen Aid has been the forerunner of the Cook for the Cure fundraiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and I am honoured to share this material from them with you. If you're planning on hosting a potluck event in the near future, consider making it a Cook for the Cure Event - who knows, you may just help save the life of someone you love... or your own.
What are the signs of breast cancer?
- Usually painless lumps in the breast and/or armpits that do not disappear (even after menstruation).
- Tenderness or pain in the breasts off-cycle.
- Dimpling, indentation or flattening of the breast.
- Unusual discharges from the nipple
- Nipple changes - itching, dimpling, retraction, rashes, etc
Note: Many breast cancers have no obvious symptoms, or those that mimic non-cancerous conditions like infections or cysts.
A woman’s risk of breast cancer approximately doubles if she has a mother, sister or daughter who has the disease. African-American women are more likely to die of breast cancer, while Asian, Hispanic, and Native Americans have a lower risk of developing and ultimately dying from breast cancer. Although the incidence rates are much higher for women (1 in 8 will be diagnosed in their lifetime), it is NOT a "women-only" disease - 1 in 1,000 men also fall victim to breast cancer.
There is good news though: overall death rates have been decreasing since 1990 thanks to advances in screening, treatment and awareness.
In short? Perform self-exams monthly, get your mammograms, and if you ever have questions about your health, talk to your doctor.
Cook for the Cure presented by KitchenAid is your opportunity to turn entertaining into fundraising! Since 2002, over $ 2.1 million has been raised for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation by KitchenAid Canada from sponsorship of Cook for the Cure and through proceeds from their pink product collection.
The next time you host a get-together, make it a Cook for the Cure party. Invite your guests to make a donation in support of the CBCF. It doesn’t matter if the donation is big or small, as all proceeds will go towards research, education, community care and advocacy, creating a future without breast cancer. As well, KitchenAid Canada will donate $50* to the funds that you raise per party** once your funds have been submitted to the Foundation. It’s that easy!
Planning your party is easy when you follow these steps:
- Register your event/ Visit the Cook for the Cure website and register your party.
- Invite friends/ Let your friends know that you’re hosting a Cook for the Cure party!
- Visit our Pinterest board for party themes, decorations and food.
- Pick a theme: A theme sets your gathering apart. Pick something seasonal, or create your own rendition of a favourite standby. Lots of ideas are available online!
- Set the tone: Music sets the mood, whether you’re having a close group of friends over, an open-house cocktail hour or an upbeat dance party. Craft the perfect playlist tailored to your (and your guests') tastes!
- Make it personal: Dress up your party with thoughtful details (like individual wine charms, a signature cock/mocktail, or a "grown up loot bag" of inexpensive but useful items (like wooden spoons with handles dipped in pink paint with the party's date written on, a homemade spice blend or even pink ribbon cookies) to leave a lasting impression, long after your guests have gone home.
- And most of all… Have fun! Put on your favourite outfit, take a breath and relax - you’re sure to be party-ready when your guests arrive!
Donations should be sent directly to the Foundation at:
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
Attn: Cook for the Cure
375 University Avenue, 6th Floor
Toronto, ON
M5G 2J5
Cheques and/or money orders should be made payable to “Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation”. For security reasons, please do not send cash.
*A tax receipt will be issued automatically for donations of $20 or more
**Up to $25,000 annually
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Charitable Registration No. 12799 3608 RR0001
Disclaimer: I was asked by Stephanie Barber (Harbinger Communications) to promote this cause, but I received no remuneration of any sort for this post. All information below the Breast Cancer Ribbon image is the property of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation / Cook for the Cure campaign © 2012.
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