I know too many women who have been touched by breast cancer. And since I’ve had a bit of a scare myself recently (No, I haven’t heard about the results yet. I will call tomorrow.) I’m even more aware about this type of cancer. And now I’ve found a way that I can help make a difference.

BeeWell Miles is a program run by Bumble Bee Foods to raise money to provide support women diagnosed with breast cancer. They are donating 15 cents for every mile that you walk or run to the Breast Cancer Network of Strength.

I know that some of us who have a chronic illness or a disability may not be able to walk or run that much. But keep in mind that you can help in two ways. You can still log in your miles because this is a group effort. And you can spread the word. Share this info with others and get them to take part.

Being active in some way is healthy. Even though I am chronically ill, I still try to walk as much as I am able. I walk around the house and in stores when the weather is too hot, like today. Even though I wasn’t up and about that much today I learned that I actually walked about 1/10 of a mile. It may not sound like much to someone who is healthy but for me on a bad day it’s great! I’ll take it!

Please register for BeeWell where you can take part in this event which runs from today (April 1) to October 31, 2009. You’ll find support, advice on healthy eating, getting ready for your walks or runs, a way to calculate how much you walk in your favorite places and fun games too. You may even be able to inspire others by what you are doing. So even if you walk a little, you can help a lot.

I keep seeing TV commercials about Mesothelioma and law firms that take cases of people who have this disease, but I didn’t know much if anything about the disease itself.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer. The Mesothelium is the sac of certain organs of the body, including the lungs, the stomach and the heart. Most forms of Meothelioma is cancer of the lining of the lung. That is because this cancer is usually caused by breathing in asbestos.

Asbestos was found in insulation, cement, roofing shingles, textiles and flooring products. People who worked with these materials were not the only people exposed to asbestos. Their family members may have been too because the asbestos fibers would cling to clothing.

This disease is not easy to diagnose and may not have symptoms or symptoms that are the same as pneumonia and a persistent cough. When diagnosed, the prognosis is not very good. One in five people live five years after diagnosis. There are treatments available though and research on new treatments are continuing.

People who are diagnosed or their families may be interested in finding a mesothelioma law firm that can pursue a a case against the company that caused this cancer. Finding a firm that is experienced in these types of cases is important. A mesothelioma lawyer that you feel comfortable with and have confidence in can make this difficult time in your life a bit easier.

There are many possibilities when it comes to cord blood and stem cells. There is research going on right now on the use of stem cells from umbilical cords to cure Luekemia, Diabetes and other diseases. President Obama promised during his campaign to overturn the restrictions to stem cell research put in place while President George W. Bush was in office. Hopefully, this will occur soon.

When I gave birth to my youngest daughter I used Cryo-cell to store my daughters cord blood. My sister was diagnosed with Luekemia and I was diagnosed with Anemia during my pregnancy, my whole outlook on life changed.

My mother-in-law helped me to research what company to use. She is a Registered Nurse and wanted the best program which was safe and was easy for my Obstetrician the hospital to use. When she called Cryo-Cell, the support nurse told her to “compare us” and answered all of her questions to her satisfaction. Their nurses were available 24 hours a day and still are. My OB was happy with the company and the information they provided to him.

Their service was affordable and the storage fee is too. They always have ongoing offers and even take part in the UPromise program. You can see the current offers they have on their site now.

I highly recommend Cryo-Cell. The collection process was simple and the storage process has been smooth for the past 10 years.

Cryo-Cell International Inc.is now partnered with the National Institutes of Health to research treatment for Breast Cancer using stem cells taken from menstrual blood.

Cryo-Cell is known for storing umbilical cord blood. It currently stores more than 160,000 cord blood samples. It is an established company known for its ease of use and for the education and care of patients. With this new venture Cryo-Cell is striving to help women in the future as it moves forward with brand new research into treatment options for Breast Cancer.

This research study is using magnetic resonance imaging also known as an MRI to track the stem cells in menstrual blood. This procedure is non-invasive meaning that there is no need for surgery of any kind. The stem cells are tracked even before they are in existence. This holds great promise for treating diseases.

I use Cryo-Cell to store my daughter’s cord blood and have been pleased with their service from day one. The information provided to me while I was pregnant and to my doctor helped me make the decision to use this company and go ahead with the procedure.

Learning that they are now working on treatment of a disease that is foremost on every women’s mind makes feel even better about Cryo-Cell.

As a mom who has many health issues that cause me to have problems parenting I can relate just a bit to what Kelly is going through. Kelly was diagnosed with Leukemia on Thanksgiving Day. She has been hospitalized ever since and will be so for at least a month.

Kelly’s daughter Jenelle has a rare form of Epilepsy, called Lennox Gastaut Syndrome. Her seizures are not easily controlled and she has many other health problems and developmental issues too. Imagine how difficult it must be for Kelly to be sick and away from Jenelle?

I can’t even think about it, but Kelly is being as strong as possible as you can see from her blog Jenelle’s Journey.

Now here’s the really important part, we can do something to help Kelly, Jenelle, her son, and her husband. We can pray and send good thoughts their way. And we can join Bonnie from Autism Family Adventures by donating some money to purchase some gift cards. The family needs help with groceries, gas to travel back and forth to the hospital and some gifts for the children to help them through this difficult time.

Even a few dollars will help and you’ll feel so much better by doing this.

Have you been seeing pink? It’s OK if you have. It’s everywhere and it’s a good thing. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and many companies have traded their regular packaging for pink to remind us. Many bloggers have pink templates or have added pink bows or lettering.

I’m not very good at that kind of thing so I’ll blog about it instead and show you some ways you can help raise money for research through Susan G. Koleman’s fundraising events.

Their donation page has many options. You can donate money online, in honorarium or in memory of someone and receive a tribute card, donate air miles, or take part in Passionately Pink for the Cure.

For this special donation,

* Form a group with friends and family.
* Pick any day in October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, or any other day that works for you and your team, to wear pink and make a $5 (or more) personal donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.
* Inspire and educate others. Promote your day, get people excited and encourage them to join you.
* Think pink, see pink! Help make this year the pinkest ever. Utilize the tools in the participation kit you’ll automatically receive after registering as your guide.

• Do monthly self exams
•  Talk to your doctor about what tests you need depending on your age, family history and personal risk of breast cancer
• Get a clinical breast exam every 3 years beginning at age 20 and every year starting at age 40
• Have a mammogram every year beginning at age 40 if you are at average risk
• Watch your weight, lower your alcohol and fat intake, and exercise
• Talk to your doctor about any changes you notice in your breasts

Don’t make October be the only month you help with finding a cure. Keep this organization at the top of your list. Help with a support group, provide meals or rides for a woman in need, get involved!