Share Your Story
Please share your story or a story of a loved one affected by breast cancer.
Tia Carbone (McHenry, IL)
October 06, 2009 10:35 AM
I just want to thank all of those who are helping in the fight against cancer. In Dec of 2008 I was diagnoised with stage 3 breast cancer with lymphnoid involment. I just finshed radiation and chemo seemed to have been evective. As of April 2009 they (the doctors) where unable to detect any remainding cancer. Breast cancer does run in my family so this year I bought Amy's blend in memory of my mother and to my grandmother for being a 2X survior. Thank you again too everyone.
Diane Ganzer (Inver Grove Heights, MN)
October 02, 2009 7:04 PM
“I hate Mondays!” How often have you heard it or even said it yourself? Probably lots! Yet, for those who are going through cancer treatments or worse, are in the last stages of it, or sadly, those who have passed on from cancer, how often do you think they had that thought, “I hate Mondays?” For me, Mondays hold great meaning. It is yet another chance to connect, to bond, to take the opportunity that the day holds and make it a better day for those around me. I cherish not only my Mondays, but all days, why? Because I am battling that illness myself. Every day for me is so precious, because they are in such short supply! I am fighting this battle with everything I have, but I also ask for the support I need through prayers as well as for more research into what cancer is and how it can be cured. It is for this reason that I support Amy’s Blend coffee. Caribou Coffee will donate 10% of the proceeds of the sale from this wonderful blend- (both regular and decaf) to the Susan G Komen breast cancer awareness fund, to continue their on-going work towards a cure. Just think about it: soon your aunt, your sister, your mother, your daughter will have the hope that this will be a worry of the past, to not have to deal with chemo treatments and all that goes with it…what a wonderful thing that will be! And YOU can be a part of that miracle, simply by your purchase of this coffee, you are supporting that hope as well! From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your support…and have a happy Monday…and a happy every day!!! Diane Ganzer -shift supervisor Store 1145 Inver Grove Heights, MN
Michele (Columbus, OH)
October 01, 2009 2:04 PM
All my mom ever talked about is having grandchildren someday. In Feb 2005 my mother Linda found out that she had cancer all around her spine.I found out I was pregnant the same month. After getting the cancer out of her spine, it ended up spreading to her liver. After seven months of fighting-chemo and all the treatments. She died 2 months before my son was born. She died Aug 2nd, he was born Oct 10th. I'll never forget how much she went thru to try and be here for her grandchild. Although she never got to meet him... he has her eyes and is funny just like her. He looks at her picture and says thats my grandma"shes my friend". Everyone out there hug your mom today!
Tamara (Big Lake, MN)
October 01, 2009 11:11 AM
My mother is a survivor of ovarian cancer. Six years ago my mother went in to have a routine surgery for a hernia. I went to visit her after surgery and that was when my world turned upside down. I found my mother in tears with our paster at her bedside. It was then I found out she was at stage three with ovarian cancer. She made it through surgery and five months of chemo. She just got her pin for her five years of being cancer free. I believe God put that hernia there for reason and thank him for it every day.
Sue (St. Paul, MN)
October 01, 2009 10:30 AM
I'm a 14 year breast cancer survivor!
Katy (Chicago, IL)
September 24, 2009 4:18 PM
I worked for Caribou Coffee for 8 years. Amy's Blend time was a great time because we were selling awesome coffee for a meaningful cause, and it made every day at work a little more "human." 3 months after leaving, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a lumpectomy and went through chemo and radiation. Through some tears and much more laughter, picking out wigs and walking the Race for the Cure, she has been given a clean bill of health for over a year. I buy HER Amy's Blend as a tribute; to her strength, her smile, her faith and her love. Thanks, Caribou.
Collin Lindhorst (Minneapolis, MN)
November 07, 2008 12:04 PM
My mother went through a mastectomy and chemo about 3 years ago. Through everything, she laughed and joked as she usually did. I went home just after her surgery and she said to me, "I feel like a broken car with one headlight!" I'll never forget that!!
marilyn landry (saint john, nb)
November 06, 2008 9:59 AM
my sister in law lodie went through brest cancer about sixyears know she is living proofthat it can be beaten with strenth and power .
marilynlandry (saint john, nb)
November 06, 2008 9:52 AM
my husbandwas diagnosed with non hodgins lymothma in nine teen ninety five .he is living proof today that cancercan be beaten its been fourteen years remission . thank god
Ferin (Akron, OH)
November 03, 2008 3:07 AM
My kindergarten teacher came to my graduation ceremony. She saw me and said, "you're Ferin, I can tell by your eyes." She had a memory book with pictures of me, pictures I had drawn, and assignments I completed. I was so happy that she had remembered me for almost 13 years when I had grown so much. She was diagnosed with cancer six years beforehand and passed a few weeks after my graduation. Words cannot express my feelings. God Bless.
Dana (Hastings, MN)
October 31, 2008 11:20 PM
Hello Cancer Surivors: I have had a long family history of cancer. All my aunts breast ca, one aunt won her battle with breast ca and later had a second unrelated pancreatic cancer and died a few months later. My mother had Uterine ca at age 23 after giving birth to me. She is alive and well. My uncle Bill Abdo has been enduring mouth cancer since last December. He is on his second round of chemo and two massive jaw surgeries. He has been unable to eat anything except liquid thru a tube in his stomach since last christmas. I used to work in a cancer center and cancer research. One and one half years ago I became the patient and I'm not working. a local woman named "Amy Taylor" was featured on our local channel KARE 11, in MN, this summer. You can read her story on caring bridge. She is fenominal, inspriring and loves life. She is a graduate of Burnsville H.S. 1992. Amy Kovic was her name then. Amy is now batteling the fight of her life. She has stage 4 breast cancer and a loving husband Warren and two blessings from God, Isabel and Arbor. There is a large fundraiser for her family on Nov 22, 08. Please read about this and attend. www.caringbridge.org/visit/amytaylor I don't know her but I feel like I do. Her heart just overflows in her writings. I would like to ask Caribou Coffee for a coperate donations for this fundraiser. I will be attending. "Amy's Blend" is just the thing to be inspirational sign of her life. Lets not lose another Amy to this terrible cancer without a fight! http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amytaylor Please help a family in need right here in Minneapolis/St.Paul, MN Thanks and God Bless, Dana
Tammy (Hastings, MN)
October 30, 2008 3:42 PM
My mother is a survivor of almost 17 years! She was diagnosed one day and rushed in for emergency surgery! She was told that she would loose use of her arm due to the surgery. I want to share my story so that others see the will & fight is worth it:) Because of her fight she was here to raise my brother who was 2 at the time & here to enjoy my daughter of age 3 right now. Now my mother & I own our own travel websites to help raise more money for the cure! We do fundraisers all the time to help others:)
Barry (Charlotte, NC)
October 27, 2008 3:38 PM
My youngest sister Alexandra Witt has recently been diagnosed with Brest Cancer. Due to its location in the areola and duct region of one breast, and her doctor's suggestion for agressive treatment, she has opted for a double Masectomy. She will be undergoing her surgery in the upcoming weeks and plans complete reconstruction at that time. She believes the hormone replacemwnt therapy she has been on over the years was the culprit. Our prayers are with her as I know yours are.
Brian Herrington (High Point, NC)
October 27, 2008 10:38 AM
A few months ago my mother in law was diagnosed with breast cancer. Only in 1 breast. She opted to have a double masectomy in order to be "assured" of being cancer free and not have to undergo chemo/radiation treatment. However, after the surgery a more aggressive form of cancer was found in her other breast. Due to this more "aggressive" cancer she is now undergoing chemo. This has taken a toll on her and the entire family that surrounds this wonderful woman. I am so very fortunate to witness how positive she is even while undergoing such a tremendous test both physically, mentally and emotionally. I have never seen a woman continue to give of herself and her heart. I lost both of my grandparents to this horrible disease and several work colleagues/friends to this monstrous disease. All of these people that I have known have been valiant in there efforts. Some have succeeded. Some have not. I just paid what I would say is $5 for a cup of coffee. $2 for the coffee.....the change to help what little I can to join the fight. For whomever may read this....please....give your change to help fight the fight. We can and will win in time. Nanni- (my 2 year old son's name for my mother in law)- we will win for you and the countless others. Love you!
rosa (burrito, mexico, what?)
October 27, 2008 8:05 AM
omg, amy make me cry, everytime i see her i'm like"this mami is so muy sad!" btw she need to go to Lida and Melina's beauty and stuff
Lisa (Pleasantville, IA)
October 25, 2008 11:29 AM
The first time I heard about and bought Amy's blend I was bald and wearing a bandana due to chemo theapy because of breast cancer. That was last year. This year when I bought my Amy's blend my hair was back (by a couple inches!) and I no longer wear a banadana to cover my bald head. I am doing fine and they're pretty sure it's all gone. Thank you Caribou Coffee! It means a lot to those of us dealing with this disease that you are not only contributing to finding a cure but that you are making people aware. A
Kim (Charlotte, NC)
October 23, 2008 12:29 PM
All women beware of Inflammatory Breast Cancer. In 2002, when my best friend was diagnosed, this type was NOT detectable on a mammogram, but was if you had a CAT scan. She is starting her 6th year of survival next January. The post chemo problems have and were really worse than the cancer itself. Please, if you think you have pulled a muscle, go see your doctor. IBC is the rarest & most agressive form (it was in 2002). NO cancer in her family either. It's a tragic and devistating disease for all involved. As many years as I have known her, she taught me sonething during her chemo, radical mastectomy, and radiation....the true meaning of courage and life. I love you Donna Mae!!! xoxo
Mike (Golden Valley, MN)
October 21, 2008 9:13 AM
My friend Beth was diagnosed a few years ago, which was no surprise to her having lost her mother and her sister to breast cancer. What shocked me was the fight she had with her health provider given the family history. She is fully recovered and I have never seen her look better, and I've known her for 27 years! I had an epiphany when I realized that everyone I knew was affected by this disease by no more than one degree of separation, meaning themselves or someone they knew firsthand. Its my favorite charity by far, because its so prevalent, yet we are making greater strides almost daily in the battle against it . God bless everyone who supports the fight! I think we're almost there!
DR (Canton, SD)
October 18, 2008 7:53 PM
My aunt Beth was diagnosed with cancer a couple years ago. After quite a battle, she finally caught up with it and defeated her cancer. I am so thankful she is still alive. I love her so much, i don't even want to think about a world without her!
Karla (Inver Grove Hts, MN)
October 16, 2008 1:51 PM
On February 6, 2008 (after 2 mamograms, BSGI, an ultrasound, and 3 biopsies, in one sitting, on the right side) I was diagnosed with Stage 0 DCIS/LCIS in my right breast. I was so lucky, even with the mastactomy...no chemo or radiation. I am now cancer free and going through reconstruction (which is quite a trip in and of itself) but I'm so thankful for the support of family, friends, pastors, nurses, doctors, and co-workers. I've learned so much and could not have done it without all of them. It's always a little scary to think about recurrence on the left side (I only had the right breast removed) but the fear fades a bit each day.
craigger (miami, FL)
October 15, 2008 3:16 PM
have sum respect miss respect the name
amy (Minnisoda, ND)
October 15, 2008 3:13 PM
my name is amy to i am so happy kinda
KRISTY (GLEN CARBON, IL)
October 14, 2008 4:05 PM
I WAS 37 WHEN I WAS DIAGNOSED. ABOUT A YEAR OF HELL. I AM LUCKY TO HAVE CAUGHT IT EARLY AND SO HAPPY TO BE ALIVE.
Ethel (Waite Park, MN)
October 12, 2008 12:10 PM
I'm 75 years old and a 22-year survivor of breast cancer. Fortunately, mine was caught very early. I encourage every woman to never hesitate to have regular checkups.
Kathy Innes (St.Paul, MN)
October 10, 2008 12:43 PM
My mom lost the fight to breast cancer on March 17, 1997. She was 52 years old and only had it for a year and a half. I'm so happy to see so many survivors with all the advances in medical and research being done. I pray that no one has to lose a mom, a wife, a sister, a friend to this. It was a tough battle for my mom, but I know she is in heaven praying for all the women who are going through this. I pray for all of you dealing with breast cancer.
Ramona (Bloomington, MN)
October 10, 2008 12:30 PM
My oldest sister, Marcia, is a 14-month breast cancer survivor. She is a warrior, surviving radiation and chemo. Our mom died during her treatments; God sustained her and gave her strength in many ways. She lost her straight hair, and it grew back wavy! It's lovely! God has blessed all of us as we've walked this path with her.
Melody (Minneapolis, MN)
October 10, 2008 10:50 AM
Main Point to anyone who asks, and even those who don't - learn to ask for help, at any age, and set the pride aside. Don't assume those going through any type of treatments for breast cancer DON'T need help, of any kind, even if they say NO. I'm a proud survivor and tell my story as often as I can; education is the key. 2 years + and I received the gift of life from my team of expert doctors and most especially nurses. Enjoy each day - do smell the roses, by stopping. And laugh as often as your belly allows! Learn to ask for help, and some will say no, but so. And, mammograms should never ever hurt!
Jeanine (Oakdale, MN)
October 08, 2008 8:47 AM
I am a breast cancer survivor. I found a lump on January 28, 2008, the same evening that we returned from a caribbean cruise. Had a normal mammogram just 5 months earlier. Went to the doctor the very next day, and ultimately had an ultrasound and biopsy later that week. I was diagnosed with Stage 2A invasive ductal carcinoma on February 7, and the rest is history! I had a lumpectomy, 6 rounds of chemotherapy and 35 radiation treatments. I just finished everything 3 weeks ago (on September 18), and now have a completely new perspective on life. Cherish each and every day that you have!
Virginia (greensboro, NC)
October 07, 2008 10:13 AM
I have had cancer twice the first in 2000 diagnosed on Feb 14 (my wedding annivarsery and my grandmothers Birthday) They wanted me in the hospital that same day - I had gone alone to the drs that day and was sent to see the surgeon the very same day my mother was out of town my dad and husband and other support folks were at work or doing other stuff . no one in my family had any history of this I went straight to my sisters after i got the news (thankfully she worked from home at that time) I went through chemo lost all my hair and 25 pds in the process I also did radiation - in Mar.2008 I was told that something just didn't look right they did a MRI and found 3 lumps in the other breast one benign one pre cancerous and one cancerous the cancerous lump was the size of a pin head . they were all removed along with my ovaries forced menoupuase as I call it - this time i lost 14 pds no chemo i did have radiation one less this time than 2000 My prayers go out for all the ladies that suffer through this alone . Or due to circumstances feel as if they are alone . one of the ways i coped was to get involved in everything the local cancer center offered they had various classes just for the cancer folks yoga and an art class were just 2 there were several others as i had the stregnth i went most of the time i could bring a friend my motehr in law went with me to the look good feel beutiful class we learned about wigs and how to change our makeup to help make us feel better We really enjoyed that one I found laughter and hope with other folks doing the classes with me . Now i look forward. and wish those just starting the best of luck and those ending there treatment congradulations rember we need to encourge others we know this experience better than drs or nurses we can support the most from our souls and know that it is honest .
jen (chicago, il)
October 07, 2008 7:51 AM
One of my best friends from college, Debbie, was diagnosed with breast cancer in her mid20s. It is a scary thing to receive this news at such a young age - when everyone else your age is working, dating, getting married, having children, and growing more fully into womanhood. When she shared the news with me I was shocked. Thankfully she detected it in its early stages and is now in remission after surgery and radiation. Debbie, along with her friends & family, thank God for her life and for even using this disease to grow and mature her into the wonderful woman she is today! As a TV news reporter/anchor, Debbie has used her experience to broaden awareness and education about the reality of breast cancer to the larger public. Also, Debbie, now 32 yrs old, was recently engaged! Along with her fiance Craig, they are competing in a wedding giveaway in order to curb the expenses (especially after the medical bills...i'm sure many of you can personally understand!) =) If you'd like to see her story, go to: http://www.charlestonweddinggiveaway.com/vote/deborah_craig.html
JoAnn (Brainerd, MN)
October 06, 2008 3:55 PM
I found a luump in my right breast the day after New Year's 2008. I was able to have a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy the next day, and was diagnosed with breast cancer on my birthday, January 7th. Not exactly the way I had hoped to celebrate, but I did celebrate with a few family members and I just had to be happy that I had been good about doing self-exams on a regular basis, and did find this lump early. I had a previous mammogram in April, so I have always been pro-active in attemping to stay ahead of breast cancer. I ended up having stage 1 cancer but because my tumor was 1.4cm, I did have to have chemo (4 treatments) and 33 radiation treatments. The chemo was awful, but the radiation wasn't that bad....it did leave me very tired. I agree with the others who have said that having cancer changed their lives. I am amazed at how calm I am about everything these days. I just don't get bothered by much of anything. I too wake up everyday and look for something good to thankful for. We live in such a planned out society and it took this challenge to make me realize that instead of thinking about the future so much, I need to live in the moment. It is so much easier to put up with chemo when you think of it in small increments instead of the entire treatment plan. One down...three to go; two down...halfway there.... You get the drift! Now it is behind me, I've done what I was told to do, and now life is in God's hands. I intend to be around for a long time and I will never left this awful illness defeat me or define me. I am a survivor.
Reba Whaley (Charlotte, NC)
October 06, 2008 3:06 PM
On July 6, 2007, I was diagnosed with what later be Stage 3A advanced breast cancer in my right breast with lymph node involvement. I had a lumpectomy on August 2, 2008, and I started chemo on September 6th. I had 6 rounds of chemo, which affectionately came to be known as living hell in my house, and then 33 treatments of radiation. I finished all my treatments on March 3rd of this year, and am now taking tamoxifen for the next five years. What has blown me away about the entire process is that this has been the best thing to ever happen to me. Cancer and the subsequent treatment put so much into perspective for me. I use to be a world class worrier, holding the belt in a few different worry-weight classes, and now I know its all going to be fine. I just never define what "fine" is. But every day I wake up and have my health and my strength, I know its going to be a "fine" day. And for this new point of view, I say thank you to cancer. And for the incredible people that have helped me along the way - many of whom I now proudly call friend, I say thank you to cancer. I had been saying prior to my diagnosis that it was time for me to meet some new people, and have some new experience. I now know I need to watch what I ask for - because I got it! I met new people and had tons of new experiences! I had my first post-cancer mammogram in August, and was given a clean bill of health. Bottom line - I am still here and more importantly, I am glad to be here! Best of luck to all survivors and their families. And for the newly diagnosed, please know you are not alone and you will beat this bully we call cancer.
Jeanean (Plymouth, MN)
October 06, 2008 10:34 AM
In December 2004 I went in to see a plastic surgeon for breast reduction surgery. I was blind sided (in total shock) when after two mammograms, CT scans and biopsies they had found the extremely aggressive stage IIIb breast cancer. No one in my family has ever had cancer, and was sure the doctors were wrong, after all I did not have any symptoms and was feeling great. Breast cancer can be a very silent disease. I was like most people, if you feel good, no pain, always had (non-malignant lumps) – why would I go in for a mammogram. The first surgery (a lumpectomy) they found over ½ of my lymph nodes tested positive. I then went through chemo. After major complications from the lumpectomy and chemo, I finally was tired of just existing (if you been through chemo you know where I am coming from) and opted for a double mastectomy. It is now October 2008, each day is a gift and I treat it as such. I am thankful for my “rock” of a husband, and my family who stood by my side through all the emotional ups and downs. I really want people to know how IMPORTANT – no matter how great you feel, to have regular check ups and mammograms as requested by your physicians. More focus needs to be placed on education of breast cancer, donations for a cure, and this is not only a woman’s disease.
Jacki Schweikert (Robbinsdale, MN)
October 06, 2008 10:26 AM
On Sept 19-21, I participated in an amazing and emotional event called the Susan G. Komen Twin Cities Breast Cancer 3-Day...I walked 60 miles in memory of my lil’ sis, Dana Hunt, who lost her battle with breast cancer on Sept 9, 1995. Even though Dana is no longer with us, her positive, “upbeat” attitude will remain in my heart forever! During the Closing Ceremonies there was a flag that was risen that stated "A World without Breast Cancer"...which brought major tears to my eyes. I can only hope & pray that in my lifetime this miserable disease can be cured or prevented.
Bob Ludgate (St Paul, MN)
October 05, 2008 4:24 AM
My wife Maggie Mork-Ludgate was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in April. Her cancer was stage 1 her 2 positive (Aggressive). Maggie did not have to have Chemo (Thank God) but she is going through Radiation therapy. Maggie is doing well, but is very sore and tired pretty much all the time. Maggie is my Life and I Love her so very much. There are 2 more treatments then she will be done. :) I hope and pray this will never come back as it was extremely hard to see someone you Love so much go through this ugly thing. I Pray that all woman and men out there will make sure they take care of themselves and get examined on a regular basis. This disease is no joking matter. There seems to be more and more woman that this happens to these days. Very sad! I Love you all very much and will continue to pray for all who go through this. Keep up the faith, and look for better days to come. I Love you Maggie, Bob
Marianne (Vadnais Hts., MN)
October 04, 2008 6:33 PM
My daughter Rose was diagnosed with stage 3 agressive breast cncer 3 years ago. After chemo, radiation, surgery and reconstruction she is doing well at this time.
Mary (Woodbury, MN)
October 02, 2008 12:33 PM
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Feburary, 2007. It was like having the rug pulled out from underneath you...it changes everything. Now, 18 months later I am well and happy. Life is not the same but it is better in many ways as a result of having cancer. Am I glad I had cancer? No way. But my experience with this awful disease helped me to clarify my personal values and reinvent myself. That is a gift.
Anne Benson (Burnsville, MN)
October 01, 2008 8:29 PM
I was 8 years old when my Mom passed away from breast cancer. Back in 1968 the doctors had no clue how to treat this disease, she went thru cobalt treatment and lots of other treatments that didnt work. My Mom, Dorothy was at Mayo Clinic alot so my 3 three brothers and I did not get to see her much. My Dad brought us one at a time to see her and then when she was dying all four of us went together. I tell anyone I come in contact with who has lost a loved one, that you never get over the loss but you learn to live with it. She is missed greatly but some day I will see her again in Heaven.
Betsy (Stockton, CA)
October 01, 2008 2:56 PM
I was 9 years old when I lost my mother to breast cancer. It was a painful year of seeing her in a lot of pain, watching her hair fall out and eventually seeing the cancer spread through her body and into her lungs. Her last day, July 3, 1985 is embedded in my head as if it happened yesterday. Even though I was only 9 years old, I witnessed this disease and remember the horrifying effects and symptoms that I hope no other child sees and that no other woman has to endure. Thank you for supporting my favorite foundation for Amy, for all the women who have lost their lives and for the Women who are currently infected with this disease.
Kelly (Minneapolis, MN)
October 01, 2008 12:25 PM
I was 26 years old when I heard those dreaded words come out of my mom's mouth "I have cancer." Six very short weeks later she lost her battle with cancer. Her first grandchild was born 2 days before her death and unfortunately she never met him. I support Amy's Blend and the Komen for the Cure so that no daughter has to prematurely lose her mom like I did or that no child has to go through life without knowing their grandma. Not a day goes by that I don't think of my mom and wish she were here with us. I miss you mom.
Pam (Lakeville, MN)
September 29, 2008 6:47 PM
We remember those we have lost along this journey we call life. For me it is Trish ,my Grandmothers and the amazing courage of my beloved Aunt! We miss you so much and remember how each and every one of you who touched our live's. It was an honor and priviledge to crew this year during the Twin c\Cities 3 Day! Thank you, Caribou for remembering Amy, for bringing visibability to the lives of so many lost! EVERYONE deserves a life time!
Joe (Chicago, IL)
September 29, 2008 4:41 PM
This year's Amy's Blend means more to me than ever. On March 17th, 2008, my Mom was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. At first, I immediately thought about the trip her and I had taken to Costa Rica earlier in January (where we got to pick coffee together!), and how glad I was to have had that time to spend with her, as it would most likely be our last vacation together. As a 31 year old, I simply was not ready to lose my Mom. I am lucky to say that thanks to organizations like Komen for the Cure, and her unwavering strength throughout biopsies, surgeries, and Chemo, my Mom is now Cancer free. Now that's just simply amazing!
Kelley (Glencoe, MN)
September 29, 2008 1:11 PM
My story revolves around my friend Amy. Last fall, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. She is now cancer free and doing very well. It was after her diagnosis that 12 of us (11 friends + Amy) decided to participate in the Twin Cities Breast Cancer 3-Day. It showed us that cancer can be beat--but only with research and education. It was because of that research & education that Amy had to only do 4 chemo treatments and 33 rounds of radiation. If you'd like to see a video about our walk in the 3-day, please visit my blog at: http://osmundson.blogspot.com/2008/09/3-day-video.html
Diane Ganzer (Inver Grove heights, MN)
September 29, 2008 12:56 PM
I advocate Amy’s Blend for one simple reason: I am a cancer survivor myself. Not just once. Not twice. But four times. This began twenty years ago, when medical research wasn’t as sophisticated as it is now. Survival relies on a lot of treatment, yes, but also it becomes a battle inside your mind. However, as long as there are people in your corner, willing you to fight, you feel as though you can conquer anything. This is why I believe in Amy’s Blend, because as a community, we are coming together to eradicate cancer once and for all, so that no one will mourn the loss of a sister…an aunt…a mother. A portion of the proceeds of each sale goes towards breast cancer research. If you feel as strongly as I do about this wonderful cause, please do what YOU can to help. Until Nov. 2, buy a pound of this most wonderful blend of coffee, and also get one for a friend. Together, there isn’t anything that we can’t do in this battle over cancer. Every person’s life touches so many other lives. On behalf of cancer survivors everywhere, I thank you! Sincerely, Diane Ganzer, shift supervisor Store 1145 Inver Grove Heights
John (Amarillo, Tx)
September 29, 2008 12:40 PM
I lost my wife, Janice to breast/ovarian cancer Nov 2007. Early detection would have changed our outcome. Ladies, please, please have your mammograms performed regularly. Post menopausal women who still have their ovaries need to request a CA 125 blood test from their qynecologist. Janice was a beautiful, courageous woman, who left behind a loving husband, daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. I think about her and dream about her daily!!
Virginia (Maplewood, MN)
September 29, 2008 11:47 AM
On August 8, 2008, I had my routine mammogram. There was a tiny mass that required an ultrasound and biopsy. On August 15, I had a lumpectomy. Instead of the one tumor, they found a total of three, each smaller than the first. I will be having a bi-lateral mastectomy this Thursday, October 2, 2008. I am blessed that the cancer was confined to the one breast -- no lymph node involvement, very small tumors and hormone receptive. Last spring, my sister-in-law went in with a lump on her breast. Her cancer was in the lymph nodes and had spread to her liver and lungs. Despite chemo and radiation, she lost the battle last Thursday, September 25. Her funeral will be the day before my surgery. She leaves two boys, 10 & 13. My goal is to encourage everyone to get a yearly mammogram. There is no excuse not to have one. Make your appointment today.
Tracy (Eagan, MN)
September 29, 2008 11:45 AM
I recently participated in the Twin Cities Breast Cancer 3Day benenfiting Susan G Komen for the Cure. My initial reason for walking was due to the number of people I had met who were dealing with breast cancer or were cancer survivors. My participation and fund raising events brought me even closer to more and more people and their individual stories, challenges, successes and losses! I walk for the support of breast cancer research and education AND for those who cannot! God Bless!!
Wendy Burkhart (Superior, Wi.)
September 29, 2008 11:44 AM
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. I had a mastectomy with chemotherapy to follow. My experience with this made me stronger. Instead of, "Why me?","Why not me?" My friends and family took it harder than me so I had to be strong for them. Much good came out of bad.
Donna (Royal Oak, MI)
September 29, 2008 6:06 AM
Remember the feeling you get when you hit your funny bone? That is the feeling I had that turned out to be a tumor growing on a nerve bundle in my armpit; the same side 7 years previous that I had a mastectomy. Early detection is important. There is a drastic increase of occurrence in women 20-30 years old. The incidence of breast cancer in men is also on the increase. Ever wonder how the money raised for research has helped us? For me: surgery: synthetic glue (did not need drains this time, sorter recover time), sentinel node mapping (injection of radio active material into tumor site; is cancer in the lymph node? Not in 2000 for me), chemo therapy anti-nausea drugs (vast improvement in 7 years). What is still needed? I wish there was more support for rehabilitation for chemo brain. I wish there was a drug for the excruciating crippling pain that 20% of patients who receive the chemo drug Taxol experience. Thank you for your support for this cause. Let’s take the baton from Amy and not settle for anything but our best. Pass this baton to your staff, on to your partnered organization. Caribou Coffee continues to make a connection with our community and each other.
Amanda (Minneapolis, MN)
September 28, 2008 2:18 PM
I recently participated in the Chicago-Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day walk with our team, the "Mammary Jamboree." At the end of day 1, we were in need of an energy boost. And then we saw it...A Caribou Coffee on the corner! Being from Minnesota, Caribou's home base, we were all elated to see a familiar site that we could count on! Caribou employees greeted us warmly and gave each 3-Day participant a discount. I'm happy to see your generosity and spirit has continued and is now supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure!
michele (Edina, MN)
September 27, 2008 5:47 AM
Two months after my best friend's wedding I got a call from her telling me she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember exactly where I was when she called and distinctly remember putting my phone on mute so she would not hear me sobbing over the news. I knew she needed encouragement and support, but I couldn't help but think she might die. A month after being diagnosed, she made the decision to do bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction with chemo as a preventative measure after that. I am thrilled to say that she has been cancer free for 46 months and is 7 months pregnant with her first baby boy!
kathy (Minneapolis, MN)
September 25, 2008 4:48 PM
We all have people in our lives that have such positive energy that you can't help but be happy when you are with them. For me, this is my friend Pat D. (from St. Cloud, MN) - who is a survivor in every sense of the word! She fought - and beat - breast cancer more than 20 years ago and I know it is her trait of only seeing the good in every situation that got her through these tough times. She didn't complain. She didn't say "why me". She didn't blame God for handing her a burden. She instead felt she was given the challenge for a reason - and never once wavered from her belief that she would survive. I think of Pat when my days get tough - and remain forever grateful that she is in my life!
ashley (Savage, MN)
September 25, 2008 4:43 PM
My aunt and my grandmother on my mom’s side both suffered from breast cancer, my aunt most recently. She was diagnosed at her routine yearly exam with the most aggressive type of cancer cells, but they caught it in stage 1. Through her treatments she remained up-beat and positive, determined to beat it. With a combination of chemotherapy and radiation, she has now been cancer free for 2 years. She is such an inspiration to all of us. It is because of research and the development of new treatments that my aunt and grandmother were both able to survive breast cancer. They are both very strong women and I love them dearly.
Amy Boylan-Mendes (Turlock, CA)
October 15, 2009 11:03 PM
My best bud just moved to Chicago and called me about this coffee "Amy's Blend"...not just because I share the name of the coffee but also because she knows my older sister is fighting breast cancer and I am a social worker for a hospice organization and am a HUGH advocate for breast cancer awareness!! Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity to help the cause and support hospice :-) I can't wait to have a cup!!