In October DHG and FranklinCovey will be launching an exciting collection of new products which will feature a 2009 Planner. This planner (a first of its kind) will include many unique features such as the ability to customize and personalize pages! These new products will be dedicated to help raise funds for the Gal to Gal Foundation!

 
DESIGN-HER GALS IS PROUD TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF STAGE IV BREAST CANCER PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES BY DONATIONG 5% OF EVERY SALE TO THE GAL TO GAL FOUNDATION. 

 
To donate directly to the Gal to Gal Foundation, please click here.

*Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is another from of Breast Cancer that everyone should be aware of. At the end of this page we have posted information we found on the Mayo Clinic's website. 

The formation of the Gal to Gal Foundation was inspired by 2 special women in our lives. Robin Bloksberg, who passed away 6 years ago at the age of 45, and Janis Armstrong, who passed away on December 16th, 2005, after bravely enduring a 12-year battle with breast cancer. Diagnosed with Stage IV metastasized cancer in October of 2004, she spent the remainder of her life teaching us about the power and faith of friendship. Her openness about her process enabled us to witness firsthand the challenges and opportunities of a life altering disease. She helped craft the mission statement for the foundation and articulated the needs, desires and dreams of women facing Stage IV cancer.

The Gal to Gal Foundation believes that women diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer deserve a great amount of support in order to maintain their dignity while receiving treatment throughout the progression of their disease. Over 300,000 patients worldwide will lose their lives to Stage IV Breast Cancer this year. The Gal to Gal Foundation identifies, partners with, and provides funding to existing organizations dedicated to the emotional and financial well-being of Stage IV Breast Cancer survivors.

Our research shows that although there are many wonderful organizations supporting breast cancer research, prevention and treatment for early stages - minimal dollars are being dedicated to Stage IV needs. The reality is, until breast cancer is extinguished in all its forms, there will be those who do not respond to the treatments that are currently available.

As our Chairperson Carrie Dederich puts it, "Cancer is an equal opportunity destroyer. No matter your age, race, economic or educational status, cancer can strike at any time." 10% of all women diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time will learn that their cancer has already metastasized. "The disease permeates family structure and alters forever the complexion of our homes and communities. It taxes our physical, emotional and spiritual strength. It must be stopped.

The Gal to Gal Foundation is forging a global community of caring, intelligent women who want to make a positive difference in the lives of others. We encourage you to join us in our commitment. Our goal is to raise $1 million dollars over the next 3 years. With your help this can be done. A portion of every purchase you make on Design-her Gals goes to the Gal to Gal Foundation and you can also give a direct donation on line. Simply click here.

The Foundation has chosen to dedicate its monies in the 2006-2007 year in two important areas:

* to assist in the establishment of a comprehensive “one stop" dedicated web site for patients with metastasized cancer. We understand how this project could make a real difference for patients seeking immediate information and resources.

* and to Making Memories, an organization dedicated to granting wishes for Stage IV patients and their families.

For more information on Stage IV, we recommend: "Advanced Breast Cancer - A Guide to Living With Metastatic Disease" by Musa Mayer. O'Reilly, 1998.  

UPTOWN LIZ (Where shopping gives back):

We just received a special message from Ramona Russell, the Founder of Uptown Liz that we would love to share with our Gal Pals. "February 1, 2008 marks two years since my sister, Liz, lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 28 years old. My goals for Uptown Liz are to share her story, grow her legacy and help the less fortunate in this world. One way that is being done is with the Uptown Girl Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet that was created in Liz's memory by Ek Designs. Proceeds from the sale of this bracelet are donated to the Gal to Gal Foundation, a non-profit that supports stage IV breast cancer patients and their families."

To purchase this beautiful bracelet, click here.

BREAST CANCER HAS NO BORDERS TEE ORDER HERE

BREAST CANCER GOT CURE TEE ORDER HERE

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) 

Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare but aggressive type of breast cancer that develops rapidly, making the affected breast red, swollen and tender. It's a locally advanced cancer, meaning it has spread from its point of origin to nearby tissue and possibly to nearby lymph nodes.

The early signs of more-common forms of breast cancer — a breast lump or suspicious area on a routine, screening mammogram — are often absent in inflammatory breast cancer. Instead, the breast may appear normal until tumor cells invade and block lymphatic vessels in the overlying skin. Fluid backs up, and the breast swells and becomes discolored.

Inflammatory breast cancer can easily be confused with a breast infection, but if it's cancer, symptoms won't go away with antibiotics. Seek medical attention promptly if you notice skin changes on your breast, to help distinguish a breast infection from other breast disorders.

Inflammatory breast cancer accounts for between 1 percent and 6 percent of all breast cancer cases in the United States. Survival rates are lower than those observed in other locally advanced breast cancers. But new treatment approaches offer greater odds for survival than ever before.