Research, research, research

Growing stem cells in the laboratory (© 2009 Andrei Tchernov)

Breast Cancer Awareness month is coming to a close. I am hoping that lots of money has been raised for research.

I know I keep harping on research, but I cannot emphasize it enough. Research, Research, Research.

I just had my CT results come back and my liver tumor is slightly smaller.  This Phase One drug could save my life and the lives of many other women with breast cancer.  This drug is for women who are ER+ (estrogen receptor positive), which is the type of breast cancer that is most prevalent. One breakthrough will open the doors for other new breakthroughs.

Women's cancers are all connected hormonally. That is why discoveries in one can lead to discoveries in others.

In 2014, I want to concentrate on ovarian cancer.  There is no test for early detection. Women are most often diagnosed in the later stages, which makes their prognosis devastating.  A breakthrough is needed for these women.

When you support research, make sure you are going with an organization that you believe is tapped into the best research projects. That is my foundation's specialty.  After co-creating and co-producing "Stand Up To Cancer" and creating a research and funding model that works, I am proud of the direction in which we are heading.

Be thoughtful about to whom you donate. Think it out and look at websites. This is the best way for you to know you are making a difference.