October: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month October 5, 2009

Cancer I did not give you the right,
To invade my body and take a bite.
This is my body and with all my might,
I will prevail with one hell of a fight.
To the cancer inside, I will battle and kill.
For that is my body’s God given will.
To my cancer, these words I do send,
Your life is short and near the end.

-A poem contributed by a visitor of
Healing Cancer Naturally

 

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October since 1985 to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its causes, prevention, and cure.

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. It is considered a heterogeneous disease since it differs by individual, age group, and even the kinds of cells within the tumor themselves. A breast cancer diagnosis does not always mean an end – it is the beginning of learning how to fight, getting the facts, and finding hope.

AstraZeneca, the drug manufacturer for breast cancer prescriptions founded the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 1985; their aim was to promote that regular mammograms were the most effective weapon to fight against breast cancer.

In the United States, in 2009, there are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors. Women in the USA get breast cancer more than any other type except skin cancer. It is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women. Each year it is estimated that nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the USA, and of those 200,000 women, more than 40,000 will die. Approximately 1700 men will also be diagnosed and 450 will die. (Source)

In Canada, in 2009, breast cancer was also the most common cancer among Canadian women (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). An estimated 22,700 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 5400 will die. An estimated 180 men will be diagnosed and 50 will die. On average, 437 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer each week, and 104 women will die every week due to the disease. In Canada, the probability of developing breast cancer is 1 in 9 women, and the probability of dying is 1 in 28. (Source)

In an attempt to significantly decrease these devastating statistics, each October races and walks are organized all over the world to raise money for cancer research.  In Canada, “Run for the Cure” is organized in several cities. Sunday October 4, 2009, the “Run for the Cure” was held in the nation’s capital. Volunteer run director, Kelly Fry said the event attracted 8500 people, raising about $1.5 million.

Also throughout the month of October, people host theme parties or “pink days” (where employees wear pink clothing or accessories) to work. The money raised is donated to the organizers’ choice of breast cancer care or research program.

Companies also get involved in the pink ribbon campaign (the international symbol for breast cancer awareness and prevention) by emblazing their products with pink ribbons, the colour pink or otherwise the promise that a portion of the cost is donated to breast cancer awareness and research.

 

In August of 2008 Bloomex launched a partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society in the fight against cancer. And from that partnership the Give Hope Collection was born. The Give Hope Collection was implemented using 12 of Bloomex’s top-selling products. For each arrangements sold, 10 percent of the proceeds is donated to the Canadian Cancer Society in support of cancer research. Each month there is a featured arrangement, and 15 percent of the proceeds from this product will be donated. Plus each arrangement has a special tag informing the recipient that the sender is a supporter of the Canadian Cancer Society.

The cost of cancer is immeasurable – both in terms of the lives that are affected by the disease and the economic cost of cancer. Bloomex is proud that every dollar donated to the Society through this partnership will help make a difference in the fight against cancer. To date, Bloomex customers have helped raise $35,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Help us find a cure!  

 

For more information:
Canadian Cancer Society
American Cancer Society
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

National Florist Gives Hope With Christmas Charity Gift November 21, 2008

On August 15th, 2008, Bloomex announced the launch of the Give Hope Collection, a corporate initiative to support the fight against cancer. For the duration of this campaign, 10 to 15 percent of the sales of 12 individual bouquets will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society to support cancer research. Since its inception, only three months ago, Bloomex is proud to report that $10,500.00 has been raised through the sales of the Give Hope Collection.

“We are very pleased with the success of this campaign, still in its infancy. Over $10,000 raised for cancer research is an incredible feat which all of us at Bloomex are proud to be a part of,” says Michelle Robitaille, Public Relations Manager for Bloomex. “We anticipate the remainder of our partnership to be monumental in terms of contributions for cancer research.”

“The staff and volunteers of the Canadian Cancer Society are grateful for the generosity of Bloomex and its customers,” says Lesley Ring, Director, Corporate Development, Canadian Cancer Society. “Progress against cancer is made one donation at a time and the proceeds from the Give Hope Collection will help support Canada’s best cancer research and make a real difference in our efforts in the fight against cancer.”

Bloomex projects that the holiday season will yield an increase in sales of the Give Hope Collection, resulting in an increased donation to the Cancer Society. Bloomex has been so impressed at the consumer response to the Give Hope Collection, that it has introduced a special gift basket for the holiday season. The newly designed basket, named Give Hope Basket, will feature an assortment of premium quality cookies, candies and holiday snacks. Bloomex has announced that 20 per cent of the sales of the Give Hope Basket will be donated for cancer research. The Canadian Cancer Society and Bloomex have introduced a way for Canadians to make a difference while sending their holiday gifts. The entire give hope collection can be found at bloomex.ca/give-hope. The Give Hope Basket will officially be launched on November 20th and end Dec. 31st, 2008.

About Bloomex

Bloomex is a Canadian Online Flower Delivery company, offering various floral and gift arrangements throughout Canada and the U.S. via its online computerized system. The Bloomex website acts as a storefront allowing consumers worldwide to place orders online themselves, chat with a live agent or place orders through a 1-800 number. Bloomex has same day delivery to almost any location in Canada, and orders can be placed 24 hours a day. Bloomex Canada has production facilities located in major metropolitan areas such as Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Winnipeg, Calgary, Ottawa and Vancouver. Bloomex has 2 new divisions, Flowers Wholesale which offers flowers in bulk to the general population and Bloomex Wedding Flowers, where they have wedding consultants to help with wedding flower selections.

About the Canadian Cancer Society

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and to enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website www.cancer.ca or call our toll-free, bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.

Canadian Cancer Society and Bloomex Launch Partnership August 15, 2008

Bloomex Inc, Canada’s fastest growing online florist is pleased to announce a new relationship with the Canadian Cancer Society in support of the fight against cancer.

“All of us have been touched by cancer in some way or another. The Bloomex management team felt the need to support cancer research by contributing proceeds from the sales of our flower arrangements. This way our customers can feel good knowing that with the purchase of certain arrangements, 10 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society to help make cancer history,” says Dimitri Lokhonia, President of Bloomex Inc.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, cancer is the number one health concern of Canadians and two in five Canadians will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime. Through research, advocacy and information and support programs, the Canadian Cancer Society works towards achieving its mission of eradicating cancer and enhancing the quality of life for people living with the disease.

“We are excited to be part of this initiative, and look forward to an exciting relationship, which will ultimately help save lives,” says Michelle Robitaille, Public Relations Manager for Bloomex Inc. “Since the gift of flowers has special meaning to those sending and receiving them, we wanted our best selling arrangements to be even more meaningful, knowing that together we are battling a disease that affects so many.”

“Give Hope Collection” on Bloomex’s website will feature 12 of its best selling arrangements. For each of these arrangements sold, 10 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Society in support of cancer research. Graphics of participating products will indicate that a portion of the proceeds will be contributed to fund cancer research. Every month, Bloomex will feature one of these arrangements and 15 percent of the proceeds of this product will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society. This month’s featured arrangement is Morning Glory.

Each featured arrangement will include a special tag informing the recipient that the sender is a proud supporter of the Canadian Cancer Society. The cost of cancer is immeasurable – both in terms of the lives that are affected by the disease and the economic cost of cancer and we are proud that every dollar donated to the Canadian Cancer Society through this campaign will help to make a difference in the fight against cancer.

For more information about the Canadian Cancer Society please visit www.cancer.ca. For more information about the relationship between Bloomex and the Canadian Cancer Society, please go to http://bloomex.ca/give-hope.

Here are the 12 products that form part of Bloomex’s “Give Hope Collection”: