Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Occasionally on Manic Mondays, instead of talking about my own adventures, I highlight the journey of others. This week in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am thrilled to introduce you to Denise Roberts, the founder of The Denise Roberts Breast Cancer Foundation, the only foundation that I'm aware of that caters to women AND men of color who are typically underserved.

I sat down with her recently here at Adventure Salon (AS) to chat about what she considers her mission in life.

AS - Welcome Denise. Let's get right to it. What made you decide to become a warrior for breast cancer awareness?

DR - Well, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987 at the age of 35.

AS - Wow. That's kind of young.

DR - Yes, but I had a successful surgery to remove the cancer, then vowed to become a warrior to spread the word of early detection.

AS - So, there are a lot of cancer foundations out there; what makes yours unique?

DR - We provide mammogram resources for women and men who are underinsured or have no health insurance at all. TDRBCF.org will pay for the procedure. I know of no other foundation that does that. We also provide support to the women and their families through our established programs, a 24-hour toll free hotline and our website which provides access to healthier food options, access to pap exams. We encourage people to be more proactive about their total health.

AS - Sounds like you cover all bases. What's your hope for the future?

DR - Well, a cure of course, but in the meantime, access to early detection breast screenings in EVERY community. I want to educate the underprivileged and replace their fear with knowledge, and therefore gain empowerment.

AS - With your passion, I am sure you will do just that. On a lighter note: What's your favorite word?

DR - "FABULOUS," darling. Makes me feel good just to say it, which gives me the energy to keep fighting for others.

AS -Fabulous!

DR - (Laughs)

AS - And last but not least. . . What's on your bucket list?

DR - A talk show and a gossip magazine, Diva Speaks.

AS - I'd read it! You have such a zest for life, Denise. Thank you for being here.

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I wrote today's post as part of the WOW-Women on Writing Blanket Tour for Healing with Words: A Writer's Cancer Journey by Diana M. Raab, MFA, RN (www.dianaraab.com). The book includes Diana's experiences, reflections, poetry and journal entries, in addition to writing prompts for readers to express their own personal stories. A survivor of both breast cancer and multitple myeloma, Raab views journaling to be like a daily vitamin -- in that it heals, detoxifies and is essential for optimal health.

Diana, the author of eight books, spent 25 years as a medical and self-help writer before turning to poetry and memoir. She teaches creative journaling and memoir in UCLA Extension Writers' Program.

If you comment on today's post you'll be entered to win a copy of Healing with Words: A Writer's Cancer Journey. To read Diana's post about breast cancer and a list of other blogs participating in Diana's Blanket Tour, visit The muffin.

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Also, if you comment on today's post, you'll be entered into Adventure Salon's Comment Contest. It's a win/win situation!