Chances are you’re already aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month… The facts are pretty sobering — 250,000+ women in the U.S. are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. In fact, it’s the most common cancer and leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic and Latina women.
I’ve had a number of friends touched by this terrible disease recently, so I’m thrilled to see so many brands partnering with various organizations to fund research. Every little bit helps, right? But I know I always sit up and take notice when a company is doing a little something more than just adding a pink ribbon to their profile for the month or releasing a limited pink version of their gadget.
So when I learned that Allstate Insurance Company is partnering with author Hollye Jacobs to offer FREE copies of The Silver Lining Companion Guide, I was happy to support them in spreading the word. The Silver Lining Companion Guide is a practical and supportive resource to help everyone impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis.
Thanks to the generosity of Allstate, the printed version is offered through select Direct Relief partners and Allstate Insurance Company Agencies, but anyone can access a digital version here. Whether you know someone affected by breast cancer or have been affected personally, I encourage you to download this valuable resource.
Win a Breast Cancer Awareness Prize Package
I’m happy to partner with Allstate to offer a special Breast Cancer Awareness giveaway here on Deal Seeking Mom. One lucky DSM reader will win the following prize package:
- a copy of The Silver Lining Companion Guide
- a delicate pink pashmina scarf
- a fuchsia basket-weave rope handle tote
- and a $50 VISA gift card
For a chance to win this prize package, share your experience with breast cancer in the comments. And it’s totally okay if you have none — please share that, as well.
This giveaway ends at 2pm on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 and is open to all U.S. residents 18 years or older. I’ll use And the Winner Is to select the winning comment. Winner will be notified by email and listed on my Giveaway Winners page. Winners must respond within 48 hours of notification to claim their prize. Good luck!
Disclosure: Sponsored by Allstate, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this site!
Lisa Brown
My aunt passed away from breast cancer that was advanced. I try to do what I can for the cause.
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
Claudia
I haven’t had any experiences, but I know of a lot of people that have. I try to help as much as I can for the cause.
Laura G
We haven’t had any experiences with breast cancer in our family. We have had to deal with colon cancer though.
Beth
none fortunately but i am vigilant
Janet W.
I definitely have personal experience with breast cancer. I’m proud to say I’m a 16 year breast cancer survivor. It didn’t show up in my yearly mammogram and I was very fortunate that my doctor felt it. That’s why yearly OBGYN visits are so important.
Gina Griffin
In 2012 I found a lump. (I was 35 years old). All along they told me it was fibroadenoma, which is a normal breast mass. In 2013 I had a lumpectomy. I had a phyllodes tumor. Less than 1% of women get this type of breast cancer. It presents as fibroadenoma, it’s resilient to chemo and radiation and has a 25% chance of regrowth if clean margins are not taken. Since then I’ve had 3 more surgeries to remove breast tissue and reconstruct. What really makes me sad is that all the support groups formed for this particular type of breast cancer, on social media etc. are either hard to find or very private. Anyway, that’s the cliff notes to my experience! Keep spreading awareness, and keep checking your “girls”! :)
sand
i have not experienced any imediate family member with breast cancer . although i know alot of friends with other forms of cancer.its sad, its hard on everyone
Carol
My mom but it was caught early
Lacey C.
Thankful to say we haven’t had breast cancer in the family. Thank you for spreading the word.
Julia
My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer the year after I graduated from college and was going through treatment at the time of my wedding
Michele Oliver
This year we lost the sweetest, most kindest person ever to breast cancer. She was not even 44 with a loving husband & 3 kids all under the age of 12. She was so positive and we’d celebrated that she’d beat it, but then it came back with a vengeance & it took her out so much more quickly than imagined. Her life was not in vain. She made such an impact on so many people as she lived her life out loud. She is truly missed, TSP.
Ronda
My mother has had breast cancer twice. My sister who is a year younger than me found out this summer that she had it and is still fighting it.
Nikki Stoneroad
My mom died of breast cancer at 51 leaving behind a husband of only 6 years, and 3 daughters under 30. There was no family history of the disease. My mom didn’t smoke or drink and wasn’t overweight. It took her life swiftly in only 6 days from her admission to the hospital. My sister participates regularly in 5k’s to support breast cancer research. And tonight we are all going out to Issacs for dinner, proceeds benefiting breast cancer research.
Barbie
My best friend has fought breast cancer. She now is cancer free. We celebrate each year! My mother in law died of breast cancer. So, it’s a hard one. Let’s all fight!
Marilyn
I’m a 2 year breast cancer survivor.
Angela Dejesus
My Grandmother is a breast cancer survivor!
Wendy
Both of my mom’s sisters had breast cancer.
Vickie
I have heard wonderiful reviews about This book!
Cancer is a horrible awful disease that effects the whole family and caregivers, of which I am.
Although, thus far and thankfully non breast cancer in our family at this time..we have been tragically touched.
Within Two years I lost both parents, three uncles and an aunt..it was like an epidemic..all at once and overwhelming at times.
All with lung cancer ..some smokers, some not and some who had quit years earlier.
Then, my brother in law at 46 was diagnosed with throat and tongue cancer..he was a non smoker..didn’t chew or dip..just bizarre..he stuffed for 5 years before passing recently.
If I can offer all a suggestion and opinion from my moms dr…stay away..far away from all products with fragrance..candles, soaps, shampoo, perfume..everything..there is a link. Cleaners too..it is a challenge to find totally scent free products..but please do so or make your own as I now do.
Thanks and thanks to all the forgotten caregivers out there.
Noel
I cared for my sister after her surgery but she has now been in remission for 3 wonderful years!
Mary
Thought it was a hematoma after being thrown by a farm animal. I was wrong. It was cancer.
Misty Swearingen
My Aunt passed away Nov of last year from breast cancer. She was diagnosed in December of 2013 and by Nov 2014, though she fought bravely and for as long as she could, she passed away.
Maria
I work in the radiation oncology department at a hospital And have been doing so for the last 8 years as a secretary. I thought I knew what cancer was but I had no idea. Cancer, especially breast cancer is such a happiness sucker. It robs women of breasts, hair, and self confidence, and can leave women in such fragile states. It’s hard to watch and I sometimes go home and just have to cry. But then something miraculous happens…they fight and they give it all they have. When they do this you can just sense that urgency for life, for another day, for another precious moment. When they fight, I tell them, now we are all fighting cancer! It’s really why I love my job.
Susan Stratton
In 2005, my sister-in-law, niece and myself were all diagnosed within a 3 week period. Darlene and Amanda have both died after good fights, several years later. I remain cancer free. Praise God.
Valerie L
When I was a kid, my mother had to remove her breast because there was a chance her lump might be cancerous. Scared me a little bit as a kid that something could happen to my mother.
Deanna
My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002. She underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy. Thankfully, she is still with us. :D
Lacey Burd
I work at a diagnostic testing facility where we specialize in Mammograms. Every day I see woman taking steps to stay ahead of their health. Many of them have had breast cancer themselves or it runs in their family. I hear so many stories about the strong women (and even some men, too) who have fought the battle. A good family friend has had breast cancer twice and as a result; has lost both of her breasts. But let me tell you…I have never in my life met a stronger, fiercer woman!
gloria
my grandmother was a survivor!
Barb J
No breast cancer in the family though other cancers have occurred. It can be a tough time for all.
adina
thank g-d no experiences!
Jami
My great aunt is a survivor of breast cancer. She fought through so much and is now cancer free. Her courage is unbelievable and she is a true inspiration. There are so many people battleing this horrible disease, but We can support, encourage and be the strength for those that need it.